Our Heritage

Behind the name was a skilled jeweller and silversmith with a discerning eye for diamonds and a deep appreciation for quality.

Lister Horsfall began his career as an apprentice jeweller, developing the expertise that would eventually lead him to establish a business of his own.

There was a fittingly personal start to his new venture. On the first day of trading, Lister’s father arrived by horse and carriage to make the very first purchase.

A family moment that quietly marked the beginning of everything that followed.

As the family business entered its next chapter, Lister’s three sons - Walter, Georg and Lister - became part of its story, with Walter eventually taking over the business.

During the Second World War, Walter’s mechanical skills and attention to detail were put to important use, earning him military recognition. After the war, he returned home to Halifax and the family business.

Walter continued the legacy his father had begun, bringing his own expertise while maintaining the personal service and trusted relationships at the heart of Lister Horsfall.

Following in the footsteps of his father Walter, Richard Horsfall joined the family business with a particular fascination for diamonds and gemstones.

That passion quickly became expertise. At just 20 years old, Richard became the world’s youngest qualified gemmologist - bringing a new depth of knowledge to Lister Horsfall and strengthening the family’s reputation for fine jewellery.

Richard’s understanding of precious stones, combined with the personal approach passed down through generations, would help shape the next era of the business.

With the business continuing to grow, Richard took Lister Horsfall beyond Halifax for the first time, opening a second showroom in Ilkley.

It marked an exciting new chapter for the family business - bringing generations of jewellery expertise and personal service to a new community, while remaining proudly rooted in Yorkshire.

At just 18, Nick Horsfall joined the family business, becoming the fourth generation to carry the Lister Horsfall name forward.

Working alongside his father, Richard, Nick learned the business from the ground up - gaining experience across the showroom, workshop and day-to-day running of the company.

Seven years later, in 2007, Nick stepped into the role of Managing Director, ready to lead Lister Horsfall into its next chapter while building on more than a century of family heritage.

Four generations, one family story - and a new era begins.

A century after Lister Horsfall first opened its doors, the milestone was celebrated alongside friends, clients and the local community who had become part of the story over the years.

To mark the occasion, Richard and Maryannig Horsfall arrived by horse and carriage - recreating the journey made by Lister’s father when he came to make the very first purchase on the opening day in 1902.

It was a wonderful moment that brought the story full circle - celebrating not only 100 years in business, but the family, traditions and relationships that had shaped Lister Horsfall along the way.

One hundred years, four generations, and a family story still being written.

In 2015, our Halifax showroom entered a new era, expanding further and introducing a dedicated space for fine jewellery.

A new jewellery area and bar that created a more relaxed and welcoming experience - somewhere clients could sit, talk and take their time discovering something special.

The transformation brought a fresh feel to our historic Halifax home, while keeping the personal service and familiar welcome our clients had come to know.

A new space, designed around the people who walk through our doors.

In 2019, our Ilkley showroom entered its next chapter, extending the existing space and giving our clients more room to relax, explore and enjoy their time with us.

The new showroom introduced an extended fine jewellery area, elegant seating and a dedicated bar - creating a setting where clients could enjoy a drink, spend time with our team and discover our collections at their own pace.

It marked an important moment for Lister Horsfall in Ilkley, elevating the showroom experience while retaining the warmth and personal service that have always been at its heart.

A new era for our home in the heart of Ilkley.

In 2022, Nick Horsfall became CEO, marking another important moment in the family story.

Having joined the business at 18 and worked alongside his father Richard, Nick brought more than two decades of experience into the role, along with a clear vision for the future of Lister Horsfall.

As the fourth generation to lead the business, his focus remains on moving Lister Horsfall forward while staying true to what has mattered since 1902 - family values, trusted relationships, expertise and exceptional personal service.

The fourth generation carrying forward a family story that began in 1902.

In 2024, more than 120 years after Lister Horsfall first opened its doors on Corn Market, Nick brought to life his vision for the future of our Halifax home.

The showroom grew more then three times its size, creating a true destination for fine jewellery and luxury watches. Dedicated brand spaces, private client areas, on-site parking and our Rolex Authorised Service Centre came together under one roof, creating an experience designed around our clients.

For Nick, it was about far more than creating a larger showroom. It was about investing in Halifax, the town where his great-grandfather’s story began, while creating a destination showroom that would welcome clients from across Yorkshire and beyond.

From a little diamond shop in 1902 to a destination for generations to come.

Much has changed since Lister first opened the doors in 1902, but what matters most has stayed remarkably simple - our clients, the relationships we build and the moments we are privileged to be part of.

From choosing an engagement ring or marking a milestone, to finding a watch that may one day be passed to the next generation, these are more than purchases. They become part of people’s lives and, in turn, part of our story too.

Our heritage may have begun with one family, but it has been shaped by thousands of others.

And after more than a century, the most exciting part of our story is still the one yet to be written.