Jeweller marks 20 years in business

After graduating with a BA (Hons) in jewellery design in 1982, he worked with a number of lifestyle companies and fashion designers, including The Mulberry Co and John Richmond.

His first workshop was in Hove but it became too small so he moved to the Star Brewery in Lewes in 1997.

He said: "That was a great experience. In Hove I had been surrounded by more industrial firms.

"In Lewes I was mixing with people involved in a range of artistic and craft based enterprises. It was almost like being back in university.

"I learnt a lot from the people and enjoyed being there. I was also able to take on Alexis Dove as an apprentice."

But the popularity of his designs and a rapid increase in business in the past three years prompted him to move into his own shop in nearby High Street.

It was opened last week by the Mayor of Lewes, Councillor Barbara Riddihough.

Mr Smith said: "The business had been growing so fast I needed more room.

"Turnover had increased 50 per cent a year for the past three years and I had Alexis working with me so more space was important.

"I was initially looking for a bigger workshop but they are hard to find because so many of them are being turned into fashionable accommodation so I decided to go for a shop and workshop."

Mr Smith is a member of the Sussex Guild and exhibits his work at specialist craft fairs, galleries and independent jewellery shops, including Soma in Meetinghouse Lane, Brighton.

His work has evolved during the years with the emphasis now on handmade jewellery.

His latest collection uses precious metals, precious and semi-precious stones and fresh water pearls.

Most of the detail is finished using a technique known as reticulation, which involves melting the surface of the silver.

To mark his anniversary, he is working on a collection of platinum and gold wedding and engagement rings.

He said: "The move has kept us busy but now its open we will be able to spend more time making jewellery."