About Us

As a family-owned and family-run business, our customers are at the heart of what we do. Our aim is to provide quality jewellery at affordable prices, making our collection accessible to everyone.

Essential Was Started in 1990 by Clare Andrew in a Tiny Tucked Away Shop in Southampton’s Bargate Centre.

It was carefully designed by Clare to allow as much jewellery and accessories to be viewed as possible and arranged in blocks by style and colour. The store soon built up a regular following of lovely customers who returned to seek out its colourful and exciting jewellery at good prices.

Our History

Love at First Sight

Clare and Martin, aged 21 and 23, met in a wine bar called The Frog and Beans, in Colchester in May 1979. Martin was serving in the British Army. Clare was managing a fashion clothing shop called Peppermint Twist. Martin was deployed to Hong Kong in September later that year; he returned the following July where they married with a wedding reception held in Clare’s Mother’s garden.

Picture shows: Clare and Martin on their wedding day.

Our Stores

Bournemouth

Bournemouth Arcade

Bristol

Cribbs Causeway

Guildford

50-51 North Street

Kingston

Temporarily closed due to relocation

Oxford

28 Queen Street

Reading

The Oracle Centre

Southampton

Upper West Quay

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