Jewellery shops in Norfolk or East Anglia? Or just general ideas for getting an engagement ring years after the fact.

[ShowOfHands]

DH and I were students when we got engaged and he bought a token ring for me. We've been together 22 years this year and he would like to buy a proper engagement ring or just a ring as a symbol of the years we've endured enjoyed.

I prefer the idea of something old/vintage so would like to poke about in some shops when we are able.

I also quite like the Hairy Growler in Cambridge and have toyed with the idea of commissioning him or somebody similar to make something unique.

I'm a bit of an old hippy, like nature, gardening, colour. Style wise, I live in ridiculous dungarees with alarming patterns, patchwork stuff I've made or found in charity shops, DMs, tie dye, bright colours, patterned tights, ludicrous home knitwear. Jewellery wise, I don't really wear it aside from my wedding ring. I like ridiculous earrings, curiosities, multi-coloured costume jewellery. Hopefully, I don't look as jaw droppingly awful as I've made it sound. 13yo DD refers to me as a Gudrun Sjoden model in training which isn't far off the mark (clothes wise at least, I have a face for radio).

I don't want to spend a fortune because I'm not that person but wondered how to find something meaningful and a bit different as a non-shopper.

Where do I start?

There are loads of little second hand/antique jewellery shops in Norwich, mostly around the lanes area, or if you want something made Sonkai in the royal arcade are really good (the owner/goldsmith made my wedding ring). I don't think they're all open at the moment but once lockdown finishes it's worth a day out.

Have a look at this Facebook page ( screen shot attached)They are based in I think East Harling. They also run jewellery workshops.
Also as well as the lanes I would have a look in the antique shops on Magdalen street as well as some of the stalls on Norwich Market

No suggestions but you sound fab!

Hi Showy. How about looking at auction houses? Try Cheffins or Willingham (though these might be a bit too far west for you!)

www.zelleyjewellers.co.uk/

@Poledra

Hi Showy. How about looking at auction houses? Try Cheffins or Willingham (though these might be a bit too far west for you!)

Oh sod a ring. I'm getting a steam engine from Cheffins auctions. It'll coordinate brilliantly with my patchwork coat. Thanks Pol 😘

@Sparklyring

No suggestions but you sound fab!

You're only getting half a picture. I'm also old, like to watch Only Connect and collect books on pillboxes.

I think I might need a trip to Norwich as an information finding exercise. I'll start in Biddy's tea rooms, go to the lanes and mooch round Head In The Clouds, wander down to Tomblands and the cathedral and the second hand book shop and perhaps squeeze in the jewellery bit at some point.

I love The Royal Arcade too. Have they put anything in what was Jamie Oliver's place yet?

Have you looked in Primavera in Cambridge? They have quite a big range and some gorgeous rings from individual designers that sound like they could be your style!

www.primaveragallery.co.uk/collections/jewellery/rings?page=1

Zelleys is a great place. I'd also take a look at Albrow and Sons which is opposite John Lewis.
I have some lovely pieces from there.

Oh and meant to say that I don't think anything is in Jamie Oliver's place yet, but I love the Royal Arcade too.

@justaweeone

Have a look at this Facebook page ( screen shot attached)They are based in I think East Harling. They also run jewellery workshops. Also as well as the lanes I would have a look in the antique shops on Magdalen street as well as some of the stalls on Norwich Market

I'm now considering a jewellery making workshop too!

I haven't been to Cambridge for a while. We go and visit our best friends on the train regularly usually and go to the folk festival every year but Covid has got in the way.

Hoping to visit over Christmas if rules allow but will do a proper trip when the world rights itself.

I hope head in the clouds is ok through this terrible business.
I used to shop there all the time when I was at school and college, every time I go back to Norwich I have to go and check they are still open and still selling the same grandad shirts and stripey trousers.

I couldn't bear it if they closed. I used to shop in there with my mates at a weekend. We'd get the bus into town, hang around in Head in the Clouds, buy cookies from Millie's Cookies and browse CDs in HMV for hours on end. We weren't cool 14yr olds that's for sure. I'm 39 now and still shop there. They'd better flipping survive.

Have a look in the vintage (and regular) section on eBay, lots of small jewellers are selling on there at the moment and there are a lot of online sellers who don't have shops. Even if you don't buy from there it's a good place to look for ideas of what you like.

I'll have a look on ebay for some ideas 😊

Last time I went on ebay, I got distracted and bought a bumbag with axolotls on it.

From what you said about your style, I think you might suit a raw diamond or other raw stone.

Oh I like raw gemstones Charity! Never looked at them before.

I'm sure you already know this but Etsy is excellent for handmade jewellery.

Have you thought of doing a sliversmithing course together and making each other a ring?
You have already waited a long time!

@ISBN111

Have you thought of doing a sliversmithing course together and making each other a ring? You have already waited a long time!

He would love that.

We already have a forge in our garden so that we can do blacksmithing. He has always wanted to try his hand at being a silversmith. I'll give anything crafty a go.

I turn 40 next month and he turns 40 in a year. Maybe we should celebrate and go and make some jewellery.

We can't do it yet though so we'll settle for forging a romantic companion set in the back garden. Don't tell me I never bash that bloke's anvil.

Sounds fun!
What is a companion set?
I would love to do any kind of smithing.... i will have time one day

For a specially commissioned ring that would fit with the style you've described and a sensible (ie. Not stupidly expensive) budget, I really recommend Stoned & Hammered on Elm Hill, Norwich. It's run by a lovely female artisan. I had my ring made there. She also has lots of ready made pieces.

Thank you @sessell I'll definitely check them out. I've just booked two days off work near Christmas but before schools break up in the hope that lockdown lifts slightly and DH and I can go for a walk round Norwich. Well DH has booked one day off. I'm going to have a sneaky duvet day on my own on the second day.

@ISBN111 I've attached a photo of a companion set!