Our Story
The beginning
Over 100 years ago, Frederick John Zelley opened a jewellery shop in Bishop’s Stortford where a close branch of our family tree remains.
He set the foundations for the business and our passion for exceptional customer service and craft.
The 1940's
In the 1940’s one of Fredrick’s two sons, Claude, moved to Norwich, after leaving the army in 1947.
At this time Albert Ames was retiring and selling his already well established business. Claude incorporated the Ames business into the Zelley group of shops.
1982
The family business finds itself in a new premises on St. Giles Street where we remain today.
The shop was previously 'W.J BODDY & SON LTD'. Being able to purchase the building then has allowed us the freedom to do things at our own pace now.
The 90's
Business is ticking along nicely at a time that clocks fill the walls and cabinets.
As Claude slowly releases control of the business to his son Howard, the business begins to move into the antique and pre-owned articles we are now well known for.
Present day
The business has evolved to keep up with the ever-changing pace of society and attitudes towards shopping.
While operating a full retail premises, we now sell around the globe reaching dozens of countries across five continents. We have placed significant importance to our online presence and it always makes us smile thinking what Claude and Fredrick would have made of it all.
