A striking feature about the 'Exquisite' factory was the complete degree of independence achieved, with every item started, finished and despatched on the one floor. In the plating shop, for instance, chromium, nickel, silver, rhodium, and gold plating are among the processes carried out. All tools for production are made on the premises too. |
The stone setting department |
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Thousands of gross of imitation stones were imported each year from Germany and Austria (inc' Swarovski) to be used in the stone setting department, the vast majority going into pieces made through the centrifugal casting process in rubber moulds also made at the factory. Customers service was also looked after at the factory where all pads were made and gold blocking done for the display aids and cases that go with “Exquisite's” goods. Even photography was carried out on the premises, the negative film being processed on the spot long before the age of digital. |
Making jewellery pads - left foreground manageress Mable |
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A general view of the warehouse |
Assembling displays for retailers - foreground Carpenter Les |
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A corner of the accounts section |
In the accounts section, where 4,000 accounts were managed, some 200 invoices were sent out each day. All dealt with by the most up to date office machinery of the day. |
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The one department with a branch outside the premises was that of the design section. Here patterns were constantly being added to by a team of designers working in Paris. |
Two of Exquisite's designers at work - in Paris |