Ogden hoping to sparkle with the launch of new shop venture

JR Ogden opened the original Little Diamond Shop in 1893, which later became known as Ogden of Harrogate.

His great, great grandsons, Robert and Ben Ogden, have established the new venture as “a toe in the water” for possible future expansion.

They run the business with their father, Glen Ogden, 69, who has notched up more than 50 years’ service with the family firm.

“We saw an opportunity,” said Robert, 38. “Ogden of Harrogate has a large geographic reach, but we wanted to try a new name to give us more freedom with brands and stock we carry.

“It is an opportunity to try a new concept with a modern twist.”

Next week, the family will host a champagne party for customers old and new to showcase the company’s retail and service offerings.

These include diamonds and other precious stones, pearls, watches, antiques and silverware.

Services include new design work and commissions, repairs, remodelling, cleaning and pearl threading.

The business has hired a new manager, Stuart Eden, 28, who will lead the team in the workshop above the shop in James Street, Harrogate.

Ben, 36, said: “We are trying to create a centre of excellence in Harrogate. We do everything in the building, including manufacturing, while most other jewellers have to post out for repair or expertise.”

The workshop is a hive of activity, with three workers and various polishing, grinding and smelting machines, a sharp contrast from the upmarket showroom with its grand display cabinets filled with luxury items.

Before joining the business, Ben spent several years as a jewellery specialist at Christie’s and then at Bonhams, where he worked as a commission clerk, travelling the world to acquire items and give valuations.

He has the Federate of the Gemmological Association qualification, one of three holders in Ogden of Harrogate.

Robert, meanwhile, had a career as an opera singer and then went into business running a classical music label, Landor Records.

He decided to apply his commercial experience to the family firm and joined in 2009.

Asked about their plans for the company, Robert said: “We will just continue to invest in making it as fine a business as it can possibly be. Looking forward, we are looking to develop our workshop further to make it a base for excellence in the North.

“If York is successful, we would look to possibly have more, but we would not want to grow too large. Logistically, we would always want it to be easily serviced by Harrogate.”

The business had annual turnover of £3.3m for the year ending April 2010. With interest rates at an all-time low, savers have been looking for other investment opportunities, a factor which might help businesses like Ogden of Harrogate. Ben said: “We specialise in larger stones. People perceive a lot of value in that. They feel they have value, holding something in their hands.”

The Little Diamond Shop is hosting launch events next Thursday and Friday.