Silver Shop

Silver by name, Golden by nature, The Silver Shop is one of Bristol’s best affordable jewellers. There’s nothing ludicrously expensive here, just quality designs in decent precious metals — the kind of thing you buy for birthday presents or to wear perhaps not every day, but not for once in a lifetime special occasions either.
There’s a friendly and accommodating atmosphere to the shop, with smiling staff always eager to help out. Thte jewellery is often original and is always absolutely beautiful. They specialise in modern designs crafted in silver, and although it’s not cheap nor is it expensive, occupying the perfect middle ground.
This isn’t the disposable plastic tat at Topshop and you won’t buy your engagement ring here either, what you’ll get are some unusual, contemporary pieces perfect for lifting a drab or old outfit.

I don’t know about you but I’m often put-​off by small jewellery shops, preferring to linger outside looking longingly through the windows instead. Perhaps it is the snobbish staff or the fact that the things I like are always super expensive.
Regardless, I don’t need to worry about any of this with The Sliver Shop, a tiny store specialising handmade, you guessed it, silver jewellery. The lady behind the counter (I assume she is the owner but I’m not sure) is very friendly and chatty if you catch her in the right mood.
The jewellery itself is surprisingly inexpensive for the quality — I know from browsing that similar gemstone jewellery is much dear in places like St Nicks Market. I got a great pair of silver and turquoise earrings here for just £12 and often look for gifts for female friends and family here.

This is a great little jewellery shop just near the Christmas Steps which is perfect for gifts for the women in your life, or in my case, treats for me. There are lots of different ranges by individual designers and they range from the inexpensive to the pricey. I was particularly taken with some beautiful Navajo Indian designs– lots of silver feather earrings and beaded silver pendants. There are also more modern items with semi-​precious stones from a whole range of clever designers. I agree with Melanie in that the service was very laissez-​faire and on the snooty side but actually when I got talking to the woman behind the counter she was very passionate about what she was selling and knowledgable about the individual designers. I think they source from a wide range of places including trade shows as well as old favourites. If you are ever short of something either classic and simple or slightly more contemporary to buy your mother/​sister/​friend, this is the perfect place.

The Silver Shop is located just off the Christmas Steps, near the city centre. It is a really cute little jewelery shop and really nicely designed inside. The shop window which can be seen from the photograph is a good indication as to the products inside.
Price wise, the Silver Shop is on the same lines as the high street chain jewelery shops however the products I feel are better designed and much more individual.
I did find, however that the service isn’t amazing. As with the previous review I found that because of my age and clothing that I wasn’t especially welcome, but if service doesn’t matter to you then I would recommend this shop for any jewelery needs.

Stunning handmade jewellery sparkles through the window at me. Silvery goodness.
I do find the service on the snooty side — like ‘what are you doing in our shop, you’re wearing high street jeans and I don’t believe you can actually afford a £70 necklace’. Despite the cold reception, I allowed myself to browse. The thing is, everything is so distanced and locked away behind glass cabinets that as a genuine customer looking for a gift I just wasn’t made to feel welcome or worthy. I’d love to see the rings and bangles and funkily crafted silver shapes beautifully displayed and accessible, but instead they appear like untouchable exihibits in a reptile tank.
If your tastes are traditional you may not appreciate the ultra-​modern styling of the pieces here either — all asymetric shapes and jagged edges. I didn’t end up buying anything and probably won’t go back — which is unfortunate as a truly independent jewellers is few and far between in an age of web shopping, ebay and H Samuels cheapery.