The Business was started in Plymouth in 1887 by William G Capps having served his apprenticeship since the 1860's as a watchmaker. William's son, Reginald William Capps, started his apprenticeship with his father for three years and then went to Jersey for a further two years to do his Improvers. Having completed his apprenticeship, he returned to Plymouth. William was adamant that Reginald had to endure the challenges he faced himself when starting a business and told his son he needed to start off with his own business. 

Reginald  opened a shop in Westwell Street Plymouth, using the name 'Wray' - which was his grandmother's maiden name, as his father was still trading using the family name at his business, W G Capps.

The Business was started in Plymouth in 1887 by William G Capps having served his apprenticeship since the 1860's as a watchmaker. William's son, Reginald William Capps, started his apprenticeship with his father for three years and then went to Jersey for a further two years to do his Improvers. Having completed his apprenticeship, he returned to Plymouth. William was adamant that Reginald had to endure the challenges he faced himself when starting a business and told his son he needed to start off with his own business. 

Reginald  opened a shop in Westwell Street Plymouth, using the name 'Wray' - which was his grandmother's maiden name, as his father was still trading using the family name at his business, W G Capps.

On his father's retirement on the 8th July 1921 a promissory note was signed for £1,500.00 for Tenants, Fixtures, Fittings & Stock in respect of the business carried on at 192a Union Street, between father & son. We still have this note to this day preserved in our scrapbook.

Reginald built the business further, trading in two shops in the Plymouth City Centre at Union Street & Old Town Street.

During the war, Reginald only sold his 22ct Wedding rings on a Saturday morning, rationing his supply to last as long as possible. 

After the war, Reginald played a key role for the allocation of premises for the jewellers in Plymouth, as he was the chairman of the Jewellery Association of Plymouth.

On his father's retirement on the 8th July 1921 a promissory note was signed for £1,500.00 for Tenants, Fixtures, Fittings & Stock in respect of the business carried on at 192a Union Street, between father & son. We still have this note to this day preserved in our scrapbook.

Reginald built the business further, trading in two shops in the Plymouth City Centre at Union Street & Old Town Street.

During the war, Reginald only sold his 22ct Wedding rings on a Saturday morning, rationing his supply to last as long as possible. 

After the war, Reginald played a key role for the allocation of premises for the jewellers in Plymouth, as he was the chairman of the Jewellery Association of Plymouth.

After the war, Reginald was joined by his daughter Bettie & her husband Herbert Statton. They were later joined by their son Richard. Richard completed his work experience in Taunton, enjoying watching Somerset Cricket Club during his lunch hours in the summer months!

In 1963, the New George Street premises was opened. It still remains open today (61 years later) being run by Richard's son Andrew who joined the business 1985.

In August 2006 Andrew (Snr) achieved his ambition of a second shop, when 51 Fore Street, Kingsbridge was opened whilst working with his wife, Karen. In 2012 Andrew (Jnr), the sixth generation, joined his father in the business working in the Kingsbridge store. In 2017, Andrew Jnr obtained his Diamond Diploma at the prestigious Gemmological Association of Great Britain. 

Andrew Snr and Andrew Jnr continue to work side by side to carry the family business forward for future generations.

After the war, Reginald was joined by his daughter Bettie & her husband Herbert Statton. They were later joined by their son Richard. Richard completed his work experience in Taunton, enjoying watching Somerset Cricket Club during his lunch hours in the summer months!

In 1963, the New George Street premises was opened. It still remains open today (61 years later) being run by Richard's son Andrew who joined the business 1985.

In August 2006 Andrew (Snr) achieved his ambition of a second shop, when 51 Fore Street, Kingsbridge was opened whilst working with his wife, Karen. In 2012 Andrew (Jnr), the sixth generation, joined his father in the business working in the Kingsbridge store. In 2017, Andrew Jnr obtained his Diamond Diploma at the prestigious Gemmological Association of Great Britain. 

Andrew Snr and Andrew Jnr continue to work side by side to carry the family business forward for future generations.