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PRUDEN
SMITH
The Arts and Crafts village of Ditchling , nestled in the Sussex Downs 8 miles north of Brighton is full of surprises . At the centre of the village , in the building that once housed the Historic Ditchling Press , are the hidden workshops of Pruden and Smith . Pruden and Smith was founded in 1988 by fineart-trained designer Rebecca Smith , and Anton Pruden , grandson of the silversmith Dunstan Pruden , a member of The Guild of St Joseph and St Dominic founded by Eric Gill .
Pruden and Smith draw on their wealth of experience , combining the very best of traditional craftsmanship with cutting edge technology to produce unique contemporary designs in gold , silver and platinum . From Fine Jewellery to Church Plate for clients as diverse as Glyndebourne Opera House , Worth Abbey and The British Museum . Their jewellery design utilizes both the traditional jewellery gemstones of diamond , ruby , emerald and sapphire , and unusual gemstones , such as tanzanite , labradorite and lapis lazuli . Designer Rebecca Smith travels once a year to India to source , design and cut the unusual gemstones in their collection . Their gallery is full of stunning new designs for sale in silver , gold and platinum featuring diamonds and unique coloured gemstones to inspire you . Discover unique handmade jewellery , find the perfect gift , or commission something new .
Half of the Pruden and Smith Team from the right : Simon Alexander , workshop manager , Suzy Dunford , design team , Rebecca Smith , Director , Kat Zahran , Gallery Manager , Kate Wilson , Jewellery Maker , Anton Pruden , Director .
10 Chalices for Worth Abbey in silver and silver gilt .
REDESIGN YOUR OLD JEWELLERY Another of their passions is to design using recycled jewellery in a process they call “ A Precious Legacy ”. If your jewellery box contains items that hold precious memories but are broken , don ’ t fit , or are not your style , then Pruden and Smith ’ s unique redesign service , “ A Precious Legacy ”, is a chance to breathe new life into your collection . Taking inspiration and materials from your treasured mementos to create new designs , means your jewellery can be worn again whilst keeping its legacy alive . The process includes a free preliminary assessment and 1-to-1 design consultation . An exciting and cost-effective way to treat yourself to the best in contemporary design .
VISIT DITCHLING Take a free workshop tour of the Pruden and Smith workshops ! This unique guided tour is a chance to see British Arts and Crafts heritage live in action . Meet expert designers and craftspeople for a glimpse inside the fascinating world of the goldsmith , where a 200 year old wire drawing bench is still used used alongside state-of-the-art laser equipment . Combine your visit to the Arts and Crafts Village of Ditchling and your tour of the Pruden and Smith Jewellery and Silversmithing workshops with a visit to the award winning
Setting a piece of rough cut Lapis Lazuli into an earring .
Ditchling Museum of Art and Craft which showcases the Guild of St Joseph and St Dominic . The guild was set up in 1921 by Eric Gill and colleagues on Ditchling Common . Dunstan Pruden , goldsmith and silversmith arrived there in 1932 . This legacy inspired Anton Pruden and Rebecca Smith to study their craft and to set up Pruden and Smith in the village in 1988 .
The first step towards remodelling your jewellery is to book a free design consultation and workshop tour with their designer Rebecca Smith . Call 01273 846338 or email info @ prudenandsmith . com Open 10am - 5pm , 7 days a week , including bank holidays .