CATHERINE BEST: BRINGING A TOUCH OF THE CHANNEL ISLANDS TO MAYFAIR

Last year, Catherine Best opened the doors of a beautiful new boutique in London's Mayfair, where it joins a host of luxury brands in the heart of the West End. The launch of the new London boutique on Albemarle Street follows on from the success of Catherine Best's award-winning stores in both Jersey and Guernsey. Further expanding the brand's footprint across London is a positive indication of the growth of the business and responds to an increasing demand for a bigger presence of this much-loved brand in the UK.

Catherine Best boutiques have become known for their welcoming and relaxed feel, enabling passer-by and loyal fans to explore the jewellery with ease. The Mayfair store, although positioned within London's famed luxury quarter, is no different. In-house specialists are on hand to guide you through your jewellery requirements, whether you're looking for the engagement ring of your dreams, a rare and beautiful stone or a unique adaptation of an existing piece of jewellery. 

Catherine Best, founder of the brand, has been designing exquisite jewellery for over 30 years. Her passionate love of colour and shape led her to acquire and intricately use some of the world's very best, and often, rarest gemstones. Influence and inspirations close to Catherine's heart are her home in the Channel Islands, family, heritage, protection of endangered wildlife, flora, fauna, vibrant colour and fun. You can see all of these influences in her unique and eye-catching jewellery designs. Catherine is the recipient of multiple awards including the coveted Tahitian Pearl Trophy and is a regular judge for the Goldsmiths Company Awards. She is the only member of the Institute of Professional Goldsmiths in the UK, recognised as both Master Designer and Master Jeweller.

Catherine is joined by her daughter Vikki Freeman, who grew up in a world filled with creativity and colourful gemstones. She decided to embark on a dynamic career in jewellery design after studying Silversmithing, Goldsmithing and Jewellery at the University of the Creative Arts in Kent. Besides her design prowess Vikki is skilled in enamel and silver work and has followed in her Mother's footsteps having already been a winner of a number of awards. This year, she was awarded Gold in the prestigious Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council Awards 2018 in the Production Jewellery category.

Both Catherine and Vikki have a spontaneous approach to design, inspired by vibrant colours and unusual gemstones. Working closely with the stones, both designers have noted that their rarity alone will sometimes inspire an entire jewellery piece. There is also an element of sentimentality and reflection in Catherine Best jewellery. Catherine and Vikki love to breathe new life into existing pieces of jewellery, creating brand new designs from sentimental pieces. This prolongs the client's provenance and history of the jewellery, enabling them to wear special memories in a whole new way.

BACKGROUND

Catherine Best came from humble beginnings and now stands firmly as a part of the community in Jersey, Guernsey and now Mayfair, after being in business for over 30 years. The Jersey and Guernsey stores have been created within original windmills, which were lovingly restored to house Catherine Best's workshops and studios. Both have become recognisable and iconic landmarks in the Channel Islands, enticing curious visitors from all walks of life.  

Left: Vikki and Catherine of the Catherine Best team | Right: The Mill, Catherine Best Guernsey

CATHERINE BEST GUERNSEY STUDIO AT THE MILL, GUERNSEY

The Catherine Best Guernsey studio is located within a beautiful and historical landmark called The Mill, offering the most inspiring setting imaginable for Catherine and her design team. It is no wonder that Catherine herself chose this location to be the family home, as well as an eye-catching showroom for visitors and valued customers. The Guernsey showroom holds most of Catherine's jewellery collections and it is exciting for visitors to experience the jewellery in the very setting that inspired this dynamic and ambitious family-run brand. Catherine Best is very much embedded within the local community and tourists love to visit this special cultural hot spot when visiting Guernsey.

CATHERINE BEST AT ST PETER’S WINDMILL, JERSEY

St Peter's Windmill in Jersey is home to a large part of Catherine Best jewellery collection and was the last surviving working tower mill in Jersey. This beautiful and historical monument dates back to 1837 and is made from Jersey Granite. This show-stopping piece of history includes a jewellery manufacturing workshop, the Catherine Best jewellery showroom and a cafe. The Jersey studio is full of award winning pendants, rings, bracelets and unique statement pieces, created using precious metals and a myriad of gemstones of the highest quality. It is no wonder that visitors and residents are drawn to St Peter's Windmill, there is something for everyone and it serves as a unique tourist attraction as well as a beloved  part of a locally grown jewellery empire. 

Visit Catherine Best in Mayfair at 1, Albemarle St, Mayfair, London W1S 4HB

T: +44 (0) 20 3947 5850 IG: @catherinebestjewellery