THIS week five years ago Somerset jeweller PSJ was preparing to close for the final time after 82 years of business - with the owners allowing people to 'make them an offer' on remaining stock.

In early July 2019, owners of renowned jewellers PSJ, in Yeovil High Street, announced that they were retiring and closing down the long-standing firm.

Further discounts were announced on all remaining jewellery, including diamond rings, coloured stones and high-quality gold pieces, from Saturday, September 7, 2019.

Customers were invited to ‘make us an offer’ on all remaining stock for the final week the store was open.

PSJ was established in 1937 by local jeweller Herbert J White and continued under family ownership for 82 years.

In July 2019, proprietors Anthony and Jacqueline White shocked regular customers when they announced that they intended to retire and shut down the store.

The resulting closing down sale ran for three months and many customers sought out jewellery bargains, with all stock reduced by 50 per cent.

PSJ was a mainstay of the town and is sorely missed by its many patrons, young and old, who have visited the store to purchase significant pieces of jewellery, future heirlooms and beautiful gifts for more than 80 years.

Anthony White is the son of original owner Herbert and was immersed in the family business from a young age.

He said at the time of the shop's closure: “I was 12 when my father first took me to the store and four years later I joined the business as an apprentice watch-maker."

The trusted store had a reputation for friendly service and when the closure was announced many patrons visited to say goodbye to the award-winning team.

Anthony continued: “It’s been a pleasure to see customers old and new visit the store over the past few weeks.

"Of course, it’s emotional to mark the end of an era and say goodbye to the business my father established.

"But, it’s wonderful to know that our pieces of jewellery have played a part in so many significant and joyous occasions and will be cherished and enjoyed for many years to come.”

Anthony retired at 82, and an active member of the local jazz scene, he said he was looking forward to spending more time with his wife and family and pursuing the musical interest which he enjoyed enormously.

He added in 2019: “We are looking forward to assisting our customers in choosing a special piece, before we finally close the doors for the last time on Saturday, September 14, at 5pm.

"I would personally like to offer a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has shopped in our store, past and present.”