Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery celebrates 20 years on Green Street
Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery has celebrated 20 years on Green Street in Cambridge.
Customers, neighbours and friends were welcomed at the studio and shop to mark the occasion.
Visitors were invited to raise a glass, meet the designers and share in the stories that have shaped the business, which this year adopted an employee-owned model.
Founded in 1998, Harriet Kelsall pioneered the “jewellery design studio on the high street” concept to become a leading bespoke jeweller. It has won more than 30 UK and International awards for design, business, ethics and innovation.
Today, it is headquartered in a refurbished Tudor barn in north Hertfordshire, with three more studios and shops in central Cambridge, Primrose Hill (London) and St Albans.
Managing director Rebecca Howarth said: “Like any retailer, we’ve faced challenges over the past two decades – from rising metal prices to the need to constantly evolve our strategies and ways of working. But the beauty of being a bespoke jeweller is that we can adapt, offering different metal and gemstone choices to suit a customer’s budget rather than holding large amounts of stock.
“What has truly held us together is our incredible team – their dedication, hard work, and the fact that so many have been with us for over a decade. That loyalty and shared commitment have been at the heart of our success.”
What customers want and expect from a bespoke jeweller has changed since Harriet started the business from her kitchen table 26 years ago.
“We’ve seen demand grow so much that we’ve opened four studios over the last 20 years,” said Rebecca.
“Design styles and metal trends have changed along the way, but as a design company we’ve always been able to adapt.
“What we’re noticing more and more now is how much people care about where their materials are sourced, and how deeply personal they want their jewellery to be. From meaningful bespoke designs inspired by their own stories to unique commissions where anything is possible, that personal connection has never been stronger.”
Rebecca thanked those who helped the business mark the anniversary and paid tribute to the vibrant creative spirit of Green Street and its inspiring community of passionate and original independent businesses.
It has been an eventful year for Harriet Kelsall. As well as Rebecca being appointed to the top job, the retailer became an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) too.
“I’m extremely happy for this transition,” said Harriet of the change. “It’s something I’ve been working towards for a long time. In many ways, our company has long run with the spirit of an EOT, with a leadership structure and collaborative management style. This move formalises our already embedded ethos.”