A HISTORIC Chester city centre jewellers has announced it will be closing its doors for good.

After over 112 years purveying Cheshire’s finest jewellery, owners of Waltons of Chester have announced its imminent closure.

The end of the memorable era will be heralded by a spectacular closing down sale starting on Saturday, November 20, which will see stock reduced by 50 per cent including diamond pieces, gold and gemstone jewellery.

Waltons of Chester was founded by Bertram Walton in 1909. The first location to open was the recognisable store at The Cross, which was followed in 1917 by the opening of the Eastgate shop and in 1935 by the Wrexham branch.

Generations of shoppers have headed to Waltons for that special piece of jewellery to mark a significant occasion.

For 112 years the award-winning Walton’s team has maintained an enviable reputation for selecting the finest jewellery, gemstones, diamonds, and luxury Swiss watches from across the world to bring to its Cheshire clientele.

On one of his visits, Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor, the late Duke of Westminster described Waltons as “a hallmark of excellence in Chester for so many years”.

Presiding over the closing down sale is managing director Richard Hogben, who has worked for Waltons since 1986 and is a familiar face to many of the store’s regular customers.

Richard said: “The announcement of closure marks the end of a long and successful era, and we would like to thank all our customers old and new, and of course the vibrant Chester business community which has always been so incredibly supportive.

“On behalf of the Waltons team, I can say that it’s been an absolute privilege and a pleasure to be part of the lives of so many wonderful patrons over the years.

"We look forward to saying our last goodbyes when customers come along to choose one final piece during our sensational closing down sale.”

Waltons of Chester (Eastgate and the Cross) will be hosting the closing down sale located in the 45 Eastgate Street premises.

Over £2 million worth of jewellery will be available in the final weeks of trading and the sale will offer shoppers a final chance to get a peek inside the historic premises, located near the Eastgate Clock.

Shoppers can make a special purchase from the store’s luxurious ranges of top-quality jewellery, which will be reduced by 50 per cent, including engagement rings, gemstone pieces, diamonds, necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings.

The sale launches at 10am on Saturday, November 20 and items will be sold on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.