Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Jewellery & Watch Specialists in Oxford
Established in 1946, John Gowing has served as Oxford's trusted independent jeweller, combining tradition with expertise in both jewellery and watch craftsmanship. Our family-run business prides itself on an eye for detail, offering bespoke design services, restoration of vintage pieces, and comprehensive valuations for insurance and probate. With over 100 years of collective experience, our team specialises in diamond jewellery, luxury watches from renowned brands, and unique collections like Trollbeads and Ti Sento. We provide in-house probate valuations, part-exchange options, and meticulous repair services for all precious items.As members of the National Association of Jewellers and The Guild of Master Craftsmen, we uphold the highest standards of quality and service. Our commitment to customer satisfaction is reflected in our five-star reviews, with clients praising our ability to create bespoke engagement rings and deliver exceptional service. Located in The Covered Market, Oxford, we blend heritage with modernity, ensuring every client receives personalised attention and expert advice tailored to their needs.
Services
Watch Restoration
Jewellery Repairs
Probate Valuation
Bespoke Design
Part Exchange
Details
- Year established: 1946
Highlights and features
- We offer bespoke jewellery design and restoration services since 1946.
- Our team holds over 100 years of collective experience in fine jewellery.
- In-house probate valuations completed within a working week.
- Specialists in vintage watch restoration and diamond jewellery repairs.
- Stock exclusive collections from renowned brands like Ti Sento and Trollbeads.
Associations and certifications
- National Association of Jewellers
- Guild of Master Craftsmen
What people say
Perfect bespoke engagement ring
Countless compliments
Easy process
Stunning quality
Exquisite detail
Services
Watch Restoration
We restore vintage and antique watches, servicing movements and repairing cases, dials, and hands. Our experts can source or fabricate parts, assess sentimental versus intrinsic value, and ensure your timepiece retains its historical integrity. With decades of experience, we combine traditional techniques with modern precision to revive heirloom watches for future generations.
Jewellery Repairs
Our specialists handle all jewellery repairs, from simple ring resizing to complex remodelling of heirloom pieces. We rethread pearls, replace clasps, and inspect older items to ensure safety and longevity. With meticulous attention to detail, we preserve the beauty of your jewellery while adhering to the highest craftsmanship standards.
Probate Valuation
We provide professional in-house probate valuations for insurance or legal purposes. Items are assessed by John Gowing, a qualified jeweller with 46 years' experience, and insured during evaluation. Our valuations exclude items with no intrinsic value unless requested, ensuring accurate, legally compliant documentation completed within a working week.
Bespoke Design
Create unique pieces tailored to your vision through our bespoke design service. From engagement rings to remodelling heirlooms, we collaborate closely with clients to transform ideas into wearable art. Our designers combine traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to produce one-of-a-kind jewellery.
Part Exchange
We offer part-exchange options for watches and jewellery, providing fair valuations for items like vintage watches or diamond rings. If you cannot visit in person, we accept items via Royal Mail Special Delivery and return them free of charge if no agreement is reached.
People
John Gowing
Founder & Master Jeweller
With 46 years of industry experience, John Gowing established the business in 1946. A qualified watchmaker and jeweller, he oversees all valuations and restorations, ensuring exceptional craftsmanship and adherence to traditional techniques.
Questions
What services does John Gowing offer?
We provide watch restoration, jewellery repairs, probate valuations, bespoke design, and part-exchange options for pre-owned items.
Do you offer valuation services for insurance purposes?
Yes, we provide professional in-house valuations for insurance and probate, completed within a working week by experienced jewellers.
Can I sell or part-exchange my jewellery?
Yes, we offer part-exchange services for watches and jewellery, with free return if no agreement is reached.
Are your watch restoration services available for vintage pieces?
Yes, we specialise in restoring vintage and antique watches, including sourcing or fabricating rare parts.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit/debit cards and bank transfers for all purchases and services.
Do you offer bespoke jewellery design?
Yes, our bespoke service creates custom pieces, including engagement rings and remodelling heirloom jewellery to your specifications.
