Silver Scene's Second Shop- Bristol
Bristol is known for its bursting art scene and supporting small independent businesses, so the city was a fantastic option for Silver Scene to branch out. In December 2003, Marcus and Trudi opened their second store in The Arcade, which is located in the heart of Bristol's Broadmead Shopping centre.
We have the amazing Ceris as Bristol's manager, she's new to the team and fits in perfectly. Ceris' displays are as beautiful as her!
Our website launched in 2018 and our in house, E-Commerce and Social Media Team, is run by Kati and Lacey. We photograph, upload, promote and pack all our orders in a small office above the shop. We are very excited to expand in this area of the business and we have so much planned for the future.
History of The Arcade
The Arcade is a grade 2 listed, Georgian building, built in 1824 and opened in 1825. The Arcade was originally one of two arcades and was known as the 'Lower Arcade'. The 'Upper Arcade', linked The Horse Fair to St James Barton, but it was destroyed in the German bombing raids of 1940. Unfortunately the bombing destroyed much of the medieval streetscape of Bristol's commercial centre. It was decided not to rebuild the Upper Arcade when reconstructing Bristol Centre, but thankfully, the Lower Arcade was listed in 1949, saving it from also being destroyed to make way for new buildings.
Pictured: The Arcade, Bristol in 1925 and 2022 (source: thearcadebristol.com)
In its past, our shop unit in The Arcade, has housed, a wigmakers in 1874, a carver in 1901, a Gramophone dealer in 1925, and a stationers in 1972. In the image above, you can see a photo of The Arcade, Circa 1925, with the Gramophone dealers sign.
Silver Scene is currently the longest serving unit in The Arcade, and the shop will be turning 20 next year. So expect big celebrations for the year 2023.
Meet the manager - Ceris
What do you love about working for Silver Scene ltd?
'I love creating beautiful displays, as it brings out my creativity. I also enjoy talking to our wonderful customers; they always put a smile on my face and I love finding out their favourite stones.'
Recent jewellery display in Bristol; Moonstone. Look at the beautiful billowy blue colour! When the stone is rotated in front of a light source, this effect is called adularescence. Caused by the diffraction of light as it hits thin, alternating layers of orthoclase and albite within the stone.
What's your favorite stone?
'My favourite stone has to be Larimar, the beautiful blue colour reminds me of good memories on family holidays abroad.'
A unique and fairly ‘new’ stone, Larimar can only be found in the Dominican Republic and was first discovered in 1916 but was quickly forgotten about. It was named by Miguel Mendez, the Dominican who re-discovered it in 1974. He combined his daughters name Larissa and the word Mar, Spanish for sea, creating Larimar.
The only known source for Larimar is the Filipinas Mine in Los Checheses. Larimar deposits surface as hot gasses push crystallized minerals up through the volcanic chimneys or tubes. In most cases, miners must dig deep into the volcanic tubes in search of deposits. Very rarely, it can also be found on the shores of the Caribbean, washed up as alluvial deposits carried down by the Bahoruco River.
Larimar is known to represent peace, clarity, healing and love. It is also known to help with stress and anxiety and brings a feeling of calmness to its wearer. It is an empowering stone, removes self-sabotaging behaviour and assists in taking control of one’s life. It is particularly useful for alleviating guilt and removing fear.
Our One-off Larimar and Blue Topaz Penida Pendant, inspired by nature. Our silversmiths have hand worked a Sterling Silver textured, branch design, that wraps elegantly around the Larimar stone, showcasing it perfectly.
How long have you worked for Silver Scene ltd?
'I've worked at Silver Scene for 5 months, and have learned so much! I have more knowledge about the stone properties and how the jewellery is made. I'm really enjoying my time at the company and have settled into the Silver Scene family.'
Tell us something you love about the town/city your store is in.
'I've lived in Bristol for 4 years and I'm still finding new places to shop and eat; especially supporting independent businesses around the city. We have good relationships with the other independent shops in The Arcade. Everyone is really friendly and we all help each other out. It's a really nice environment to work in.'
Video from https://www.facebook.com/arcadebristol
E-Commerce and Social Media Team
We individually upload every single beautiful one-off piece, stone and plain silver jewellery. From pricing, to photography, to the detailed description, it can take over an hour for just one product, by our small team. We try to give every piece of jewellery, its own personality and character, with the Silver Scene creative flare.
Pictured: Left: One-off Labradorite Branchlet Pendant Middle: One-off Opal Three Stone Necklace -16"-18" Right: Silver Boho Ring
Kati has so much fun, photographing the jewellery with props and different backgrounds, shown in the above images.
Our social media has a nature inspired theme, that relates back to the early inspirations of the company. We promote all five shops and post regular new stock alerts (which everyone loves!)
Pictured: Silver Scene Jewellery Instagram page.
We are excited to announce that this month we've given our fabulous customers ongoing 'Free Royal Mail 1st Class Standard Shipping' on our website. All jewellery comes with a free box and a thank you from us, for all your support and for shopping independent.
Blog written by Lacey Berry, E-Commerce and Social Media Team.
