A family-run establishment in the heart of Derry's city centre have reflected on 42 years of business and being at the heart of many milestone moments.
D Cooley Jewellers on Shipquay Street inside the walled city have provided engagement rings, anniversary jewellery and most recently – an incredibly special ring dedicated to their home town.
First established at the height of the Troubles, the first shop opened on Butcher Street in 1979 and another on Shipquay Street in 1980. After a fire severely damaged the Butcher Street store, Cooley's dedicated themselves to their Shipquay Street location in which they are still in today.
Erin Kearney spoke to MyDerry about her family's legacy, how business has changed throughout the generations and their hopes for the future.
She said: "My grandfather Danny Cooley first opened D Cooley Jewellers in Butcher Street in 1979 accompanied by his daughter Brenda, my mother, who left school at aged 16 to help her father.
"My mother would tell me that my grandmother prayed continuously for the success of the business as he opened up in one of the toughest times in Northern Ireland but persevered in business despite the bombs and bullets."
D Cooley Jewellers is now in its third generation, with Erin's mother Brenda Kearney now running the business alongside family friend Raymond Kelly after Erin's grandfather Danny's retirement.
Erin said: "As the third generation to be involved in the business, I cannot remember life without it. I have worked here since I was 16. I am now 29 and I absolutely love it. The older I have got the more sentimental it has become to me."
D Cooley Jewellers has been a part of personal memories for the people of Derry throughout the generations. Erin spoke to MyDerry about the feeling of being at the centre of life-changing moments.
She said: "This is my favourite part of my job. We love hearing everyone’s stories.
"When the men come in alone to choose the engagement ring, we love hearing their plan to propose and even give some tips when needed!
"We always say we are the best secret keepers in Derry. When you see someone coming through the door to get an engagement ring it is so exciting, and we always reassure them that everything is strictly confidential.
"In 2004 my grandfather Danny created the ‘History of Derry’ ring alongside the late Michael McGuinness. It is exclusive to us and has grown to a full jewellery collection which has proven very successful both locally and globally.
"In 2014 we presented Courtney Cox and Snow Patrol star Johnny McDaid with two Derry Rings. Everyone in the shop was starstruck!"
For Erin and D Cooley Jewellers, their success as a long-standing family business has always come back to local support. The business relied on orders through their social media account to keep them afloat throughout lockdown, and are establishing a website for customers to view pieces online.
Additionally, in 2013 Erin's grandfather Danny was awarded a ‘Lifetime Achievement’ Award, surrounded by all his family to celebrate his hard work and dedication through the years.
Erin said: " The people of Derry have always been crucial for the success of D Cooley Jewellers, and we can’t thank them enough.
"We love seeing our regulars coming through the doors and having a nice chat and getting to know them on a personal level which we feel is very important.
"We have noticed in the last few years a younger generation supporting us with is great to see as they are our future regulars.
"We hope to continue to as we are and with the continuous support of everyone from the town and afar we hope to still be here for another 42 years and keep the family business running."
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