By Terry Pattison

AN independent firm of jewellers is really sparkling after 67 years.

Jacobs The Jewellers, of Douglas Jacobs House, King Street, Reading, who also specialise in watch retailing and repairs, has been shortlisted as the best jewellery retailer by their trade association, the National Association of Jewellers.

The company, which employs 11 people, won the Independent Retailer of the Year prize at the Reading Retail Awards last month.

The business was founded in 1948 by secondhand dealer Douglas Jacobs, who settled down and opened a shop after travelling the country buying and selling silver.

His wife, Jean, was the main motivator, pointing out to him that their garage was full of stock and that he needed his own premises.

He was succeeded by his son, Ian, and daughter-in-law, Adrienne, and the business is now owned by Adam Jacobs. a dad of two.

Adam hopes his business will win again when the winners are announced at a gala dinner in Birmingham before Christmas.

Mr Jacobs is proud that his business has been recognised as a top independent retailer in Reading.

His firm is involved in community affairs and he is chairman of the Reading Business Independent District as well as being a council member of the town's Chamber of

Commerce.

Mr Jacobs said: "It is a great feeling knowing that we are a nationally recognised independent business based in Reading, and could be chosen as the best."

The winner will be chosen after an online vote by the public.

Visit the National Association of Jewellers website awards section.