A jeweller is expanding after winning a competition to open a unit at Bluewater, with six months rent free.

The shopping centre ran the Made in Kent competition in July, aiming to celebrate and support independent retailers.

It was won by award-winning luxury Kent jewellery brand, Custom & Co.

The bespoke jeweller has now opened the doors to its pop-up boutique just in time for the Christmas rush.

It is the company's second branch – its flagship boutique is in Maidstone’s Royal Star Arcade.

Owner and head goldsmith Ben Wells hopes to be a permanent fixture in Bluewater beyond the initial six-month pop-up phase, which spans the most popular proposal period from Christmas and New Year right through to Valentine’s Day.

Ben said: “Being settled alongside luxury, global jewellery brands is something that as an independent Kent business we’re really proud to achieve.

“As a jeweller with inhouse goldsmiths, we will bring a unique experience to purchasing jewellery at Bluewater. We provide our customers with an understanding of the materials, process and value, much like you’d expect if you were visiting the London’s jewellery quarter in Hatton Garden.

"We will have our workshop and goldsmiths front and centre in a glass-walled workshop, providing an element of theatre as guests will be able to watch from within and outside the boutique itself.”

As well as being the first expansion for the fine jeweller, Custom & Co is also launching its first ready-to-wear collection for the autumn/winter season. It is available in both the Maidstone and Bluewater branches. The collection includes affordable, ready-to-wear pieces.

Custom & Co was founded in 2014 by Ben and quickly made a name for itself as the only jeweller in Maidstone using 3D technology to create bespoke and intricate pieces of fine jewellery.

After coming out of the turbulent lockdown period, Ben spotted the Made in Kent competition and it encouraged him to revisit his vision to expand the business.

The pop-up shop will provide a space for customers to chat with resident goldsmiths to craft their jewellery pieces.

You can find it on Upper Level Thames Walk, opposite Primark and next to House of Fraser.

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