BAROQUE Celebrates Twenty Years of Design, Craftsmanship and Community
Brighton independent jewellery business BAROQUE is celebrating 20 years of design, craftsmanship and community, marking two decades of creating unique and bespoke jewellery from its workshop and boutique in the heart of the city’s famous Lanes.
Founded in 2006 by a small collective of four local jewellery designers, BAROQUE has grown into an award-winning independent business with a loyal following of local and international customers. The company now employs 12 people and continues to combine traditional jewellery-making techniques with its distinctive gothic and rock ’n’ roll aesthetic.
The business has remained independent through two global financial crises, the COVID pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis and significant increases in metal prices. Two of the original founders, Jason French and Pippa Reeve, continue to lead the business. In 2022, BAROQUE doubled its shop footprint by expanding into the neighbouring premises at 9–10 Union Street, creating the BAROQUE Atelier.
As head goldsmith, Jason French works alongside a team of six goldsmiths, stone setters and engravers, creating pieces by hand using precious metals, diamonds and gemstones. Pippa Reeve oversees the retail side of the business, working with customers on bespoke commissions and sourcing unusual diamonds and gemstones. The resulting jewellery ranges from highly personal bespoke pieces to flamboyant collections, all reflecting BAROQUE’s signature approach. The same aesthetic extends into the boutique, with deep burgundy walls, snake and dragon wallpaper inspired by the Royal Pavilion, vintage display cabinets and constantly changing window displays featuring work by local creatives.
Reflecting on the milestone, Pippa Reeve says: “We didn’t set out to create a strong brand when we started making jewellery together and feel incredibly proud that our independent business has remained true to our values 20 years on.”
She adds: “It’s a joy to turn these precious metals and stones into something uniquely beautiful. We spend a lot of time with our customers to create bespoke designs that will endure.”
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, BAROQUE has created a new collection of 20 exclusive fine jewellery designs inspired by bamboo – a symbol of strength, longevity and resilience. The collection features colourful gemstones and diamonds set among hand-engraved bamboo leaves and stalks, across rings, earrings, necklaces, cuffs and bracelets in silver and gold.
“Twenty years in business is quite the milestone, so we wanted a symbolic reference for this new collection that went beyond the aesthetic,” says Jason French. “The lucky bamboo plant is a powerful living metaphor for navigating life’s challenges without breaking.”
Emeralds feature prominently in the collection, reflecting their association with a 20th anniversary. The designs also explore the different structures of the bamboo plant, with the team experimenting with unusual settings and forms.
BAROQUE predicts that its silver bamboo hoop earrings and articulated chain bracelets will become future best-sellers, alongside its distinctive snake and dragon signet rings.
The new Bamboo collection is available now from BAROQUE at 9–10 Union Street, Brighton, BN1 1HA, and online here.
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