A LOCAL jeweller is celebrating five years of trading in Ross-on-Wye’s High Street.

Lesley Lena’s gift emporium has a large range of 925 silver and fashion jewellery items that includes necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings and body jewellery.

Lesley said that she had been selling items of jewellery at craft fayres and the time was right to expand. At the same time her husband noticed that the shop in the High Street had been put up for letting out.

“I observed that all the traffic stops outside the shop, so it would be noticeable to visitors. I went to the estate agent and after detailed discussions, signed on the dotted line to take possession of the shop.

“I chose the name combining my initials and my surname to create the name Lalena Jewellery. I felt it had a certain ring about it.

“I also wanted to create a mystical haven when shoppers walk into the shop.

“However, as I acquired the shop in March 2020, the country went into lockdown. It wasn’t the best timing but it enabled me to create the emporium I wanted without pressure.

“I opened the same day as the other shops did, but didn’t feel it was the right time to promote the opening because of what we had all been through.

“It was a soft opening five years ago and on the fifth anniversary I’m taking the opportunity to celebrate the milestone.”

“I love having my shop and I can’t thank my customers enough for supporting me throughout this time. I am grateful after such a slow start I am still here trading.

“It’s the positivity of Ross people that keeps the town going and shopping locally supports the small independent traders.”

It’s not just jewellery that features at the gift emporium as there are lots of crystals, gemstones and a range of ornaments.