Longtime Maitland jewellery business Bailey's is moving to a new location on The Levee

Bailey’s Showcase Jewellers has weathered many a tough time but its move to a new premises this week will mark its biggest upheaval since it was founded in 1971.

Owners Doug and Tanya Crich will relocate to a new site in High Street, to make way for stage two of The Levee development which involves bulldozing the old premises along with an adjoining business occupied by New Look Eyewear which will relocate to the former WIllows Homewares shop opposite the NAB.

Bailey’s will continue to trade throughout the move but Mr Crich expects the relocation to 366 High Street (opposite the Kmart entrance) to be complete by next Tuesday.

Mr Crich took over the business from founders Des and Jim Bailey in 1993. Mrs Crich has worked for the business since she was 16.

The business now has third generation customers who have continued a time honoured family tradition of buying engagement, wedding and anniversary gifts from the jeweller.

Mr Crich said the move is well underway and still trading under “disruptive” circumstances. “Once the move is complete we will be working from modern, up-to-date premises which have been fully renovated,” Mr Crich said. “It’s been a little disruptive and we have been open in a limited format but hopefully this time next week we will be settled in,” he said.

Mr Crich conceded Bailey’s has weathered many tough times but is positive about the new look High Street and the future of his business on The Levee.

“Maitland people have always supported us and we want to stay here and continue to support the people of Maitland in years to come. We are local people not fly by nighters.”

“We are one of the Hunter’s main businesses for diamonds and are lucky we have always been a destination business,” he said. “We’re looking forward to the change and fresh start.” Bailey’s has become an exclusive dealer for diamond brands, Canadianfire, Passion8 and Dreamtime Diamonds sourced from Rio Tinto’s Argyle mine in WA.