It's an overused phrase, but when Phill and Judy Nauthe close the doors on their family jewellery business for the last time on June 30 it really will be the end of an era.
Established in 1931 by Mr Nauthe's European grandfather, Chaz Nauthe, Nauthe's Jewellers was a fixture in Sydney's Pitt Street for decades before the East Blaxland couple relocated the store to Springwood 28 years ago.
The husband and wife team will begin a well-earned retirement at the end of the month, leaving innumerable bespoke pieces of jewellery as their legacy.
Mrs Nauthe admitted to having "mixed emotions" about their imminent departure from Springwood's Town House Plaza arcade despite knowing "it's time for us to retire".
But she is proud of the role the business has played in the lives of its customers.
The craftsmanship and restoration skills of both Phill and long-time friend and fellow qualified jeweller Grant Stephenson have ensured countless family heirlooms will continue to be passed down through generations.
"We are leaving a legacy of pieces that will be handed on through families - that's what's special," said Mrs Nauthe.
She said it was a "privilege to have people's trust" to create or restore pieces of jewellery as well as become part of their engagements or weddings.
"It's lovely when customers, who we've made wedding rings or engagement rings for, send us photos after they've proposed, or photos from their weddings. That's a very special thing to be part of."
With much jewellery today designed by computer and assembled from components, Nauthe's has always prided itself on its personalised approach and attention to detail.
"We're not just making something [generic] to put in the counter. We'll ask customers what they want and make it for them," said Mr Nauthe.
Nauthe's Jewellers has alway gone the extra mile to make a customer's wishes a reality, like the woman who had her late fisherman husband's ashes turned into a graphite stone and placed inside the mouth of a specially designed fish-shaped ring.
In their decades in business, Mrs Nauthe said they were also blessed to have "fantastic"' staff.
"We've had lovely, lovely people working for us; that has been a real blessing.. .We've been so privileged and honoured to have friendships like that," she said.
As word of their retirement has spread, the Nauthes have been touched by the customers who have called in just to say goodbye (or give their dogs Nelson and Billy a treat).
But apart from spending time with their family, the couple doesn't have long-term plans for their retirement yet.
"We need to have a big rest and then we'll make decisions," said Mrs Nauthe.
