Steve Godshaw, 78, is retiring and closing his Wigmores North shop, with jewellery and watches half price until the stock is gone. Updated November 2026.

Godshaw Jewellers, the family jeweller that has traded in Welwyn Garden City since 1953, is closing because its owner, Steve Godshaw, is retiring at 78.

The shop at 42 Wigmores North opens a closing down sale at 10am on Saturday 31 October, with every piece of jewellery and every watch at half price. The business has not given a final closing date: the sale is first come, first served and runs until the stock is gone.

What is in the sale

The business says the 50% reduction covers all jewellery and watches, including:

  • watches by Rotary and Citizen
  • diamond pendants and rings
  • precious stone pieces from brands including Georg Jensen, FOPE and Sif Jakobs

A business started by a Rolex watchmaker

Steve’s father, Freddy Godshaw, founded the business in 1947. According to the family, Freddy trained as a watchmaker and was one of only six watchmakers working for Rolex in London in the 1940s. The firm went on to run several shops across Hertfordshire.

Freddy Godshaw, left, and Steve Godshaw, right, standing together in suits inside a jewellery shop, in a black and white newspaper print
Freddy Godshaw (left) and Steve Godshaw (right). Photo: supplied by Godshaw Jewellers

Steve joined in 1970, after college and several years working for jewellers in London. Father and son ran the business together for the next two decades, serving a largely local clientele, many of them regulars.

Steve took over in 1990. The same year he moved the shop from its first Welwyn Garden City premises to the current unit on Wigmores North, which was twice the size.

He counts one decision as the turning point: taking on Pandora as a brand. The business says that move “ultimately secured the business financially”.

“Godshaw Jewellers has been my life”

Steve has spent 56 years in the family firm. He said the shop is still doing well, which makes the decision harder.

“Sadly time has caught up with me and after 56 glorious years, it is time for me to pack up. I am so sorry to be closing. Godshaw Jewellers has been my life,” he said.

Steve Godshaw in a blue shirt standing in the entrance of Godshaw Jewellers, with display windows of jewellery on either side
Steve Godshaw at the entrance to the Wigmores North shop. Photo: supplied by Godshaw Jewellers

“I have worked with some incredible people over the years and am fortunate to have built up a loyal customer base. It has been an absolute pleasure to have held such a special place in the Welwyn Garden City community for so long, witnessing the progress and growth of the town.

“It is frustrating for me to close as business is still doing so well, but at 78 years old retirement calls. My wife and I have a few holidays planned and I can finally spend time doing some of the hobbies I enjoy! I’d like to say a huge thank you to each and every customer: you have made my working life so enjoyable and so special.”

The Godshaw Jewellers shop front on Wigmores North, with lit display windows, a tree trunk and low hedging in the foreground
The Godshaw Jewellers shop front on Wigmores North. Photo: supplied by Godshaw Jewellers

What it means for you

  • When: the sale starts at 10am on Saturday 31 October and lasts until the stock is sold.
  • Where: Godshaw Jewellers, 42 Wigmores North, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6BL.
  • The offer: 50% off all jewellery and watches, first come, first served.
  • Getting there: Wigmores North is in the town centre; our parking guide lists the nearest car parks and charges.