Phil Ainsworth celebrates 35 years at the helm of historic Blackburn Jewellers

Ainsworth Jewellers, a cornerstone of Blackburn’s high street since 1870, is celebrating a remarkable milestone as managing director, Phil Ainsworth, marks 35 years with the family business.

Founded by Joseph Ainsworth over 150 years ago, the jewellers has remained in family hands across five generations. Phil, the great-great-grandson of Joseph, joined the store on Darwen Street in 1990 at just 24 years old.  

Recollecting his first ever sale as being a gent’s signet ring for £320, Phil has since gone on to play a pivotal role in modernising and evolving the business while staying true to the values that have long defined Ainsworth Jewellers: trust, expertise, quality and exceptional customer service.

Over the past three and a half decades, Phil has overseen the expansion and transformation of the Blackburn store, investing in both the space itself and in strengthening the Ainsworth Jewellers’ brand.

He and the team introduced bespoke consultation spaces to provide customers with a more personalised experience, particularly for engagement rings, wedding jewellery and unique commissions.

They also recently launched Wedding Friends, a community of local suppliers offering couples everything they need to plan their special day played a pivotal role in opening the diamond exhibition and the Ainsworth Museum to showcase rare pieces and celebrate the business’s long heritage in fine jewellery and craftsmanship; including some of the memorabilia produced that are unique to them, including an FA Cup winners medal and a 1930’s sixpence in a leather pochette given to brides and grooms to bring luck on their wedding day..

Further strengthening the Ainsworth reputation, Phil established an appointment-only store in London’s prestigious Jewellery Quarter, extending the business’s reach beyond Lancashire and into the capital’s discerning jewellery market.

By building strong relationships with leading suppliers and designers, he has ensured that Ainsworth Jewellers remains the store of choice for those seeking exceptional jewellery, unrivalled service and trusted expertise.

Phil Ainsworth said: “It’s an honour to celebrate 35 years in a business that has been part of my family for five generations.

"Our history is something we’re incredibly proud of, but our focus has always been on moving forward, adapting and ensuring our customers receive the very best.

"From Blackburn to London, Ainsworth Jewellers is built on trust, service and a passion for jewellery; all values that have guided us since 1870 and will continue to do so for many years to come.”

As part of its commitment to excellence, Ainsworth Jewellers is a proud member of both the National Association of Goldsmiths, the body overseeing professional standards in the jewellery industry, and The Company of Master Jewellers, the UK’s largest independent buying group of jewellers.

Ainsworth Jewellers continues to welcome new and returning customers at its Blackburn store, offering everything from timeless jewellery and engagement rings to bespoke commissions, alongside expert advice from a trusted family-run team.

For more information, please visit www.ainsworthjewellers.com