Baroque, a bespoke jewellery boutique located on Union Street in Brighton, Sussex, is marking two decades of operation this year.
The establishment was launched in 2006 by four local jewellery designers and has since grown into a workforce of 12, now under the leadership of original founders Jason French and Pippa Reeve.
Speaking about the milestone, Ms Reeve explained that the collective had not originally intended to establish a prominent brand identity when they began working together, yet they take considerable pride in the fact that their independent enterprise has upheld its original principles throughout the past 20 years.
The business transforms raw precious metals and gemstones into distinctive handcrafted pieces, a process that continues to define its operation.
Throughout its existence, the boutique has navigated multiple significant challenges, including two international financial downturns, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the sustained pressures of the current cost-of-living environment.
Despite these difficulties, the establishment has maintained a dedicated local customer base.
In 2022, the company expanded its physical presence by acquiring the neighbouring retail unit, effectively doubling its available floor space.
This additional area enabled the creation of a dedicated workshop facility on the upper level.
According to Mr French, approximately 90 percent of the items stocked in the store originate from this on-site workshop.
The current team comprises six skilled craftspeople, including goldsmiths, stone setters, and engravers, each producing jewellery using traditional methods and materials sourced through ethical channels.
Ms Reeve noted that the majority of the team members have served the business for extended periods, bringing diverse professional backgrounds and complementary abilities that keep the working environment dynamic and engaging, creating what she described as a familial atmosphere.
To commemorate the 20-year anniversary, Baroque has introduced a new limited collection comprising 20 exclusive designs inspired by the bamboo plant.
The boutique selected bamboo as the theme because it represents qualities of strength, longevity, and resilience.
The range encompasses rings, earrings, necklaces, cuffs, and bracelets, fashioned in both silver and gold.
Each piece features hand-engraved bamboo leaves and stalks, adorned with various gemstones and diamonds.
Mr French, who has pursued the jewellers craft for more than 40 years, stated that reaching two decades in business represented a significant achievement that warranted a symbolic element extending beyond mere visual appeal.
He described lucky bamboo as a meaningful living symbol representing how to confront obstacles without compromising under pressure.
The gift of bamboo, conveying good fortune, success, and uplifting energy to the recipient, was noted as an appropriate and poetic theme for the collection.
The designs also incorporate emeralds, which traditionally correspond to a 20th anniversary celebration.