Free express shipping on orders over £75
Free express shipping on orders over £75

Your cart

Your cart is empty

Making Wokingham sparkle since 1918.

Step into the world of Strange the Jewellers

Discover our award-winning store that is nestled in the heart of the historic market town, Wokingham. Since 1918, we've been your go-to spot for stunning jewellery with a touch of tradition and modern flair.

But we're more than just a jewellery store!

🙞 The History of Strange the Jewellers 🙜

Strange the Jewellers is a family-run business that has been serving the Wokingham community since 1918 with their fine jewellery, wedding rings, necklaces and bangles. Founded by Walter Strange, Strange the Jewellers was formerly known as W.J.Strange & Son. The store began it's journey on Peach Street, Wokingham, where it remained for only a couple of years before relocating to 2 Broad Street, Wokingham. Walter's son Roland eventually joined his father in running the business, before taking over the store when his father retired.

*The Broad Street store is pictured below. It was located where Phil's Good Food stands today.

In the early 1970's the store relocated again to 5 Rose Street, Wokingham. The store was opposite Old Row Court. When Roland retired in 1987, W.J.Strange & Son was bought by Peter Hughes. Before he purchased the shop, Peter was a watch and jewellery wholesaler, who supplied numerous high end stores including Mappin & Webb, Garrards and Boodles as well as making gold watch cases and bracelets for brands like Rolex, Omega, and Tissot. His favourite son Jason joined him to run the business and eventually took over fully in 2009 upon Peter's retirement to Spain where he still resides.

In 2013 W.J.Strange & Son was rebranded to Strange the Jewellers to represent the stores transformation into a modern jewellery store whilst giving a nod to the traditional values that has led to the stores success. In February 2017, the store relocated again due to Wokingham Town's regeneration. The new, bigger location in Bush Walk gave owner's Jo & Jason the chance to optimise the store's potential.

Perhaps the most exciting part of the new store only comes around once a year, when the nutcrackers come out to play. The two nutcrackers have become an iconic addition to Wokingham at Christmas time, with locals suggesting "it's not Christmas until Strange the Jeweller's nutcrackers are out!

"100 DAYS for 100 YEARS"

In 2018, Strange the Jewellers celebrated it's 100 year anniversary. As part of the celebrations, and to thank the the town for their continued support, Jo & Jason gave away 100 pieces of jewellery and watches across the span of 100 days! The final prize being a bespoke jewellery 1.00ct diamond bubbles ring for the winner! The promotion was an in-store only promotion to not only thank our loyal customers for their support but to encourage footfall into the town - aiming to give back to the town and the other independent business that make Wokingham Town the place it is.

In 2021, a room upstairs was renovated into a luxury piercing studio and all of the staff were trained by Inverness in Ear Piercing. Allowing us to showcase our silver earrings and ear cuffs. Since then the piercing business has blossomed, with the girls earning numerous 5-star reviews. In 2023, Strange the Jewellers expanded it's service offering again with the introduction of Seamless Jewellery; our exclusive brand of permanent, welded jewellery!

🙞 Meet The Team 🙜

Managing Director

Jason Hughes

I trained and worked in the jewellery industry from the age of 17. My father and I purchased the shop Strange the Jewellers in 1987 which was then in Rose Street, Wokingham when the original Mr Strange retired. My father was working within the wholesale jewellery and watch industry and we decided to build on the retail side of things having a bricks and mortar shop. The shop has changed over the years and with the regeneration of the town we moved premises in 2017 to a bigger store in the town which has given us the opportunity to expand our collections. My proud moment was in 2019 where we won the award for Independent Fashion Jewellery Retailer award at the Professional jeweller Awards We also have been listed in the HOT 100 independent jewellers.

Director & Design Manager

Jo Hughes

My love for anything sparkly makes my role very easy. I am very passionate about every customer having the best experience when shopping with us, whether its a general chat about what jewellery they love or they want to design something new or bespoke. I love being creative and being a part of an independent family run business I wear many hats but my foremost is to provide exceptional service to our customers that stands out from any other Jewellers. I also passed my ear piercing qualification in 2019. I am so proud of the fantastic relationships we have built over the years with all of our fabulous customers.

Sales & Piercing Assistant

Marilyn

I started with Strange the Jewellers in 1998 where I had come from a retail background with a major high street retailer. Along side selling beautiful pieces of jewellery, I also manage the jewellery repairs liaising with our workshops and our customers to bring them the best service and advise on their jewellery and watch needs. I trained with Strange in 2019 the Inverness Piercing system. I love the atmosphere within the family run business and I recently celebrated my 25th anniversary with the store in 2023 so I really am part of the family and fixtures!! When I'm not working, I like going to the Gym and enjoy classic car shows with my partner where we sometimes showcase the classic cars we own.

Social Media, Sales & Business Development

Lizzie

I started with the family business as a Saturday sales assistant whilst at school as I had a real passion for jewellery and continued whilst at sixth form. When I finished my sixth form course I chose to go to University at Lancaster and study Human Geography and who would have believed that enrolling in this course enabled me to learn all about my passion for jewellery and Lab created diamonds. Since graduating from Uni, I have come back to work full time with the family business where they have put me through the NAJ JET diploma, JET Business Development and Anchor Cert courses in Lab Grown Diamond. I also passed my Inverness Piercing qualification in 2020 through Strange and provide piercings within store.

🙞 Contact Us 🙜

If you have a question or would like some more information about a product or service then please fill in the form below and a member of our team will respond to you as soon as possible.

Your details are safe and protected with us.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.