Ipswich jewellers' set to mark 30 years in Dial Lane

Berridges Jewellers & Restaurant began trading on Dial Lane on the October 4, 1994.

The business was established by Christopher Hardman along with his wife Angela, close friend and colleague David Berridge and Mr Berridge's wife Kirsten.

Mr Hardman drew on years of experience in the jewellery trade, having previously worked at Croydons from 1979 to 1994 - expanding their vintage jewellery offering from a single shelf to the entire front window and a first-floor gallery.

He also became a regular trader at the 4am market at Bermondsey in London for more than 20 years. Following the closure of the market he travelled the country visiting antique fairs.

Following the closure of Croydons in 1994 Mr Hardman and Mr Berridge decided to open their own jewellers', a unique combination of an independent jewellers' with an upstairs restaurant.

Christopher Hardman during the installation of the safe at Berridges. (Image: Josh Hardman) Three decades on, the shop still specialises in vintage jewellery with all the jewellery being personally selected.

As a family business Berridges likes to deal with other family firms and the majority of jewellery that the shop has in stock has strong family origins such as Richard Hans Becker, Thomas Sabo, Georg Jensen, and Chimento.

 Since the retirement of David and Kirsten Berridge in 2003 Christopher and Angela Hardman have run the business themselves.  

Angela and Christopher Hardman at Berridges earlier this month. (Image: Josh Hardman) Marking the forthcoming anniversary, Mr Hardman thanked colleagues and customers as well as expressing a desire for Berridges to continue trading for many years to come.

He said: "We are proud to celebrate our 30th anniversary of trading on Dial Lane Ipswich.

"We have seen many changes in spending habits over the years and are grateful for the help and support we have received from all our colleagues both past and present without who we are sure we would not have achieved this success.

"Obviously we are also grateful to our loyal customer base which now spans the generations and many of which we class as friends -whether popping in for coffee, a lunch, or a large diamond ring. We look forward to a bright future on the lovely Dial Lane.”