Ainsworth Jewellers celebrates 155 years of sparkle in Blackburn

Some businesses become part of a town's fabric, and Ainsworth Jewellers is one of them. The Blackburn family firm recently marked a double milestone: 155 years in business and 60 years at its Darwen Street premises, celebrated with a lively anniversary weekend.

The story began in 1870, when Joseph Ainsworth founded the business. In 1965 it moved to 57-59 Darwen Street, where generations of Blackburn customers have since chosen engagement rings, wedding bands, watches and gifts.

Today the shop is led by Phil Ainsworth, the fifth generation of the family to run it. He joined the business in 1990 and is the founder's great-great-grandson, and the anniversary also marked his own 35 years with the family firm.

The celebrations were planned with customers firmly in mind. A bespoke lab-grown diamond ring was made especially for the anniversary and offered as a prize, alongside further prizes for other lucky entrants.

The weekend also showcased a new partnership with London jewellery brand PureJewels. Its Lotus Collection is sold exclusively at Ainsworth's, giving shoppers in Blackburn access to designs they will not find elsewhere.

Reaching such an age is no small achievement for an independent retailer. When the business marked its 150th year, town leaders lined up to congratulate the family, and the shop continues to describe itself as an award-winning independent family jeweller.

What stands out is continuity. Five generations of one family have kept the doors open through enormous changes in the high street, while still finding new ideas, collaborations and collections to keep the shop fresh. For many Blackburn families, buying a ring or a watch from Ainsworth's has become something of a tradition in itself, handed down much like the business. It is a lovely example of how an independent shop can hold on to its heritage while continuing to look ahead, and of why the town values it so highly.

Ainsworth Jewellers is on Darwen Street in Blackburn town centre. Anyone looking for a special piece, or simply curious to see a shop with more than a century and a half of history, will find a warm welcome.