Customers return to the Gem Cellar in Walker Arcade because they are treated like family.

In fact the whole business has a friendly, family atmosphere in which beautiful creations are made in perfect harmony.

Owner Mr. Chet E. Trott says: "Much of our business is done on a word-of-mouth basis so our customers must be completely satisfied. If they are not they can bring the jewellery back until they are happy.

"We make hand-made jewellery and we will make anything that the heart desires.'' The idea is that a customer will bring in an idea and can sit down with Mr.

Trott or one of his jewellers to discuss its design. Then the jewellers will produce the design in a drawing form and if it receives customer satisfaction it will be produced.

Mr. Trott said: "We do tend to treat our customers as family because they often return so we know them quite well.'' The Gem Cellar was formed by English jeweller Mr. Brian Shadbolt in 1969. It was made into a company in 1978.

Around that time Mr. Trott was involved in an apprenticeship at Trimminghams.

After four years he realised that he could do more of his own hand-made work by taking an opening at the Gem Cellar.

Managing the firm for the past two years, Mr. Trott became owner in March and he feels the business has continued to build its reputation ever since.

He has even expanded the staff from six to seven over the past six months.

There are English jewellers Mr. Tim Palmer and Mr. Andy McCallum and Bermudians apprentices Miss Sal Craig and Mr. Craig Morbey. Salesgirl Ms Gina Griffiths and part-timer Ms Deedra Talbot complete the team.

Mr. Trott said: "The apprentices sit with Andy and Tim so they are learning all the time. They all work well together like a family.

"We are all pretty young. Tim and I are both 31 and we are the oldest people here.'' And the future? Mr. Trott said: "I would be happy to stay in the Walker Arcade for three or fours years unless the economy picks up and we can expand and it is financially viable to move earlier.'' Until then Mr. Trott will continue to run his "family'' business from the centre of Hamilton.

GEM JEWELLER -- Gem Cellar's jewellers work steadily at their craft.