Former owners speak out amid UK jeweller’s administration

John and Anne Gowing, who for many years ran John Gowing Jewellers, have released a statement making clear they are no longer involved in the business, while wishing those in charge all the best.

Based at the Oxford Covered Market, the shop has been in operation since 1946 offering valuations, diamond accessories and repairs.

On July 28, administrators from Begbies Traynor were appointed to the company with a notice to strike the business off having been published on Companies House.

READ MORE: Statement as UK jewellers in administration amid £189K debts

The notice was dated for August 4 and said that unless an objection was raised the company would be struck off the register in two months.

However the current owner – Prasanna Perera – has made clear the shop is not closing.

She said: The recent corporate change relates to the former operating company as part of our corporate re-structuring and does not represent the closure of John Gowing Jewellers.

“Our Covered Market store remains open and is trading as normal, with our existing team continuing to serve customers.”

She added: “There has been no interruption to our watch, jewellery, repair or valuation services.

“Under new ownership, additional investment is supporting the next stage of the business.

John Gowing Jewellers (Image: Supplied)

“Our focus is to preserve the heritage, expertise and trusted local service John Gowing has built in Oxford since 1946, while strengthening the brand and creating opportunities for future growth.”

Mr and Mrs Gowing resigned as directors of the company in June 2025, after more than half a century running the shop that opened in 1946.

Following the holding company’s administration, the duo have released a statement making clear they are no longer involved in its running.

They said: “John Gowing Jewellers was a family business with a history stretching back to 1946, and one which our family was extremely proud to be associated with for nearly 80 years.

“We sold the company in June 2025 in order to retire, at which point ownership and management of the business passed entirely to the new owners.

“We have had no involvement in the management or financial operation of the company since the sale.”

They said they wanted to speak out as they were concerned members of the public might link them to the recent company updates.

“We would like to make it absolutely clear,” they said, “that the current administration has taken place more than a year after we sold the company and under entirely different ownership and management”.

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They added: “We also understand that the administration forms part of a restructuring of the current owners’ businesses.

“The Oxford shop is continuing to trade and, as far as we are aware, there is no suggestion that John Gowing Jewellers is closing.

“After spending so many years building and running the business, and with our family name still above the door, it is obviously important to us that the distinction between our ownership and what has happened subsequently is clearly understood.”

They concluded by wishing the staff at the shop “every success for the future”.