SUDDENLY, York's link with international glamour has become dazzlingly obvious.

More than 80 guests celebrated the arrival of Links of London by converging on the new branch of the top jewellery chain, in Stonegate, and sipped sparkling Champagne among the glittering gems.

The award-winning chain, which has flagship stores in London's Sloane Square, New York, Paris, Dublin and a recently-opened store in Osaka, Japan, also has new branches in Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, Liverpool and Edinburgh.

But, while York's is the newest of Links' 48 outlets, its Grade II-listed building is the oldest, having been built in 1646. The shop will have five staff, headed up by manager Claire Newbolt.

So why York? Xenia Carr-Griffiths, the chain's retail director, said: "For several reasons. As part of our UK expansion of the brand into major commercial cities and historic centres, York fitted the criteria.

"The city has a fantastic catchment area and we wanted to position ourselves alongside brands with character and Britishness. We are also very proud of being custodians of such a fine building.

"Having already opened in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dublin, York was a natural step in furthering our UK roll-out."

The new shop features men's and women's jewellery, watches, accessories and gifts, generally made from sterling silver and 18-carat gold, and are hallmarked at the Assay Office in London or Edinburgh with Links' own mark.

Links of London was founded in 1990 by jewellery designer Annoushka Ducas and John Ayton, who later married. The firm expanded rapidly and won the Jewellery Brand Of The Year for two years in a row in the Retail Jeweller awards.