Meet The Team
We are proud to be a third generation family business, not only that, but we are also proud of our fantastic team! We are a diverse, experienced and multi-talented group of individuals with a passion for fine jewellery and all things precious. Please enjoy learning a little about our team as we ask them three simple questions. We hope to meet you in person very soon!
Our Brands
William Powell
1. What is your area of expertise?
When I joined the family business my father Greg was already a gemmologist - an expert in coloured gemstones. I decided to specialise in diamonds as these natural wonders have always fascinated me. In 2014, I studied at the GIA to become a Diamonds Graduate. My true passion is to work alongside our suppliers and source the most beautiful and special stones on the market.
2. When choosing an antique/vintage piece, what do you look for?
Over my years in the business, I have been fortunate enough to form some great friendships with some of our customers, those long-lasting relationships have helped me define three golden rules that I always bear in mind when buying:
1. Quality – Has the piece been made well? Some of the craftmanship we see is remarkable, from the way the stones are cut to the way the jewellery has ben crafted. The intricacy we see in some older pieces is rarely seen in modern jewellery today.
2. Special – I like to buy pieces that aren’t mass produced, offering pieces that a customer won’t be able to find in 9/10 high street jewellers is important to me when sourcing. Some of our pieces have some very interesting stories behind them.
3. Value – Something that you don’t always associate with luxury items, I believe the pieces we have on offer are all at fair prices. I would never want any of our customers feel like they had overpaid for something.
3. What is your favourite piece of jewellery within the shop & why?
My favourite piece has just sold actually. It was a stunning, vintage 6ct oval cut diamond in its original handmade mount. It was graded as an E Colour, and it sang to me. This piece was offered to me in London by one of our suppliers, they had found it while in Miami and knew it was for us the moment they saw it. I am currently looking for my new favourite piece
Greg Powell
1. What is your area of expertise?
I have collected several skills over the years - from working on the jewellers bench to becoming a gemmologist and even continuing on with my fathers legacy. My expertise now lies within sourcing and refurbishing the wonderful stock you see in within our shops.
2. When choosing an antique/vintage piece, what do you look for?
Putting it simply, Style & Quality.
3. What is your favourite piece of jewellery within the shop & why?
We have a very iconic piece of Victorian British history in the window at present. It's a Gladstone bag. An Elite’s travel bag full of character and elegance, it was the epitome of sophistication for the high class gent. The Gladstone bag was originally designed by J. G. Beard at his leather shop in the City of Westminster during the mid to late 1800's. Beard was an avid admirer of four-time Prime Minister William Gladstone, so much so that he named this famous bag after him.
Sophie Evans
1. What is your area of expertise?
I manage our three shops both on the shop floor and operationally, alongside this I am a qualified gemmologist and diamond graduate. My passion is appraising and identifying gemstones which is key when we are looking to purchase. It’s easy to get lost looking at gemstones!
2. When choosing an antique/vintage piece, what do you look for?
I look for something that you aren’t going to see again, whether it’s a unique piece of history that can’t be replicated, or a piece in which the gemstones have been cut well and are of extraordinary quality.
3. What is your favourite piece of jewellery within the shop & why?
I would have to say the French diamond tank ring, it has a beautiful 2.50ct old mine cut diamond in the centre of a geometric design, one of my weaknesses is the old mine cut, they are all a bit different as they were lovingly cut by hand over 100 years ago!
Brenda
1. What is your area of expertise?
My expertise is in marketing. I went to the University of Chester and achieved my BA in Marketing Management. I love creating content for our audience through our social media channels, newsletters, and overall interacting with those within our community.
2. When choosing an antique/vintage piece, what do you look for?
I love pieces that have a unique value to them. Whether it’s a unique meaning, story or a unique feature. Something I want to be proud to show and share the context of the piece.
3. What is your favourite piece of jewellery within the shop & why?
The Toi et Moi diamond ring holds a special place in my heart. It was the first piece I photographed myself for the Powells Vintage Instagram page. It was also my first Instagram reel, which happens to be one of my favourite videos I have recorded and edited so far.
Lorraine
1. What is your area of expertise?
I think my area of expertise is merchandising. My love of jewellery, people skills, communication and my passion for selling jewellery.
2. When choosing an antique/vintage piece, what do you look for?
Quality, design and vintage style.
3. What is your favourite piece of jewellery within the shop & why?
My favourite piece at the moment is the Art-Deco solitaire with baguette shoulders.
Richie
1. What is your area of expertise?
I have been part of the Powells team for many years so I pride myself on maintaining strong relationships with our customers, some of which have been shopping with us for generations.
2. When choosing an antique/vintage piece, what do you look for?
With being slightly extrovert, I am always on the lookout for something out of the ordinary. Working at Powell’s, I am never disappointed.
3. What is your favourite piece of jewellery within the shop & why?
Strangely enough my current piece is one that has only recently been bought in, I fell in love with it immediately and now it has my name on it. This piece is a Victorian half sovereign ring set in a fabulous 9ct yellow gold setting.
Carly
1. What is your area of expertise?
I'd have say that my expertise lies within my people skills. It's always a delight meeting and connecting with customers, current and new. Listening, learning and helping them find what they're looking for, regardless of whether they're spending £50 or £50,000.
2. When choosing an antique/vintage piece, what do you look for?
For me it's craftmanship. It really astounds me what people are capable of, I'm in constant awe at some of the pieces we have coming through these doors.
3. What is your favourite piece of jewellery within the shop & why?
One of my favourite pieces is this Art-Deco style ruby & diamond pendant. It looks so elegant when worn, really eye catching and beautifully made.
Jenny
1. What is your area of expertise?
While I absolutely love helping our wonderful customers, I personally feel my expertise is working behind the scenes on the inventory. Being quite new to the jewellery world, I am enjoying getting to know the pieces, dating them and learning their origins and of course getting them stocked in ready to sell.
2. When choosing an antique/vintage piece, what do you look for?
I am more attracted to the delicate detailed pieces. I always get inspired by Edwardian and Art Nouveau pendants with their fancy baroque stylings.
3. What is your favourite piece of jewellery within the shop & why?
My favourite piece in Powells Vintage is the Boodles Flower Press bracelet. I love the well-made floral design - it's feminine, delicate and I love the way it lies on the wrist, with the slightest movement it catches the light and sparkles beautifully.
Christina
1. What is your area of expertise?
I have always loved working with diamonds and jewellery but my favourite thing about my job is working with the public. I love nothing more than having a good old chat and trying to find you your dream piece.
2. When choosing an antique/vintage piece, what do you look for?
The design is the most important to me when looking for a new piece of jewellery. I like to look for something that is a bit different or unique, whether it be an unusual colour gemstone or just a piece that I love the story behind.
3. What is your favourite piece of jewellery within the shop & why?
My favourite piece in Powells Vintage is a breathtaking emerald and diamond cocktail ring. Emerald is my birthstone but I’ve never really liked them and wished been born a few days later in April. However this gem is so beautiful, it really is the perfect example of why emeralds are so highly sought after and command the price they do. Thank you Powells for helping me fall in love with my birthstone.
Michaela
1. What is your area of expertise?
I have over 25 years of experience working with fine jewellery. I feel that my area of expertise is helping my customers choose their engagement ring. This is such an exciting time for them, I always endeavour to give the best experience and truly make it "a day to remember". I aim to help them choose the ring of their dreams.
2. When choosing an antique/vintage piece, what do you look for?
I like to choose a piece that is truly unique. This, for me is the beauty of owning a vintage piece of jewellery. Owning and wearing a quality item with a great story behind it.
3. What is your favourite piece of jewellery within the shop & why?
A favourite of mine is the vintage floral diamond bangle. It's perfect for slim wrists like my own and its easy to pair with lots of other jewellery. It's a great piece to just pop on and enjoy wearing all the time.
Terri
1. What is your area of expertise?
I have worked with fine jewellery for many years and still enjoy every aspect of it. I particularly love breathing new life into old, unloved and unworn jewellery and re-imagining them into new pieces that will give the owner many more years of pleasure.
2. When choosing an antique/vintage piece, what do you look for?
We have so many styles from different eras of jewellery design within our stores. I love that each piece is totally unique and cannot be replicated.
3. What is your favourite piece of jewellery within the shop & why?
So difficult as we have so many gorgeous items, but I love our Toi et Moi ring with its two fabulous feature diamonds and graceful sweeping stone set shoulders. The diamonds dance in the light and bring joy to my heart.
Cathy
1. What is your area of expertise?
I have been involved in the jewellery industry for 24 years after a nursing career in the RAF and flying long haul with British Airways. Having spent many years valuing jewellery, I now enjoy visual merchandising our excellent array of antique and vintage jewellery and silverware.
2. When choosing an antique/vintage piece, what do you look for?
Design is my main attraction followed by beauty, condition and wearability.
3. What is your favourite piece of jewellery within the shop & why?
I just love the Edwardian negligee diamond necklace. This necklace epitomises the Edwardian era perfectly, with opulence and delicately proportioned diamonds surrounding two beautiful old European cut diamonds. it's a real showstopper.
Get In Touch
Please contact us for any enquiries, viewings or for anything else we can assist you with.