Tucked away in the heart of Brighton, Rare Thing is a jewellery studio like no other – a space where ancient craftsmanship meets contemporary creativity.
Opened in November 2022 by jeweller Nattie, the shop is approaching its third anniversary and has fast become a destination for those who love unique, handmade pieces with real soul.
“I wanted to make a space where everyone could come and be creative,” says Nattie. “My workshop is actually in the shop, so you can literally see pieces being made, from the bench to the finished piece. There’s no middleman, just me.”
Nattie has been creating jewellery since 2017 and her distinctive style draws heavily on history. “I love jewellery that looks like it could’ve been dug up out of the ground, it might be a thousand years old or made yesterday, who knows?” she laughs.
Her speciality is granulation, an ancient technique dating back to around 700 BC that involves fusing tiny gold spheres to create intricate textures. “It wasn’t until the 1980s that scientists actually worked out how they did it!” she adds.
Each piece at Rare Thing is entirely handmade, never cast, never machine-finished. The result is jewellery that feels alive, tactile, imperfect and beautifully human. “None of my pieces look like they’ve come off a production line,” says Nattie. “You can still see the tool marks, which makes it more authentic.”
Alongside her bespoke commissions and wedding rings, Nattie also runs a range of workshops. From silver bangles and rings to wedding band sessions for couples wanting to create something truly personal. “People leave with a piece of jewellery they’ve made themselves, it’s really special,” she says.
Another highlight is permanent jewellery, where delicate chains are welded directly onto the wrist, symbolising lasting connection. “Couples, mums and daughters, even best friends come in for it,” Nattie explains. “It’s romantic, meaningful and 100% recycled metal.”
With gift vouchers available and new workshop dates launching for November, there’s never been a better time to discover Brighton’s most beautifully hand-crafted secret.
www.rare-thing.co.uk / @rarethingbrighton / 17 East Street Arcade, Brighton BN1 1HR
