Major asset for Torquay high street as new jewellery shop opens

Continuing a family legacy of almost 70 years, jeweller David Rowe and daughter Michelle Stoddart have cut the ribbon on their brand new jewellery store.

Regina Rowe Jewellers at 60 Union Street, Torquay, accompanies the Rowe’s other store, Conroy Couch, and represents a significant investment in the Bay.

It’s planned that while Conroy Couch continues its reputation for fine second-hand jewellery, Regina Rowe can offer something new for the town. Prior to Regina Rowe, the family had been operating the shop as a Pandora franchise store. When that franchise came to an end, there was a clear opportunity to take the Rowe family business in a new direction.

“With the closure of a lot of the chain jewellers on the high street, we saw there was a real gap in the market,” said Michelle.

“We’ve been to some fantastic jewellery shows, and have been able to get in some really beautiful collections that we think are something a little bit different for our customers. Something that you just wouldn't see in a normal high street chain jeweller.”

Michelle had a vision for a modern, inviting and approachable jewellery store offering a beautiful range of jewellery, from unique silver pieces to a once in a lifetime engagement ring purchase. While Regina Rowe will still be stocking a variety of favourites from Pandora, Michelle hopes that the store and its collections will celebrate jewellery as a form of self-expression.

She continued: “We just wanted to give people a bit of choice, so they can really express themselves. I've grown up in the jewellery trade and I’ve always loved wearing jewellery. I see it as part of my clothes, as a way of expressing my personality. I hope through this store, others will be able to do the same.”

The name of the store, Regina Rowe, is a tribute to Michelle’s mother and David’s wife, who tragically passed away from cancer in 2019. David had worked in jewellery for over 50 years, and following the unexpected death of his wife, Regina, in 2019, Michelle stepped into the business.

“My mum was really involved in the business, but when she became ill, that’s when I started working closely with my dad.

"When we were designing the store, I was trying to think of a name with my manager Paulina, and we just thought it would be a really nice tribute.”