Ainsworth Jewellers, a longstanding Blackburn-based jewellery business, continues to evolve under the leadership of Phil Ainsworth and his wife, Helen Dimmick. The company, originally founded in 1870 by Phil’s great great grandfather, Joseph Ainsworth, is now shaped by the couple’s combined vision and expertise.
“Our stars aligned and we were [always] meant to work together in this business,” they told Insider, reflecting on their partnership. Dimmick, who became a director in 2023, brings extensive experience as a gemologist and specialist at Phillips, now Bonhams. She describes a sense of destiny in joining forces with Phil, noting a remarkable historical connection.
“I had this incredible moment when I first joined Phillips, where somebody recognised my surname. It’s quite unusual. The clock specialist said that my distant relative was James Dimmick, who was a clock and watchmaker for Queen Victoria. He would have been working at the same time as Phil’s great great grandfather. It’s in the DNA there. Somehow our stars have aligned and there’s something that was meant to be for us to work together in this business.”
Dimmick’s fascination with jewellery began at the age of 16, inspired by the chest plate from Tutankhamun’s tomb. She was particularly drawn to the story conveyed through symbolism and non-verbal communication, influenced by her father being profoundly deaf. Encouraged by her parents, she pursued her passion, which she now channels into running the family business alongside Phil.
The company’s rich heritage is central to its identity. “Our history has played a key part. One of the things we said around Covid time is that we would put a family museum together [which we have now done]. It’s fascinating that when customers come in, one of the things they gravitate to is the museum and we can talk to them about the various different timelines.”
Yet the couple emphasise that tradition alone is not enough. “[Y]ou can’t rest on your laurels. Yes, we have this 155 year history, and it does provide an element of trust, but when we decided to work together, we had to define what was important to us, [such as] our principles are community, charity and collaboration. You have to be genuine to do this. Jewellery is highly portable, valuable, and while some people look at it for profit, for us it’s about the heart.”
Their store has been developed into a client-focused destination, with dedicated areas for diamonds and wedding rings, an Inspired Bridal collection, and a Wedding Friends service connecting Lancashire suppliers to weddings.
“I’m well known in the industry, but I wasn’t well known here [in Blackburn]. I joined a lot of networking groups, and I have met some phenomenal people. A lot of those people say we are so different. The way I would define that is I’m not interested in selling any piece of jewellery. I’m interested in matching people and jewellery.”
The business philosophy emphasises relationships over transactions. “When you walk into the store, we have transformed it. The first thing that you see is the museum of the family history. We want to get to know our clients before we do things. It’s people first, profit second. You also have to love what you do, and we genuinely love it.”
Dimmick drives the business with an entrepreneurial approach, while Phil manages the website and provides balance. Their complementary roles maintain a constant dialogue and inspiration. The couple do not have children but aim to “redefine what a family business means.”
“They won’t be linked by DNA, but they will be linked with shared values and via education and our outreach. It is our passion to involve other people in the business, and we will ensure it has a legacy based on fantastic principles. We very much want to leave a legacy. It has to be a legacy that we want to leave for future generations. We are talking now about creating a workshop within the store, which will give people the skills and opportunities to design, make, and repair jewellery. That can be part of the legacy. While there may not be an Ainsworth name in the store going forward, Ainsworths will live on in Blackburn through various other ways.”
