Our Company

Import/Export

We regularly receive container loads of rough and semi-precious gemstone products and associated gift items from scources all over the world.
As one of the top importers of these products into Europe we can offer quality at very competitive prices. Our extended premises have resulted in improved display areas and greater stock holding.

Amethyst Mine

Company Background
Established in 1972, by engineering graduates - twins John (seen - almost ! - to the left in the photo above) and Peter Hilton - both of whom are still active partners in the business.
Manchester Minerals (Retail) & Hilton Bros Ltd (Wholesale) are now recognised as a leading European specialist mail-order supplier of Lapidary and Jewellery-making supplies, crystals and gemstones.

Company History

The business developed from a hobby, in the early 70's, into a retail business with five stores in the North West of England and Worldwide Mail-Order sales.
Increased purchasing power enabled the twin brothers to travel the world in search of interesting , competitive and quality products to market. Subsequently a wholesale business(Hilton Bros Ltd) was established and this quickly overtook Manchester Minerals as the major player in their field. The retail shops were closed down - with the exception of Stockport - as the wholesale company grew and became the prime scource of supply for many similar businesses throughout Europe.

Good Stocks and Fast Service

We try to ensure that all the items in our catalogue are available ex-stock.
In order to achieve this we use SAGE computerised accounting linked to our Actinic powered online store.
Inevitably, for such a large range (over 10,000 products), there will be occasions when items are unavailable and a back-order system ensures that those goods will be despatched as soon as possible.

Internet

We are taking advantage of the rapid increase in internet involvement throughout the World and this site is enhancing our share of the market. We have now developed our Actinic 'v8 ' site, to allow wholesale customers to purchase on-line (click on the Hilton Logo link in the left-hand frame).

Location
Both our companies operate from a conveniently located modern warehouse unit, with good on-site car parking.
(Next to 'B&Q' & 'Decathlon Sport' Superstores and Junction 1 of the M60) .

Trading Hours

Manchester Minerals:
our retail showroom is open Monday to Saturday inclusive from 9.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Closed Sundays, Bank Holidays and the week between Xmas and New Year.

Hilton Bros (Lapidary) Ltd;
our trade counter and warehouse is open Monday to Friday inclusive from 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.. Closed Saturday, Sunday, Bank Holidays and the week between Xmas and New Year