A HANDMADE contemporary jewellery shop based in Taunton’s Independent Quarter will soon celebrate its first birthday.

Olive Rose Contemporary Jewellery, an independent shop specialising in bespoke jewellery on Riverside Place, will hold an exhibition on Friday, January 19 to celebrate its first year in business.

Owner Emma Trott said: “We had a fantastic first year and our first birthday is next Saturday (January 20).

“On Friday 19, we are launching our first mini-exhibition and celebrating our first year in business with an open evening from 5 to 7pm with drinks.

“The new exhibition features three new jewellers from across the UK under the Theme ‘Fantastical: like something out of a story’.”

Somerset County Gazette:

She added: “We showcase 20+ jewellers and makers from across the UK.

“Everything is handmade and high quality, and I make all my jewellery from my jewellers' bench in the window.

“I want Taunton to know what's available in the world of handmade jewellery and our customers to feel confident, and I want them to know what contemporary jewellery is about.

“I am passionate about what we do here at Olive Rose and love to share that with my customers, providing a high-end, personal service.

“We want to be a welcoming space and let people know that jewellery can be affordable.”

Somerset County Gazette: Emma at work in her studioEmma at work in her studio (Image: Tessa from Headcake Photography)

Emma, who has been a jeweller for 14 years, revealed she chose to use her children's middle names for her shop and explained her business offers a variety of handmade pieces using different materials, with prices ranging from £20 to £2,500.

She said: “I came to work here, in the previous gallery, when it was Polka Dots.

“In 2022, the owner contacted me to check if I wanted to take on this place, and I opened in January 2023.

“The first year has been insane and I have been able to be a full-time jeweller.

“I wonder how many people had an Olive Rose bag under their Christmas tree with something I made.”

Do you own an independent business in Taunton that you would like to feature in our Love Shopping Local campaign? 

Email tom.leaman@newsquest.co.uk or fill in the form below.