An entrepreneur who spent a decade running one of the region's top rated fish and chip shops has swapped chips for carats with the launch of a jewellery business.
Wasim Mir managed Harbour View fish and chips in Seaton Sluice, which has a near perfect score on Trip Advisor, and has now returned to his family roots in the jewellery trade. The 36 year-old has refurbished the former Jan Forster offices on Gosforth High Street, launching Mir Diamonds.
Mr Mir is the fifth generation of his family to enter the jewellery business with his father having been a jeweller in Newcastle since 1990, running Mir Jewellers. He said: "After spending nearly 80 hours a week at the chip shop, I made the decision to return to the family trade. Jewellery is in my blood. I was practically raised in my dad’s shop.”
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Having started in his father's shop at a young age, Mr Mir went on to jobs at other jewellers in Newcastle city centre including Northern Goldsmiths. He went from salesperson to watch manager and was part of a leadership team that grew the business' turnover from £6m to £10m.
Mir Diamonds - which opened earlier this month - offers a range of products and services including ring sizing, polishing, custom jewellery design, rhodium plating and natural and lab-produced diamonds. The business also specialises in luxury watches, including brands such as Rolex, Cartier and Breitling.
"Many people are put off by the bureaucracy around luxury watches — we cut through that. If you want a timepiece, we’ll help you source it honestly and fairly," Mr Mir added. "I’ve got a full jeweller’s bench in-store and can create or repair jewellery from scratch. Whether it’s silver or platinum, classic or modern, I’ll help customers find something special.
“My dad built a respected name in the city, and I’m proud to continue that tradition in Gosforth — with my own twist. At Mir Diamonds, we blend modern techniques with old-school service. We’re about honesty, quality, and relationships, not just sales.”
Mr Mir is joined in the business by his wife Anam, who has left a long teaching career. He added: “She supported me when I took on the fish and chip restaurant, and now again with Mir Diamonds — I couldn’t do it without her.
"I’ve been lucky. I’ve had success in food, but jewellery is where I belong. We’re building something our kids can one day be proud of, just as I’m proud of what my dad started."