This year marked a milestone for Essential, celebrating over three decades in the jewellery industry.
Founded in 1990 by Clare Andrew, Essential opened its first boutique in Southampton’s Bargate Centre. What began as a single independent shop, offering colourful and exciting jewellery, has since grown into seven stores across the South of England alongside a thriving online store.
36 years on, Essential continues to be proudly family run, with the next generation now leading the business forward. While jewellery trends have changed over the years, Essential remains true to its original ethos: a commitment to providing affordable jewellery that doesn't compromise on quality or style.
Essential is known for a focus on sterling silver, valued for its durability and beautiful shine. The team continually responds to evolving trends, offering pieces designed to be worn and loved every day for years to come.
Since its beginnings, Essential has grown a loyal and wide-ranging community of customers. From familiar faces returning to the shops time and time again, to those discovering new pieces through the online store. Based in Winchester, Hampshire, Essential’s reach now stretches well beyond the South, bringing its jewellery to customers all across the UK.
As Essential marks this exciting milestone, the focus is firmly set on what comes next. In the coming weeks, an online bridal store is set to launch. With an emphasis on freshwater pearls and sparkling cubic zirconia, it is a collection of carefully crafted pieces at a price within reach for the modern bride.
For the past 36 years, Essential has consistently delivered, with much more still to come.
