About Us
T J Thornton is an independent, traditional family jewellery business located in Market Harborough, founded in 2007, with an ever-growing reputation for skill and expertise for which the business has become renowned throughout the area.
Customers seek out this hidden treasure from far and wide, and thanks to social media, the net spreads further than ever before.
Tim Thornton is a 4th generation jeweller originally from Kettering where his great grandfather, Arthur Augustus Thornton began trading as A A Thornton in 1911. He was an apprentice watchmaker in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, and his watch repair skills were the basis of his new business. He continued trading successfully through both World Wars, and became Mayor of Kettering in the 1950’s. He was then succeeded by his son Pat and Tim's father, Simon until his death in 1997.
Tim entered the jewellery trade in 1989 at the family business in Kettering. Passionate and eager to learn, he soon completed his Retail Jewellers Diploma, and became a qualified Gemmologist and Diamond Grader, skills which helped on buying trips to Sri Lanka to source many usual and unusual gemstones.
In 1995 Tim took the chance to work for Christies in South Kensington, London, where he began his career as an antique jewellery specialist, staying for two years until returning to Northamptonshire in 1997 after his father's death.
Tim then worked as a specialist jewellery valuer in both the UK and New Zealand, and was Department Head and auctioneer for Fellows, the leading provincial auction house, based in Birmingham, for 2 years. His skills were then required a little closer to home, working for Lumbers jewellers in Leicester for several years prior to opening the doors in Coventry Road.
With over 30 years experience, Tim's passion for the jewellery business is undimmed, and he and his staff continue to offer the very best service to all their customers, whatever the visit entails. Tradition and Style are the watchwords at the 3 Coventry Road premises which sum up the "Jewel in Market Harborough's Crown" perfectly.
With an unparalleled friendly and professional service, your next visit will not be your last.