Welcome to R.A.Braithwaite Jewellers – although better known today by our customers as Braithwaites Jewellers in York.
We have been a family run, independent jewellers in York since the business was first established in 1946 by its co-founders Reginald Arthur Braithwaite with his wife and business partner Joyce.
We are an independent jewellers in York who are a full Watchmaker, Jeweller and Silversmiths so we can cater to all your needs.
We stock a wide range of jewellery, watches, clocks and gifts. If there is something in particular you are looking for, we would love to help you find it, or even create something bespoke for those special moments in your life. We also stock some of the more unusual items such as Capo Di Monté porcelain (an Italian figurine which is handmade using exceptionally fine porcelain with intricate and detailed designs), a full range of silverware (both sterling silver and silver plated items including 4-piece tea sets, picture frames and even a sterling silver trophy with engraving plinth, which stands twenty five inches high and is suitable for any sporting event!) and also a small, but growing selection of pre-owned second hand jewellery items.
The business is now solely run online having closed our final retail York jewellers shop in June 2023 which was situated in a Grade II listed building in Goodramgate. The business is now run by the second and third generation of the family – Dianne (daughter of the co-founders), her husband Frank and their daughter Sarah. Our independent jewellers in York is still managed following the same guiding principles that customer service, quality and competitive pricing are the recipe to success.
Our purpose is to ensure all of our clients get the very best customer service and incredible quality at competitive prices, therefore ensuring we offer very good value for money. We strive to be the only jewellers that you will need throughout your life!
For over 75 years, we have provided our jewellery experience through a number of independent jewellery shops in York city centre, Scarborough, Driffield and Bishop Auckland. We closed our final retail jewellers in York in the heart of York’s City Centre in Goodramgate (opened in 1962) in June 2023 to focus solely on our busy online business. Whilst the website has been up and running for over 20 years, we had a large relaunch in November 2021 and Dianne and Frank made the decision to semi-retire from the high street life. We are now concentrating on the website to continue serving our customers for a further 75 years and more!
We have a significant number of years’ experience and a very high standard of service which we hope will help you with all your jewellery needs. We love what we do and we show it! We offer a friendly, warm welcome to all our customers and we often play a key part within milestone memories such as getting engaged, getting married, key birthdays and many other special occasions. We truly love to be a part of our clients special moments and aim to get the right item of jewellery to suit each and every occasion.
We have many services available and offer a collection and delivery service to the York and Yorkshire areas. (We also often offer this service to many parts of the UK and a postal service worldwide!) Services include watch battery replacement, watch and clock servicing, valuations, jewellery repairs, pearl rethreading and buying gold (or any other precious metal) amongst many others, to provide the full jewellery experience.
What makes us your local family jeweller?
Jinnah Restaurant, York – Bespoke Chandelier
Located on Malton Road, Jinnah restaurant is a family-owned company with 4 award winning restaurants in Yorkshire. Jinnah’s flagship restaurant boasts a stunning, unique silver crystal chandelier purchased from R.A.Braithwaite
To find out more and book your table visit the Facebook page – @jinnahflaxton
The Savoy Hotel, London – R.A.B Clocks in all bedrooms
‘Savoy’ hotel was established in 1889 by Richard D’Oyly Carte who was a theatre producer. It was London’s first, purpose built, luxury hotel located within the heart of London by the River Thames.
It has been a top London hotel for over 130 years with numerous famous stars staying in one of its magnificent 267 bedrooms. R.A.Braithwaite was approached by The Fairmont Group to supply high quality, traditional solid carriage clocks for all bedrooms and suites at ‘Savoy’, London.
Positions of responsibility in and outside of the trade
Not only does Frank like to help out each and every client that walks through the door or online, he also has undertaken many roles both within the jewellery industry governing boards and also within York City Centre.
He was a director of the National Association of Goldsmiths (trade association) for over 20 years, being an officer for most of that time including roles as Chairman and Honorary Treasurer. The National Association of Goldsmiths was established in 1894 and championed honesty and integrity within the jewellery trade. Frank was also part of the team which set up and implemented the Institute of Registered Valuers over 30 years ago and chaired the Institute for just under 5 years. He is now Honorary President of the Jewellery Valuers Association (JVA) after being one of the founding benefactors and chairing it from its inception to 2021. The JVA is a not for profit, independent, organisation which sets and maintains standards of high quality expert professional jewellery valuations for the public.
Frank chaired the York Retail Forum for over 10 years.
Frank was also a director of the York BID (Business Improvement District) and has chaired the business development sub committee. The York BID has had many very successful terms – a testament to the invaluable work that has been done for the betterment of the City of York.
Family-owned and independent jeweller in York for over 75 years
For over 75 years, we have used the same guiding principles that customer service, quality and value for money, paramount to running a successful jewellery business. Our founders set the principles and we take their views into consideration for every decision we make.