'Watford has a lost a star that shone'. 'The best jewellery shop I've ever known'. Those are just two of a host of affectionate tributes that have been paid by friends, customers and former colleagues of a popular and well-known Watford jeweller who died on New Year’s Eve.
The Watford Observer reported David’s death on Thursday and we have since received dozens of messages of sympathy and memories of him from readers. You can scroll through and read them here:
Community answers
Leave your tribute to David Jackson
"David Jackson was part of Jackson Jewellers for more than 60 years. Did you know him or remember being served by him in the shop? Leave your tributes here."
We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.
What are your memories of David Jackson?We felt privileged to be both served and informed by such a wonderfully renowned jeweller. Always looked in the window when in Watford. Every customer was made to feel special.
What are your memories of David Jackson?Rest In Peace!
What are your memories of David Jackson?Very sad news lovely man have been going in the shop for years
What are your memories of David Jackson?Apart from being extremely knowledgeable and well read, David was the nicest, kindest, inspirational person to work for. I learnt so much from him about gemology and antiques. Sending my heartfelt sympathies to the Jackson family.
What are your memories of David Jackson?As a teenager, working at Jackson Jewellers was my first weekend job when I was 17. I learnt how to change watch batteries and enjoyed gaining a little knowledge about precious stones and measuring finger size for rings. I worked at Jacksons for a couple of summers whilst at school and at University (1989 1991). The family were lovely and David I remember as a knowledgeable and caring man. I send my condolences to his family. Tamsin Prout
What are your memories of David Jackson?When ever asked if I know of a traditional jeweller that will give honest advice, Jackson’s is always the shop that I recommend. I’ve known Jacksons for over 30 years having worked above the Kardomah Coffee House for Trusthouse Forte. This is sad news. RIP David and let’s hope that the Jackson legacy will live on. RIP.
What are your memories of David Jackson?The nicest, kindest, most genuine gentleman I ever met. Thank you for the memories.
What are your memories of David Jackson?I’m married to Simon Covey and his sister Louise is best friends with Nicky - David’s wife. David made my wedding ring. He’ll be very missed. Love Vikki and Simon xx
What are your memories of David Jackson?So sorry to hear that sad news. I have been a customer for many years and remember his Mum well too. I used to barter with Mr Jackson and he always gave me a little discount. . He was an absolute gentleman and will be sorely missed for his smile and friendly approach. Rest in peace.
What are your memories of David Jackson?In the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s I worked for a wholesale silversmith in Clerkenwell. It was ALWAYS a pleasure to serve this nice intelligent humorous man.
What are your memories of David Jackson?A man who you could always have fun around and told the best stories. Havn't been in a sauna since you told me what could happen. Very sorry for your loss.
What are your memories of David Jackson?So sad to hear of his death - I had a long chat to him when Jackson's carried out a repair for me a couple of years ago and he was so helpful. He also remembered my father and grandmother, both of whom were customers and Watford residents. A lovely man who will be missed by customers and a great family business which I hope will continue.
What are your memories of David Jackson?David was a real gent, always a pleasure to chat to. Any subject was open for discussion. A man of the 'old school', he will be missed.
What are your memories of David Jackson?When we were burgled David was the reason the guy was caught! He tried to to sell a locket with pictures in it at Jacksons and David rang the police and had them waiting when the guy came back after the hours 'valuation'. Consumate professional and will be missed for sure. I remember going in there as a child with the case of treasure stones! My husband's wedding ring was from Jacksons! His family must be devastated. So very sorry for your loss.
What are your memories of David Jackson?David Jackson was always very kind and welcoming to me and everyone he met. It was a joy to be in the shop, nothing was too much trouble... My Heart goes out to the Jackson Family 🙏🌹..
What are your memories of David Jackson?Lovely man, he spent several hours with me in his shop putting together a loss sheet after I had been burgled. I described the piece to him and he opened up drawers in his beautiful shop and found exact pieces to match my description, we got chatting and he was very interested in the history behind the pieces. Despite it being about a burglary, he made it an enjoyable and interesting experience x
What are your memories of David Jackson?Wonderful man always had time for you, and a wealth of knowledge. My husband Peter knew all the family and we chose my engagement ring and eternity ring from the shop. The rings are still going strong after 31 years. Sending my love to the family R.I.P David X
What are your memories of David Jackson?Thoughts are with your beloved family David , your shop was the best jewellery shop I’ve ever known. Looking through the window I would admire your treasures. Rest in peace 🌹xx
What are your memories of David Jackson?Lovely jewellery shop been their for years had watch fix their I my thoughts with the family rest in peace
What are your memories of David Jackson?Jackson Jewellers is a beautiful shop and one I remember from my earliest years. Having been there over the years David and his team are the best. It’s so special to have a place like Jackson’s . Thank you David for all your fine service in the very special shop I will always remember and thoughts and condolences go to your family. Watford has lost a star that shone . With sadness and kind regards, Lyn Pagano
What are your memories of David Jackson?Such a lovely man. He made my wedding and engagement rings and years later when I took one back to have a clasp fixed he wouldn’t let me pay and cleaned them both for me .
What are your memories of David Jackson?Wow 😮 how very sad.....,what a lovely man. He treated his customers with such kindness and respect. He always had “all the time in the world to speak with me” much missed. RIP
What are your memories of David Jackson?A very lovely man, he resized my nan's ring which was left for me. KInowing how distressed I was he made sure I had it back for the time of her funeral. I couldn’t thank him enough for making me feel I had a part of my nan back with me.. just a wonderful man and loved the shop. RIP David thank you for all your years of service . Thoughts are with all his family and friends xx ❤️❤️❤️
What are your memories of David Jackson?Fantastic guy, I knew the family well and served them for many years in my butchers and also being allowed to cook bbqs at his home for family and friends. All round lovely man and will be sadly missed to everyone that has got to know the guy
What are your memories of David Jackson?Working for The Prudential claims dept in the 1980s, we often had to pay a visit to Mr Jackson to get valuations verified or for repairs to be carried out. When I got engaged in 1981, there was only one place I wanted my ring from. Mr Jackson allowed my fiancé Charlie to pay for the three stone diamond antique ring monthly. Sadly my husband passed away in 2004, but I still wear the ring. My wedding ring came from Jackson’s as well. Mr Jackson was always helpful, charming and so knowledgeable. My thoughts are with his family.
What are your memories of David Jackson?I have a number of pieces of much loved jewellery my parents, Brian and Dorothy Bartlett, bought from David and/or his father 50-60 years ago. They were good friends and I remember happy days when they visited Later I bought gold watches for our long serving employees from « Jackson’s Jewellers » and it was good to keep in touch, albeit only occasionally, with David. With much sympathy from our family to the Jackson family.
What are your memories of David Jackson?A wonderful knowledgeable man that it was a real and genuine privilege to be served by. With him, it wasn’t just about a sale, he would and could talk about anything, such a very interesting person, who will be sorely missed.
What are your memories of David Jackson?David was a wonderful man. Always kind honest and helpful. Jackson’s was always my first point of call for anything from watch batteries to valuations and purchases. You will be sadly missed.
What are your memories of David Jackson?A man who was allways happy and friendly. Have known him for aprox 12 years
What are your memories of David Jackson?I purchased a gold chain and St. Christopher medal and a gold crucifix for my dad from David and he gave me the history of the bite mark that was on the crucifix, that belonged to a mother that gave birth to her baby, and she bit on the crucifix. David gave me his time to explain the history of the items purchased, to which meant a lot to me and my dad. David was a very special man, who gave people his care and time and will be missed deeply by so many people. R.I.P. David and God Bless You 🙏
What are your memories of David Jackson?I loved working with David at Jackson Jewellers as a Saturday girl and learnt so much from him. Amazing family and an amazing man. Miriam Scott (Nisbett)
What are your memories of David Jackson?I remember going into the shop & buying my to be wife a pearl necklace & matching earrings. She wore them on our wedding day 25yrs ago. He was a lovely distinguished gentleman.
What are your memories of David Jackson?Always helpful and explained loads of items when I visited the shop.Always found time. True gentleman and part of Watford RIP
What are your memories of David Jackson?I bought my first ring from David and his lovely mother around. 40 years ago I was approx 16 and saw a ring in their beautiful side window. I was very brave and asked to try it on. I was completely charmed upon entering the shop. I fell in love with the ring and they said they would reserve it for me. Can you imagine that! I’d been left a small sum in an aunts will and this is how I paid for it. Looking back / they were both so kind to take me seriously. The ring was Edwardian and had a little damage - I saw it and David said “quite right , we will repair it” and so they did. I treasure the ring which I wear every day. RIP David what a wonderful man
What are your memories of David Jackson?Jacksons is a very soothing constant in Watford town centre's melee of evolution, stepping inside the sound of ticking clocks instantly evokes memories because it hasn't changed since my childhood. David was a thoroughly likeable man and I will miss chatting to him over the counter, he was excellent at building a relationship with the customer and knew the true value of doing so. I had bought a bracelet for my other half's birthday one day and she tripped in the town centre and grazed her hand and scratched the bracelet pretty bad and was that upset that we headed right to Jacksons expecting to get an estimate/appraisal of the damage and book a repair. We were warmly greeted by David and 10 mins later he'd done a fantastic job of polishing out all the damage and refused any payment! This of course made our day and made Jackson's first port of call as far as jewellers go from then on. Another time we went in looking for advice on Victorian pocket watches as re-enactment props and picked through a shoe box of restoration candidates he volunteered which was great fun. David was very knowledgeable, he was keen to share, and generally always keen to help.
What are your memories of David Jackson?So sad to hear of David’s passing, he was a lovely man and so knowledgeable, knew absolutely everything about jewellery and antiques. He will be missed, sending my love to his family x
What are your memories of David Jackson?The most amazing and inspirational human being I’ve ever known. My favourite person in the whole world. We were so lucky to have had you in our lives, life will never be the same again!
What are your memories of David Jackson?Over many years, Mr Jackson had been an invaluable source of advice and knowledge about jewellery, whenever I had reason to enter the delightful shop on the High Street. I always felt his advice was truly independent and not just about securing a sale. My deepest sympathies to the family and I look forward to returning to the shop for many years to come.
What are your memories of David Jackson?David was a very generous, knowledgable kind man. I worked for the family for many years in the 1990’s and have fond memories of my time at Jackson Jewellers. My thoughts and condolences go out to the family and all that knew David. Angela Pearson. X
What are your memories of David Jackson?Always a pleasure to talk to and will be sadly missed by many. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. Rest in peace David Jackson xx
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