A COUPLE are to retire and close their jewellery boutique in the heart of Brighton.

Husband and wife Katrina and John Wood have owned Kellerwood, in Meeting House Lane, since it opened in 1986.

Now they have announced they will be shutting down at the end of the summer season.

Its closing down sale started on Saturday with all stock reduced by half.

Katrina said: “When we first opened the store we sold items such as silver thimbles for £1.

“Now we manufacture a variety of beautiful, bespoke jewellery in our workshop, including a selection of diamond rings, some of which are valued at more than £40,000.

“Deciding to close the store has been a very difficult decision and certainly not one that we have taken lightly.

“We have loved running the business and we have so many wonderful, loyal customers who have come to us over generations.

“We are going to miss the familiar faces and we feel incredibly lucky to be retiring with such fabulous memories.

“Ultimately, timing was a key part in our decision; retirement was imminent and the owners of the building were keen to do some redevelopment work so, it felt like the right thing to do.”

The couple were later joined in the business by their son Russell.

Kellerwood was the first jewellers in The Lanes to offered certified diamonds.

Katrina is particularly proud of the store’s selection of rare coloured gemstones.