» Julian Stephens jewellery
Jeweller and silversmith Julian Stephens celebrates a fifth anniversary
It only seems five minutes since Julian Stephens opened the doors on his North Laine premises but is in fact five years so we went along to find out how things are going for one of Brighton’s best loved jewellery makers and silversmiths.
Julian is an unassuming fellow and laughs readily when I ask him how things have changed? ‘‘Well we have lots more work, and we show work by about 40 designers having started with only 12. The biggest difference is that we have lots more regular customers. And that very loyal customer base is buying everything from jewellery to silverware, christening gifts and that sort of thing. For many of them we are their first port of call especially when they are looking for gifts. I suppose they enjoy the eclectic range of styles that we have on offer.’’
Julian claims that he is not a businessman but a craftsman – drawn to things that he falls in love with. The business is run as a gallery, which allows him to take chances and show more adventurous work. ‘‘It’s a changing collection here. We also do repairs and alterations as a jobbing jewellery business. The biggest surprise has been the scale of the bespoke work that we undertake, two thirds of of our business is now commissions. Because of that we have been able to build up an amazing collection of gemstones – we also specialise in platinum and diamond work.
So is bespoke jewellery expensive? ‘‘No, surprisingly not, we start at around £85 for a pair of earrings, a bespoke ring from around £120 after that it’s limitless.‘‘
Larger items of silverware like candlesticks can be commissioned and show the excellence of Julian´s craftsmanship. Recently he was commissioned to design and make the prestigious Bobby Moore trophy to be presented at the English Schools Football Association under 18s final at Wembley. The trophy is made of silver, brass and English oak with a hand chased image of the football star Bobby. Julian went to the final and saw the trophy being presented to England, the winning team. Part of the design is based on the shape of the World Cup trophy – ‘‘I thought it would nice for a kid to be holding up something with that reference.’’ As a company they also undertake commissions for churchware.
Two years ago Julian engaged an apprentice, Poppy. ‘‘She had been recommended by a friend who was working with her. Her apprenticeship has included day release but she has now completed that training and will be working alongside me fulltime.’’
Julian loves being in the North Laine and a part of its exciting community, opening his workshop for evening classes three nights a week. The location is fantastic as it is en-route from the station for visitors who want enjoy the real benefits of Brighton’s amazing range of independent designers and retailers. With so many brilliant and exciting opportunities why would anyone ever want to go to high street chains?
Julian Stephens will be launching a new website in summer with the facility to buy online.
www.julianstephens.com
37 Gloucester Road, Brighton, call: 01273 692110
