A hidden gem

A rare, legacy jewellery business has, for almost a quarter of a century, been at the heart of Cornwall’s cathedral city.

Klimek Jewellers, an established family business, first opened its doors in Truro in November 1997. Owner, Karol Klimek, started his career in the jewellery business as an apprentice for a well-known jewellers in Maidstone, Kent. He studied all aspects of the jewellery trade and became a very knowledgeable gemologist. He went on to work for many important businesses all over the world including Mappin & Webb in Knightsbridge and two jewellery companies in South Africa, where he became acquainted with several of the important diamond companies there. 

During his career he served royalty and many famous people, including Elton John, supplying them with rare diamonds and gemstones, often fashioned into jewellery or just as collection pieces. In 1984, when he was about to return to England from South Africa, he was asked by an important diamond company to travel to Brunei to sell diamonds to the Sultan for his collection as well as exquisite gemstone jewellery for his wives.  This led to several years of travelling back
and forth at the request of the Royal Family
of Brunei.

At that time, he owned a jewellery business in Tunbridge Wells and then later moved to France. In 1991, the decision was made to return to his wife’s Cornish roots so that their children could have a stable senior school education. Karol was a well-loved, extremely knowledgeable and skilled person in many fields. His thirst for knowledge knew no bounds.  In 2002 he was made a Member of the National Association of Goldsmiths in recognition of his contribution to the industry.

His generosity and kindness touched many people who remember him fondly. After his sad, sudden passing, his wife, Bettina has continued to run the business, maintaining his honest, fair ethos and encouraging all staff who work there now, and in the past, to study the fascinating field of jewellery and gemmology – with all education being fully funded by the business.

The time has come for Bettina to spend more time with her children and grandchildren who are scattered around the world.  So, it is with much sadness, she will be saying goodbye to many very special customers. The shop now has a retirement sale running, which will continue until stocks are low, so this is the ideal time to acquire your own stunning hidden gem.

Did you know?

There are lots of wonderful pieces of jewellery on sale, many of them bespoke, created around gemstones purchased over the years. There are superb bargains to be had so don’t miss out ñ be sure to visit Klimek Jewellers at their Lemon Street store very soon!

Klimek Jewellers

01872 262888

www.klimekjewellers.co.uk