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Salloways History
The family and employees are very proud that the story of Salloways jewellers of Lichfield dates back to 1861. John Salloway started work as an apprentice to Bore Street clockmaker Charles Thorneloe in 1861 and later took over the business. His nephew Frank returned to the family firm after fighting in France in World War I, decorated with the Distinguished Conduct Medal after the Battle of Ypres. He later became Mayor, Sheriff and a Freeman of the city of Lichfield. His son John then ran Salloways for many years and travelled the world with his wife Mary in search of new collections and rare gemstones. John became a much respected figure in Lichfield, giving his time freely to set up the Lichfield Treasury exhibition.
Mr John Salloway also became respected as a leading figure in the jewellery trade for his gemmological expertise as well as his ethical business approach which inspired trust as well as friendship in both customers and colleagues. Mr Nigel Salloway, a gemologist and registered valuer who trained in London before joining the business in 1984, is the fourth generation of Salloway to run the firm. Now Managing Director, Nigel has built on the firm foundations laid down by his predecessors, still firmly holding on to the principles of customer service, value and choice that have always kept customers returning.
Nigel continues the family tradition of seeking out the most stylish jewellery from around the world to satisfy the needs and desires of the customers as they become more demanding, this certainly makes life more interesting in the showroom.
Watches, of course, come from Switzerland and Nigel visits the major trade exhibition of watches and jewellery in Basel every year, accompanied by members of staff to spot upcoming trends and new and fresh ideas to bring back.
As well as travelling to the major watch and jewellery shows, the good relationship between Salloways and the manufacturers means that representatives often travel to the shop to show off new products and lines.
Salloways was an early member of the Company of Master Jewellers, the country’s largest retail buying group with 160 outlets. It is an assembly of like-minded independent jewellers from Shetland to Cornwall committed to the highest standards in quality and service. The buying power of the group means items can be purchased at competitive prices which in turn are passed on to the customers.
Trends have been changing with jewellery as well; over the last few years white gold and platinum jewellery have overtaken yellow gold in popularity, however, pieces made from both yellow and white gold which mix the traditional and the contemporary are also popular.
Another trend which has been growing in popularity recently is coloured diamonds since celebrities have been spotted wearing them. A lot of people do not realise that diamonds are not just colourless stones, they can come in a range of colours including pink, yellow, chocolate and also black. Coloured diamonds are perfect for a gift which is different to everything else.
Today, competition is not only from other jewellers but also from the internet, television shopping channels and abroad, so how can Salloways ensure customers come to them? Nigel Salloway is keen to ensure that all employees are well trained and qualified so that every customer can be guided to their perfect purchase and receive the correct advice on caring for their item. Every employee completes the Professional Jewellers Diploma and then has the option to go on and study for further qualifications in gemstones, diamonds and management, so customers can be assured that before, during and after their purchase they will receive the best customer service.
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