Varoshe to open showroom in Kent - from handcuffs to handmade!

Award-wining team Paul T Owens and Clare Carlson, who between them have 50 years experience of designing and making jewellery, will roll out their brand new showroom on April 21st with their own custom made designs proudly exhibited and their on site workshop ready for new commissions.

They will also stock items from various designers, both established and emerging, showcasing the best in British and international design talent.

The Grade II listed building on West Street, built in the early 19th century, was a former maltings before it was converted into a police office in 1999. Paul and Clare bought it last year and have painstakingly restored it, preserving as much as the original materials as they could to make the space 'open and inviting' with wooden floors and exposed original brickwork. 

Halfway through the Varoshe restoration  

"We are so excited to be finally opening our showroom," said Clare.

"It has been a long time coming and a huge amount of work, but we are nearly there now. I cannot wait to open our doors on the 21 st! Our main aim is to create pieces of jewellery (or silverware) that have an emotional connection with their owners. 

"Jewellery is more than just an adornment, it is a symbol of who we are, to signify the journey we have travelled in our lives. When jewellery is bought it is often to mark a special occasion; whether it be an engagement, a birthday, an anniversary, the birth of a child, or even the death of a loved one. Whatever the reason, every piece of jewellery is unique. 

                                  Bespoke designs from Paul T Owens and Clare Carlson at Varoshe

At Varoshe we take pride in helping guide our customers through their journey of creating, or remodelling, that perfect piece of jewellery to mark their life's special moments. After all, you are unique, your jewellery should be too!"

Paul trained as a metalsmith before turning his attentions to gold, becoming a jeweller to clients such as Asprey, Theo Fennell, the Sultan of Brunei and the Royal Family with commissions extending to a handmade gold and diamond set Easter egg, standing two feet tall.

In 2009, he earned the highest award for craftsmanship, the Jacques Cartier Memorial Award, with a hand crafted, working model of an oil rig which was not only awarded this prestigious award, but also the gold award for Best Senior Craftsman, the gold award for Best Finished Piece and the gold award for Best Model. More recently, last September he was bestowed the honour of Freedom of the City of London.

The pair have worked together since 2004 when Clare graduated from Edinburgh College of Art, with a degree in jewellery design and manufacturing. She then worked at a Royal Warrant holding jewellers, where she remained, learning the skills of the trade, until last month when she left to open the new Varoshe shop.

Varoshe jewellery can be found at @varoshebespokejewellery on Facebook and @varoshe_bespokejewellery on lnstagram. Find out the latest news by signing up to Varoshe's newsletter at www.varoshe.com.