A JEWELLERS in Chester with links to royalty and the Titanic is shutting up shop after 248 years of trading in the city.

Based on the Bridge Street Rows, Lowe & Sons is believed to be the second-oldest independent jewellers in the country.

Richard Hogben from Lowe and Sons said: “Deciding to close the business has been a very difficult decision and we have thought long and hard about it. The store is seen very much as part of the city and its rich retail history is a story to behold.

“Ultimately, as the lease has reached its end, it is the right decision for us to cease trading at this time.”

To see the store off in style, there will be a grand closing down sale starting at 10am on Saturday, April 14, where everything will be half-price, including engagement rings, diamond jewellery, coloured stones and silverware.

Mr Hogben added: “We are very pleased that we are able to hold this close-down sale and offer our valued customers a final chance to take away a beautiful and memorable piece of jewellery; and of course, a last opportunity to look around the spectacular premises.”

Established in 1770, Lowe and Sons has a rich history spanning three centuries.

Such has been the importance of the store it has its own hallmark and a collection of its pieces can be seen at The Grosvenor Museum in Chester.

Lowe and Sons is known for selling Chester hallmarked items, that have increased in both desirability and value since the Chester Assay office shut in 1962.

The team was even called on to offer specialist advice to the Antiques Roadshow when it visited Chester Cathedral.

It is at Chester Racecourse that some of the most significant pieces that Lowes and Sons has created can be found. The trophies for two of the most prestigious races, the Chester Cup and the Chester Vase were crafted by Lowes and each year they maintain and engrave the pieces before they are presented to the winners.

Lowe and Sons links to the Titanic lie with family member Harold Lowe, who after a successful career in the Merchant Navy, was serving as the 5th officer onboard the ill-fated ship on her maiden voyage.

Mr Lowe helped co-ordinate the evacuation of the ship and was at the helm of one of just two lifeboats that returned to look for survivors in the freezing waters after the Titanic had sunk.

His courage on that night led to him having a plaque mounted in his honour in his hometown of Barmouth, a book written about him and even a character in the blockbuster Hollywood film.

The store itself is a true treasure-trove of jewellery and silver pieces and boasts impressive Victorian glass cabinets, crystal chandeliers and an original staircase leading to the galleried first floor.

Original architectural features such as the 16th century ship’s beam which features in the first-floor gallery, offer a reminder of the great historical significance of the location.

The close-down sale starts at 10am on Saturday, April 14, with all stock, including engagement rings diamond jewellery and precious stones, rings, earrings, bracelets and pendants, reduced by 50 per cent. Visit Lowe and Sons, 11 Bridge Street Row, Chester, CH1 1PD. Tel. 01244 325850.