THERE was sparkles and fizz at the grand opening of Petra Jewellery's brand new shop on Saturday. More than 100 customers joined owner Mitch Lloyd and her mum Petra, for a glass of bubbly at the refurbished building and a tour of “where the magic happens.”

The family business has not moved far as it remains at Viables Craft Centre.

Having been previously based in a converted stable building, it is now at The Cottage, which is around six times the size of the old shop.

Mitch, who is also chief designer said: “It's been a busy build-up to this special day. We signed the lease in February and took on the refurbishment of the near derelict 100 year old farm cottage straight away.

“We employed a brilliant team of local contractors who gradually breathed new life into the charming building and dedicated friends and family worked really hard to help get everything ready for our grand opening.

“The party was a perfect way to celebrate with many of our fabulous customers coming along from far and wide to join us and reminisce with mum, who originally opened the shop 36 years ago. We shared some really special moments.”

Petra, who turns 70 next year, started the business in 1979, not long after Viables Farm was converted into the Viables Craft Centre.

She gradually grew her stock and her customer base too, which included Beverly Bell, one of Petra's longstanding customers.

Beverly travelled from Devon to join the celebrations, having had her engagement and wedding rings made in 1980.

Beverly who in April won Petra Jewellery's Win an Eternity Ring competition on Facebook, recommended the business to her daughter Caroline, who has just had her wedding rings made by Petra Jewellery.

Among the guests was Wendy Rawlings, grandmother of Petra marketing assistant Amber Rawlings, who had a special interest in The Cottage - she lived there for a couple of years in the early 1970s when Viables was a working farm.

Mitch said there is one more celebratory event on the cards this Saturday. July 25) The business will be hosting its Tour De France Family Fun Bike Festival on from 3pm to 7pm, “We'll be offering free ring cleaning, the chance to win VIP hospitality tickets for the Tour of Britain, raising money for St. Michael's Hospice and bike competitions with Festina watches as prizes,” explained Mitch.