Ooh yes, Stilly, airport shops are very enjoyable.

I liked having a sniff at all the perfumes (and maybe trying some of the testers - by the time my flight was called I smelt like a tart's parlour!) There are silk scarf shops, fashion outlets, and as you say, jewellery shops.
I never actually bought anything, but I did so love browsing.

I also enjoyed watching all the take-offs and landings, which one can do at certain airports (Norwich, Edinburgh for example)

I have to say, my best memory of all of Gatwick Airport was the moment my lovely husband passed through the Arrivals gate after we'd managed to get our Marriage Visa. It was his first time ever to set foot in the UK. He looked terrified and exhausted, but our joyous hug lasted about five minutes!
Our very kind taxi driver waited discreetly to one side, then drove us all the way back to Norfolk.