Our Heritage
A Legacy of Craftsmanship Since the 1920s
From the beginning, we've distinguished ourselves with over a century of handmade craftsmanship in the South East of England. Our jewellery blends innovative design with skilled artistry, featuring organic curves and intricate patterns that reflect our deep commitment to excellence.
Enduring craftsmanship, artistic innovation, and a commitment to excellence that spans generations
From Dunstan Pruden's humble beginnings in the 1920s, honing his skills at the Central School of Arts & Crafts, to the establishment of Pruden and Smith by Anton and Rebecca in 1988, our journey is a testament to the power of tradition and modern design. As Freemen of the Goldsmiths' Company, Anton and Rebecca continue to uphold this rich legacy, blending their expertise to create jewellery that resonates with timeless elegance and contemporary flair. Join us as we explore the milestones that have shaped our heritage and defined our place in the world of luxury jewellery.
The Beginnings
Dunstan Pruden began his journey at the Central School of Arts & Crafts, choosing it over the Royal College of Art. He honed his craft as an assistant to a London-based goldsmith, laying the groundwork for a remarkable career.
The Exeter College Commission
In 1923, Dunstan received a significant commission from the Rector of Exeter College, Oxford, to create a silver altar cross. This project, for which he earned £250, was pivotal in establishing his public reputation as a master goldsmith.
The Move to Ditchling
Dunstan Pruden relocated to Ditchling in 1932, becoming a member of the Craft Guild of St Joseph and St Dominic. The following year, his book Silversmithing was published by St Dominic’s Press, with illustrations by Philip Hagreen. This publication secured him a teaching position at Brighton Art College, where he taught for over thirty years, shaping the future of silversmithing.
Innovation in Silversmithing
In 1934, Pruden took charge of silversmithing at Brighton School of Art, mentoring students such as Gerald Benney RDI, Michael Murray, and Anthony Elson. Pruden’s most original contribution was his method of creating figurative work directly in silver, a technique that required more thought, time, and skill than traditional methods, making his work truly unique.
A Career's Pinnacle
The highlight of Pruden's career came in 1959 with the creation of a 22ct gold chalice for the Metropolitan Cathedral in Liverpool, a masterpiece that remains a testament to his extraordinary talent.
A New Generation
Inspired by Dunstan, Anton Pruden trained as a silversmith in Gloucestershire under his aunt and uncle, Angela and Philip Lowery, while Rebecca Smith, having studied Art and Design with Philip and Angela as a teenager went on to study fine art at Farnham Art College. Their paths crossed in the workshop, and they soon realised how their skills complemented each other, leading to the creation of Pruden and Smith, a brand that combined a rich history of goldsmithing with innovative design.
The Founding of Pruden and Smith
Anton and Rebecca established Pruden and Smith, merging their expertise to create a brand that honours traditional craftsmanship while embracing contemporary design. They quickly earned a reputation for their skill, taking on commissions.
Establishing a Presence in Ditchling
The duo opened their workshop in Ditchling at the Turner Dumbrell workshops, where they began to build their reputation.
Ampleforth Abbey Altar Set
Rebecca and Anton created a four-piece altar set for Ampleforth Abbey, including three 2-litre silver jugs and a chalice, all hand-chased with a vine leaf motif. This collaboration showcased Rebecca’s design and chasing skills alongside Anton’s silversmithing.
Expanding Internationally
Rebecca’s range of silverware, designed from 1988, was sold through prestigious outlets like Mappin & Webb and exhibited in galleries across America and Japan. Pruden and Smith toured with the Crafts Council to major trade fairs in San Francisco, New York, and London, and exhibited at Goldsmiths Fair gaining international recognition.
A Presidential Commission
Rebecca and Anton were commissioned to create the Mace and Chain of Office for the incoming president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York, a solid gold piece presented by Hillary Clinton. This project further solidified their reputation for excellence.
A Shift to Jewellery
Entering the new millennium, Anton and Rebecca shifted their focus to include jewellery, incorporating their silversmithing skills into innovative jewellery designs.
Freemen of the Goldsmiths' Company
Both Rebecca and Anton Pruden were honoured as Freemen of the Goldsmiths' Company.
Ecclesiastical Commissions
The team designed and crafted altar vessels for Ely Cathedral and a solid silver thurible for Portsmouth Cathedral, with Rebecca drawing inspiration from architectural details to create pieces that harmonised with their sacred surroundings.
A New Chapter in Ditchling
Pruden and Smith moved their gallery and workshop to the village centre, occupying the historic building that once housed St Dominic’s Press. This move marked a new chapter in the brand’s growth.
Worth Abbey Chalices and Ciboria
Rebecca designed a set of chalices and ciboria for Worth Abbey, contributing to the aesthetics of architect Francis Pollen’s contemporary round church. Notably, this project was carried out alongside a furniture commission by Thomas Heatherwick. The sculptural altar set we created was a significant addition to the abbey.
Embracing Digital and Expanding Collections
In 2010, Pruden and Smith launched their first website, showcasing their luxury jewellery designs and expanding into bespoke services. Alongside this digital leap, they introduced unique jewellery collections marked by their distinctive artistic flair.
Growth and Recognition
The team welcomed Simon, a new head goldsmith, and who worked with Rebecca to expand their luxury jewellery collections. Pruden and Smith gained recognition in the South of England and won the Muddy Stilettos Award for Best Jewellery Store in the county.
Expanding in Ditchling
In 2022, Pruden and Smith expanded their Ditchling store and Victorian workshop, growing their team to meet increasing demand as their reputation continued to flourish.
A Global Presence
By 2024, Pruden and Smith had grown their online business, becoming a reputable luxury jewellery brand in the UK. Their designs were featured in Vogue, and they began shipping worldwide, offering a new experience through their online store and online design appointments. All work lovingly handmade in their Ditchling Workshop
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Start your Pruden and Smith journey today – whether you're looking for some advice, are ready to speak to our luxury jewellery designer, Rebecca, or simply want to visit our gallery and workshop – we look forward to hearing from you.
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