A Blackburn-based jewellers has launched a ‘Search for a Piece of Ainsworth History’ campaign to celebrate providing wedding and engagement rings to local couples for over 150 years.

Ainsworth Jewellers will showcase their history of trading in its in-house museum, from locals shopping in the store to the workers unearthing precious gems in South Africa.

The public museum upstairs in the Darwen Street store is home to artefacts, original newspaper articles and historic jewellery, plus a new section will be created as a gallery exhibiting customers’ wedding photos and memorabilia from over the decades.

People who bought their wedding rings from Ainsworth are invited to send in pictures of their special day in either digital or print form. 

The nostalgic project will provide enjoyment for couples, wedding guests and new generations keen to cherish memories of historic family events.

Philip Ainsworth, who runs the family business, said: “We began documenting the history of the store in the nineties and the museum features a range of artefacts salvaged from the shop’s previous Northgate and Market Place shops.

"It also includes Joseph’s spectacles-case and an original pocket watch from 1895.”

The town’s oldest retail business was founded by Joseph Ainsworth in 1870, at the start of the gold and diamond rush in South Africa, which made these precious minerals more accessible to ordinary people.

The family enterprise, today run by Joseph’s great-great grandson, Philip, has survived through two world wars and began trading when Queen Victoria was on the throne. 

The business has a commitment to helping people find comfort in the legacy of jewellery left behind by loved ones and a tradition of repairing and repurposing treasured pieces.

Philip, and his wife Helen Dimmick, who recently featured as an expert valuer on ITV’s show, ‘Bling’, have launched the initiative to thank the people of Blackburn and Darwen for their support over the years.

They are encouraging people to either drop into the shop with their photos and stories or email them including the date, a bit of history about the people, location and any anecdotes they have about their rings, proposal or the big day itself.

Ainsworth Jewellers is based in Darwen Street and prides itself in delivering “the finest quality in jewellery, at reasonable prices, with professional customer service and advice.”

For more information visit www.ainsworthjewellers.com or email info@ainsworthjewellers.com