Lowe & Sons - Chester

Emma “Lancashire Lass” Moran

It all began for Lowe and Sons at the Cross in Chester. Here there was once an extension of St Peters Church known as The Pentice. A building that once housed a court, the Mayors Balcony, various shops and was also a place where nobles and dignitaries would be entertained by the mayor and his corporation. In 1804 The Lowe family purchased no. 11 Bridge Street Row after the building was demolished in order to widen the road. 1912 Fifth Officer Harold Lowe was aboard the Titanic, he managed to assist numerous passengers into the lifeboats before being ordered to get into lifeboat 14 himself. He returned to the site of the disaster to rescue the only female to survive being in the freezing ocean, Rhoda Abbott. 1956 Lowe and Sons were commissioned to create a cigarette box an British Thoroughbred racehorse and sire who was owned by Queen Elizabeth II. The cigarette box features the Chester hallmark and George F. Lowe maker’s mark. This is the present location of the shop still 216 years later. Meanwhile in a part of Chester, David Powell was growing up. Only to be evacuated to North Wales during the way, Rhyl to be exact. Where he married the lovely Joan. They opened D & J Powell’s the Jewellers in the 1960’s. Then in 1974 they moved to Prestatyn where the shop still remains and is run by their Grandson Jonathan. In 1974 their Son Greg who is the director today, while studying gemmology at night school at the goldsmith’s Hills in Liverpool would also help in the shop during the day. In 2002 Greg and now his Son, Will opened the first independent shop on Chester’s historic rows Powell’s fine jewellers. Will trained at the prestigious gemmological institute of America and is now Chester’s only fully certified diamond graduate. In 2010 they opened Powell’s Vintage Jewellery’s around the corner. Their passion is finding rare and unusual, hard to find pieces. Greg quotes in a Cheshire Life article “From the elegant simplicity of Georg Jensen to the intricate craftmanship of the Edwardian era, we carefully select and restore treasures from the past to feed your passion and individuality.” You must go into Lowe & Sons (and the other Powells stores) if you visit Chester. Just for the experience even if you are not looking for anything special now. Not only are their staff so knowledgeable of the pieces but it is like a wonderland of going back in time. The history is incredible, and the experience cannot be duplicated.

David Yates

What a lovely gem of a place in the heart of Chester city centre. The shop wouldn’t be out of place on Diagon Alley, it’s so quaint inside.

After seeing a video on Instagram (gorgeous account btw) of the shop window of Powells, I messaged to get a closer look at the pendant in the picture on this review. The lovely Jonathan was kind enough to show me images, tell me more about the pendant, and took it to Lowe & Sons so that I could try it on at a later date. After multiple payments and speaking to nothing but friendly members of staff, I am very happy to now own my ametrine pendant and hold chain.

I will definitely be back soon, it’s like a treasure trove of quality jewellery and gifts you won’t see anywhere else ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Howard Winik

This beautiful shop, situated on the famous and historic ‘Chester Rows’ is now owned by Powell, a long established and respected local jeweller. The shop has a long and distinguished history dating to the time when the city had its own assay office.

Lovers of fine silver will not be disappointed, either by the beautiful setting or the displays which contain a mix of old and new pieces, all of the highest quality.

A haven for collectors seeking something interesting to add their collection, or for those seeking a special gift. Whatever you are looking for, you will find it here and there is no shortage of curiosities to tempt the eye.

Staff are extremely pleasant and helpful and prices are fair for the quality.

In these days of minimalist design and decor, silver is often overlooked because of the perceived need for regular cleaning. In fact, items kept in a display cabinet rarely need more than a light dust and it is a shame that people no longer appreciate the quality and craftsmanship in British silversmithing.
I’m certain that a visit to this delightful shop will make people think again!

Definitely worth seeking out…

Nia Roberts

Wonderful experience choosing my engagement ring from an amazing selection of both new and pre owned jewellery. I found my perfect ring with the help of Carly who was fabulous from start to finish. Highly recommend this jeweller.

Simon-Peter MacGeorge

I have always wanted to visit this shop. It looks amazing from the outside, up on the Chester Rows. Steeped in history and beautifully presented, it was the first and only choice for me to look for a gift for my mother. Within minutes I had found what I was looking for. My mothers gift was delightfully presented in a box and small gift bag. The service was totally outstanding. I felt listened to, respected and the staff were friendly and patient and they know their products well. A wealth of knowledge with the history of the shop, made the whole experience amazing. Thank you.

Estelle Nock

Such a treasure trove of a shop. I took in some silver items to be valued and the ladies were so welcoming and knowledgeable - I wanted to add them to my Xmas card list! We were also treated to a look around the museum upstairs. This little gem should be part of any visitors' Chester itinerary.

H M

I purchased a ring from Japan but it was stuck at custom. Jonathan helped me a lot to have my ring released and now I safely received my amazing ring! Thank you so much. I will definitely come back to purchase another beauty.

James Campbell

I purchased my wife's engagement ring from here and we subsequently returned for wedding rings. Service is excellent, very friendly and helpful and some beautiful pieces to choose from.