'We've got lovely customers, they really want us to stay but it's time to retire' - Stourbridge jewellery shop owners tell of mixed emotions as they prepare to close after 10 years in town

Jane and Sam McCrone, who run Jewellery Inspired in The Ryemarket, are shutting up shop on Saturday (May 31) after a decade in Stourbridge.

"It's been a happy time," Jane said. "We've sold bags, scarves, jewellery, silver, gold - all sorts really, as well as doing repairs.

"We've got lovely customers. I want to thank all our customers - they're coming in and saying don't go. It's been so busy.

"We're giving up something that's really doing well. They really want us to stay but I'm 66 this year, it's time for retirement."

Jane, who in her younger life worked as a teacher in Devon after training at Wolverhampton Polytechnic, started out making and selling jewellery after attending a 'how to make jewellery' course in Kingswinford after moving back to the Black Country and becoming a mum.

She began selling items she'd made at table top sales and she added: "I went to Hagley and Kinver and used to come back with £20. Then I did the markets and then we came here."

Before taking on the shop in the Ryemarket, opposite Costa Coffee, she and Sam had a stall in the shopping centre but when the prominent corner unit came available they decided to take the plunge and take on a shop.

The couple were initially helped by son James before his untimely death from cancer aged just 32 in February 2023. Following the family tragedy, they raised funds for Stourbridge's Mary Stevens Hospice which cared for James and also Jane's sister, and they plan to donate some of their cabinets to the hospice.

After saying farewell to the shop - Jane, aged 65, and 62-year-old Sam, who have two other sons Luke and Mark as well as three dogs, plan to spend time enjoying their holiday cottage in Aberdovey, Wales, but they may put in appearances selling items at Christmas and summer fairs every "now and then".

Jane, who hails from Stourbridge, said she's loved working in the town centre shop and she added: "It's been such a lovely atmosphere. Everyone's been great. We want to thank Aaron and the team at the Ryemarket."

The couple were presented with a bouquet of flowers, from Eleven in Oldswinford, by the Ryemarket team as a thank you for their contribution to the shopping centre.

Aaron Powell, manager at The Ryemarket, said: "Over the past decade, Jewellery Inspired has been a true gem in our centre – offering not just stunning pieces, but heartfelt service and a smile that made every visit special. Their dedication, craftsmanship, and warm, friendly presence have made them a beloved part of the Ryemarket family.

"We at Ryemarket want to express our sincere gratitude to Jewellery Inspired for their incredible contribution to our community."

Jane said she expects the last day of trading will be one of "mixed emotions" but she had this inspiring message for anyone thinking of starting their own jewellery shop or business.

"Anyone can do it," she said: "If they have passion and work hard."