Customers CAN try on jewellery when we reopen, says Milton Keynes shopping centre jeweller

The centre:mk jeweller will reopen on June 15 with a range of safety measures in place.

There will be protective Perspex screens at consultation points, temperature checks for staff, fewer selling zones, mandatory hand sanitiser and reduced numbers allowed into stores.

Masks and gloves will also be available for customers should they choose to wear them, and individual appointments will be permitted for special purchases such as engagement rings, but will be limited to the beginning and end of the day.

Customers WILL be permitted to try on jewellery, says the company bosses, who believe sentimental items and purchases such as gifts should be seen by customers up close and in person, so they can get a feel of the precious metals, gemstones, diamonds and watches.

They have therefore introduced a rigorous hygiene process to enable them to do this, with limited stock rotated on a regular basis and the use of a specialist cleaning solution that will disinfect jewellery between wears, killing germs without damaging valuable diamonds, jewellery or watches.

They are confident the new measures will give customers the assurance that they can still try on important purchases such as wedding and engagement rings, as well as checking sizing and compatibility.

Anna Blackburn, managing director at Beaverbrooks, said: “As always, the safety of our people and customers is our number one priority, so we have been working hard behind the scenes to put measures in place to protect them when we reopen our doors.

“Over the past few months, we have been developing comprehensive plans for this reopening, which put safety at the top of the list while ensuring we are able to resume the high level of personal service our customers expect.

“In addition to taking key steps to ensure customers will be able to shop in a safe environment, it was important to us that people would still be able to try on their jewellery before buying – particularly for sentimental items.

“An engagement ring is one of the most important purchases you’ll ever make and to be able to see the sparkle and brilliance of a diamond for yourself and fall in love with the ring is so important – it’s a special moment and an experience you can only really get by being there in person.

“The introduction of our jewellery cleaning process and increased hygiene measures will mean customers can do this safely, allowing them to continue to celebrate those special moments that are perhaps more important now than ever before."