AFTER 31 years in Basingstoke, celebrated jewellers G & E Antonelli is set to shut its doors at the end of July.

Having seen mass changes to the retail world, the birth of online shopping and a recession, Giuseppe Antonelli and his team are now finally hanging up their tools. 

Unlike other businesses which have left the area in recent weeks and months, the decision is not a financial one – it comes due to owner Mr Antonelli retiring.

“It’s with a big regret that we are leaving, but I have been doing this for a very long time,” Mr Antonelli said.

“It’s time to close the business so I can spend some more time with grandchildren and family.

“We are open Monday through until Sunday so the only time off I get is on a Sunday so I’m happy to see my family.

“But I am not leaving Basingstoke for good.

“My fantastic customers will still see me around.”

Mr Antonelli acquired the site of G & E Antonelli, which is in Church Street, in 1985, turning the space into his own business.

Prior to coming to Basingstoke, Mr Antonelli trained to become a jeweller for 10 years in Italy. 

Mr Antonelli added: “There have been many challenges to running this business, for example I agree that businesses at the Top of The Town have not received as much support.

“But I can’t complain and I want to say a very big thank-you to all of my loyal customers of the last years.

“We have always given them a good service and they are very special to me.”