Our Story

Our thriving, independent business has been providing a personal service to discerning customers for over 50 years.

It all started soon after the second World War when Francis Wain established his very first jewellery shop in the market town of Dereham in Norfolk. He had spent some years as partner in another jewellery business but wanted to bring up his family in Norfolk and so ploughed all his savings into his very own small shop on the High Street.

Fran, as he was affectionately known, wanted to share his passion for beautiful jewellery with as many people as possible and so took great care in selecting and stocking his shop with pieces that would appeal to all ages and pockets. Customer service was hugely important, and he often provided a personal delivery service to his customers.

Edward Wain, Fran’s son, served an apprenticeship within the trade and remained in the jewellery business his entire working life. He inherited his father’s passion for the business and stepped into Fran’s shoes to take over when he retired. 

Having worked overseas for quite some time, Edward brought a different approach to the stores, making them less traditional and introducing new designers and a more continental feel to the shop design. Under his guidance the business continued to prosper and its reputation grew across Norfolk and beyond as a trusted jewellers supplying superb pieces and loose gems. He made sure that everyone who crossed the threshold of Francis Wain received only the very best in customer services and in the range of hand- picked jewellery available.

Edward opened our second shop in King’s Lynn in the 1970’s, not far from its present position in Norfolk Street.

Following the passing of Edward Wain in 2010, his wife Jules Wain and Donné Kidson, who spent many years at Edward’s side as his trusted Assistant, took over the business. Under their direction we developed a modern outlook on our established and trusted brand. In 2014 Jules took the decision to retire from the business, leaving Donné at the helm. Through hard work and dedication Donné has maintained its outstanding reputation and quality of service.

The recent refurbishment of the King’s Lynn branch - which has been extended to incorporate a Bridal Lounge and Champagne Bar on the 1st floor, will see us continue to provide a refreshingly personal service to all our valued customers, old and new, for many years to come.

When you come to us to choose your jewellery you can be confident of buying quality pieces from a modern, independent Business.

You also know that our highly trained goldsmiths, gemmologists and customer service associates are ready to advise you on how to select and care for the perfect piece, whether it be for a very special occasion in life, as an investment, or simply for the undeniable pleasure of everyday wear.

Each year we travel to Europe's most prestigious jewellery shows to view the latest lines, spot the trends and to preview the work of up-and-coming designers. As an independent jeweller this means that every single piece in our shops has been hand-picked by us to reflect the very latest styles to suit all tastes and price ranges. And in the unlikely event you cannot find what you are looking for on display we are only too happy to source your perfect piece of jewellery from our wide range of suppliers and designers.

We are also experienced at helping you re-model those wonderful pieces you have inherited over the years but simply do not wear. With a new setting, a different combination of stones or an alternative precious metal, our highly-talented goldsmith can transform tired jewellery into wearable, modern pieces that embody the sentiment of the original.

Customers who appreciate our love and knowledge of fine pieces and our understanding of current trends in design return to us time and time again. We look forward to welcoming you soon.