Julian Stephens is a bit of an oddity in terms of North Laine jewelry shops: in an area specialising in contemporary, over the top jewelry, normally with gem stones and the like, Julian Stephens offers very traditional pieces, something eminently more classic and refined than the regular Brighton fare. Unfortunately, as it also set a little off the beaten track, this means Julian Stephens is often quiet, often empty and a little boring compared to its neighbours.
If you do stumble off the regular North Laine path, from Kensington Gardens to Sydney Street, do pop a look into Julian Stephens: some of the pieces are very nice, and the ability and quality on display is evident. However, if you're looking for something contemporary or a bit arty, this isn't going to be the place for you. The pieces themselves aren't boring so much as staid: you won't find anything too extravagant here.
Without the extravagance of its neighbours, Julian Stephens does fade a little in comparison. This may just be the fact that next to extravagance, plain simplicity seems lesser, but it does mean that Julian Stephens seems less busy than any other jewelers in the area. The fact that it is so out of the way as well probably doesn't stand it in very good stead either.
Julian Stephens is a perfectly good jeweler: it is just a little staid, and buried in the maze of the North Laine. If you can find it, it might be worth your while, although I like my jewelry a little more exciting than what they have on offer. read more