Chunky jewellery shop in East Sussex
If you’re anywhere near Eastbourne then here’s a place to visit – SOM jewellery shop.
If you hate busy town centres and prefer to shop where it’s peaceful then you’ll like Compton Street in Eastbourne. It’s tucked away between the sea front and the wonderful Towner Gallery (and the tennis in June), yet still only a short walk from the station. It’s one of those rows of interesting shops with a traditional feel and, unusually for Eastbourne, it’s possible to park there.
Goldsmith and designer, Steven Dennis, considers it perfect for his jewellery shop SOM. It gives him lots of room for his huge display cases or for customers to sit and talk about what they’d like made.
Out the back is Steven’s workshop: predominantly a goldsmith Steven enjoys both working on his own designs and customers’ commissions. Some customers have been coming back to him since he first opened in St Leonards some twenty years ago. 
Steven’s jewellery is bold by comparison with most designers working with precious metals, as this silver bracelet, called Artic, shows. It’s proved very popular, despite the price tag of over £300 – apparently women report back that they love the sound it makes sliding down their arm as they lift a glass of wine!
Over the years, Steven’s love of bold, chunky jewellery led him to branch out into stocking others’ designs, so now you can find something in the shop for whatever amount you want to spend. That’s the other thing I really like about it – there’s something there for every budget. I bought my first Jackie Brazil bracelet from Steven and he’s got an eye for things that are really unusual.
As you glance round the shop your gaze keeps falling on yet another vibrant piece of jewellery. These dishes of bangles are incredibly tempting, filled with bangles of all colours. (The friend who was with me who says she can’t wear chunky jewellery couldn’t resist one of them!)
While you’re visiting try to make time for the neighbouring shop – The Owl and Sewing Cat which amongst many treasures has buttons in really unusual colours. While I was browsing in there a customer came in wearing a necklace made from the buttons.
SOM is at 7 Grand Hotel Buildings, Compton Street, Eastbourne BN21 4EJ, phone number 01323 724625. If you want to see Steven’s work and some of the shop stock here’s his website.
