A Llandeilo business has been recognised in the Welsh Independent Retails Awards 2019.

Barr & Co Jewellery Ltd walked away winners of the Best Welsh Independent Jewellers category at a ceremony held at The Exchange Hotel in Cardiff on Tuesday, April 30.

The awards acknowledge the contributions of the country’s independent retails to the overall economy as well as the wide range of diversity that is present in this sector.

Barr & Co Jewellery was launched in August 2017 by Claudine Longueria-Barr, a jeweller with over 30 years’ experience who qualified in London and the home counties.

Claudine said: “The award was firstly voted by our customers to get us into the final, and then a presentation that we created was put in front of an independent panel who made the final decision.

“We didn’t have any idea about the nomination until I received an email to say we reached the final.

“We are all so happy, especially as we are only in our second year of trading.

“I would like to thank all our customers who took the time to vote for us.”

As well as Director Claudine, the team includes Siobhan and Michael, who are also involved in designing and creating the jewellery.

“We like to offer a traditional, all round good service to all customers. It’s something we pride ourselves on,” said Claudine.

“A large part of our business is our commissions services where a customer can come in and discuss having a piece made with us.

“We then draw and paint up some designs and we can supply a selection of stones to view too.

“The customer is involved in every stage of the process, making sure we send them progression photos and videos, and invite them in to see us working on their jewellery.”

As well as offering bespoke commissions, jewellery remodelling, a repair service and a complimentary jewellery cleaning service, the business works alongside local charities.

Barr & Co has created a collection called Cwtsh to support Ski4AllWales, a local charity which helps buy adaptive ski equipment to enable adults with a physical, neurological or visual deficit to ski.

The business also cleans jewellery donated to the local British Red Cross and help them to value the jewellery to determine a price to sell.