A family-run jewellers in Liverpool has stood the test of time for more than four decades.
Wongs, based on Whitechapel in the city centre, was founded in 1979 by Brian and Susan Wong. Now, 43 years later, it remains a family affair with the couple's son Peter taking on the role of managing director, and maintaining the brand's stellar reputation for dedicated customer service and genuine care.
The store began as a jewellers' workshop and this remains an integral part of the business to this day - Mr Wong's motto is: "Doing a job so no one can do it better". The Wongs team are determined to ensure their jewellery - and the store - stands the test of time.
Wongs' commercial director Cynthia Cartwright told the ECHO the company "adore" being a part of "Liverpool's love stories", after helping many local customers with proposals, wedding planning, engraving and more. Cynthia, 37, said: "We love to go above and beyond for customers and make the experience really special - after all, we just adore being a part of Liverpool's love stories.
"Our team helps arrange in store proposals, helps with wedding planning [and] everything to ensure we help find that perfect bridal jewellery and take away the worry and stress. We are honoured to play a part in [customers'] journeys and it doesn't stop once you've bought that special ring."
Of her favourite thing about working at Wongs, Cynthia - who is the first non-family member on the board - was full of praise for the customers. She continued: "The best thing about working in Wongs has to be our fabulous customers. We love to keep in touch and ensure that everything is going well - we offer a lifetime guarantee with all of our engagement and wedding rings so this offers our customers complete peace of mind.
"We also offer complimentary resizing and engraving on rings, as well as cleaning for life. So our customers really do become part of the 'family' - we see them regularly. The other aspect of being a family independent business is being able to support and give back to our community.
"We're always keen to use our platform to try and support local charities. We have a strong relationship with Alder Hey and have raised over £150k to support their wonderful work, and have recently started a relationship with Clatterbridge after two team members were faced with cancer diagnosis. We even designed some jewellery in which profits were donated to both charities."
Like many independent businesses, the cost of living crisis - and the long-lasting ramifications of the coronavirus pandemic - is an integral aspect of the team's approach to customer service. Cynthia said: "I think it's sometimes daunting for people coming into a luxury jewellers, but for us it's not about being 'exclusive', we want to provide an 'inclusive' luxury service, so everyone gets the same special experience no matter what the enquiry is.
"We appreciate, especially at the moment, times are hard and we like to work with customers to help support them with their wedding plans. Often, people have inherited jewellery, or old broken bits and bobs - this can be melted down and re-fashioned into something new - this is a great way people can save a bit of money on wedding rings and also have something beautifully sentimental, creating an heirloom they can pass down through their own families."
Each day at Wongs begins with a briefing to prepare staff for what's to come and to ensure they're all on the same page. The store continues to get busy, for which, the team is endlessly thankful; with an eclectic mix of customer stories and desires catered to on a daily basis. Recently, they've helped a grieving woman remodel her mum's jewellery so she can "keep her close", as well as a gentleman collecting a "stunning" diamond engagement ring to take to New York for a "surprise winter proposal".
The team is also dedicated to staff training and development. Cynthia said: "We are doing some training with The Wongs Academy - it's in depth as there's so much to learn. I've just signed off a new aspect to the training in which all team members get to spend a day in our on-site workshop, and will be guided on making a piece of jewellery of their own.
"Everyone can't wait" She added: "People are still shocked when they find out we have our amazing in-store workshop which is now headed up by our workshop manager, Ben - an extremely talented Goldsmith who started at Wongs over 10 years ago on an apprenticeship scheme."
Of Wongs' plans for the future, Cynthia said: "We're definitely on the lookout for store number two across the North West. 43 years later, I think it's time.
"We currently have a team of 23 in our Liverpool branch across all departments, and it would be great to offer some of our fantastic team the opportunity for further progression in our new store."
Wongs is based at Units 1, 3 & 4 Chicago Buildings, Whitechapel, Stanley Street, Liverpool, L1 6DS. Wongs, which is also dog friendly, is open Monday to Saturday from 9am until 5pm, and from 11am until 5pm on Sundays.
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