Celebrating Tradition, Embracing the Future
A Shimmering Legacy at Logan the Jewellers
Nestled in Alloway Street in the heart of Ayr, Logan the Jewellers isn’t just a jewellery shop, it’s a stunning legacy. This family business has been a well-known destination for generations and today it artfully blends traditional values with a firm commitment to service and a forward-thinking mindset.
Their newly restored premises, filled with ornate gemstones and beautifully designed treasures, has housed a jewellery business and workshop since 1897. Owners Ewen and Hayley Logan are rightfully proud of the work carried out on their shop by skilled local tradesmen. Hayley says, “It was important to restore Alloway Street back to its original glory, turning it into a soulless, modern shell was never an option for us.
“The entire shop, including its front, was ripped back to its bricks and rebuilt from the ground up, the ceiling was raised to 13 feet, and we added a traditional plaster ceiling rose and cornice to draw the eye upwards. The colour scheme was inspired by paint found on the rear of the original cabinets, which dated back to the Edwardian era.”
The refurbishment has been a labour of love and Ewen and Hayley are rightfully thrilled with the result. However, they’re certainly not stuck in the past. The Logan family have been in business for decades, but when children or grandchildren of past customers visit them on the recommendation of a relative, they’re delighted to find all the latest technology to make an up-to-the-minute experience extra special.
As a master jeweller and craftsman, Ewen has retained a wealth of traditional knowledge and skills, but at the instigation of Hayley has embraced technology in all aspects of the business. Their beautiful bespoke jewellery is now designed digitally using CAD, allowing Ewen to generate photo-realistic images of the design and 3D-print a resin prototype which the customer can view from every angle. This is particularly useful when Ewen remodels a customer’s existing jewellery into a new design. As engagement and wedding ring specialists, customers can visit the shop to choose from hundreds of ring designs. Each design can be customised with a choice of metals and lab-grown or natural diamonds, allowing the customer to build their perfect ring. Shaped wedding rings can also be created using a 3D scan of the customer’s engagement ring to ensure a perfect fit.
Initially with teenage aspirations to be a cabinet maker, Ewen discovered his true calling within the family business. He trained under the tutelage of an expert goldsmith in London, absorbing a centuries-old craft after he joined his father, David, at the shop in 1988. David Logan is currently Honorary President of Turnberry Golf Club and his ties to the club, cemented over many shared games and memories, have forged a lasting bond there. This year, the Logan family are also celebrating 50 years of partnership with the Trump Turnberry resort.
David’s encounters with the rich and famous are the stuff of legend. One of his most delightful stories involves making the presentation of an engraved silver quaich, a traditional Scottish drinking cup, to movie star Clint Eastwood after hiding in the course toilets – a surprise gift from Eastwood’s buddies during a trip in the 1980s. Ewen can add plenty of stories about the stars he met growing up, from Bruce Forsyth to Sean Connery and Sandy Lyle, he has many tales to tell.
From bespoke engagement and wedding rings designed to last a lifetime, to handmade lockets and bracelets beautifully engraved with a sentimental message, Logan’s is more than a retailer, they’re masters of their craft. From choosing your own gemstones to collaborating on your design, you’re made to feel as unique and special as the jewellery you commission. In fact, you become the best advert for the business.
Ewen elaborates, “As an independent family-run business, we know that our reputation is our most important asset. Service always comes before a sale, because we know that no amount of marketing can beat word-of-mouth recommendations from happy customers. We also understand that visiting a jewellery shop can be intimidating, so we try to create a friendly and relaxed environment where people feel comfortable. Part of this approach is our dog-friendly policy – we always have treats for a wagging tail!”
Logan the Jewellers is more than a retail outlet – it’s a family institution, a destination and treasure trove of unique designs and timeless pieces, many of them meticulously crafted in-house. There’s absolutely no need to travel to the city to experience the very best in jewellery design and craftsmanship. Logan’s can do everything that the best Glasgow or Edinburgh jewellers can offer, and they can do it with even better service, care and value, right here in Ayr.
