Inside the Leeds jewellery shop that has stood the test of time for 45 years

A Leeds jewellery shop that has been selling one of a kind jewellery for 45 years says its survival is testament to the loyalty of its customers.

Aladdin’s cave, tucked away in Queen’s Arcade in Leeds city centre, is celebrating the milestone this year after seeing countless businesses around it come and go.

Co-owner Jess Spencer said the business was originally run by her grandparents and aunt before being passed down to her parents.

The shop specialises in antique and vintage-style jewellery, including Art Deco engagement rings, signet rings and other one-off pieces that customers are unlikely to find on the high street.

Jess told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “If you want something unique that you won’t see anyone else wearing, then this is the shop for you.”

The business has survived several major challenges during its 45 years, including the recession, the Covid pandemic and the cost of living crisis.

Jess said she recently came across a photograph of the Queen’s arcade from the 1980s and realised Aladdin’s Cave was the only shop pictured that was still standing all these years later.

“I think that’s really testament to everything that we do,” she said.

The shop’s name was inspired by the film Aladdin, reflecting its small space packed with treasures.

Jess said browsing the shop was intended to be a “sensory experience”, with customers encouraged to look around and discover places for themselves.

And some of the jewellery even comes with its own piece of history.

The shop currently has a brooch in its original box, with a note revealing who it was gifted to.

Curious about its history, Jess began researching the name and discovered the recipient was Lady Hollins, a philanthropist from Preston dated back to the 1930s.

The shop has also previously sold an Edwardian suffragette necklace.

Jess says it’s the real life stories like these that make her so passionate about the business.

“The stories behind these pieces that you get in, you just don’t get with modern jewellery,” she added.

While the physical shop remains at the heart of the business, Jess said the pandemic prompted her to put more focus into the website and social media.

She now manages the shop’s online presence, while her mum, Roberta Swift, continues to run the shop.

As an independent business, Jess said keeping up with changing times has been essential, particularly as other independent shops have disappeared.

She said the support of loyal customers, alongside attracting new customers online, has helped keep the business going.

“People are always saying they love our shop, which means the world to us,” she told the YEP.

“Without that support, we couldn’t keep going.”

For Jess, the appeal of the business is still the jewellery itself.

She said: “When you look at a piece of antique jewellery and you see the craftsmanship behind it, it’s unbelievable.

“I’m incredibly lucky to work in something that I’m so passionate about.”