NEW VINTAGE JEWELLERY SHOP SPARKLES IN TEDDINGTON
KATE SLABBERT is a newcomer to the thriving Teddington business community and set up her new curiously-named shop called Piece A Kate on Valentine’s Day.
The store on Park Road, on the former site of Amulette and opposite the old Teddington Police station has already attracted massive interest with her selection of handmade and vintage jewellery and unique accessories.
Teddington Town is an important part of the local community and will support and champion any new business enterprises which choose Teddington as their location.
Here Kate talks to Teddington Town about her exciting new business.
So, Kate welcome to Teddington. The actual name of the shop is the first thing that strikes everyone Piece-A-Kate: Tell us about the background to the name?
Thank you very much, I’m so happy to be here! I chose the name Piece-a-Kate as everything that comes into the shop has either been handpicked or created by myself.
I take a huge amount of care in selecting the most beautiful or unusual pieces that I know someone will love just as much, if not more, than I do. Sometimes I also part with pieces from my own personal collection knowing that it’s time to let it bring joy to the next person.
Every item in my shop receives some love – whether it’s a deep clean, replacing worn parts, or created, so there’s a piece of my time, effort, and love in everything. Piece-a-Kate, and the name itself, celebrates fun, creativity and the joy that it brings. I also love seeing the smiles on people’s faces when they ask about the name and if I am indeed named Kate.
How would you describe the business yourself, there is jewellery and all sort of other items which don’t necessarily fit one category?
I’d describe Piece-a-Kate as an accessories brand. At the moment I stock vintage, pre-loved, and reworked jewellery and my own handmade hair accessories and handbags, but the common thing that links every piece, is the sustainability aspect.
Everything from the jewellery, to the fabric that I use is second hand or deadstock/end of roll fabrics. I know the product collection will keep on growing over time though as I have a lot of new designs just waiting to be made! Next on the list are my large hair bows, which will be available by Spring.
How did you come to set up shop in Teddington? Do you live locally or do you have some historic connection to the ‘best place to live in London?
It’s a serendipitous story really… My family lives in Teddington and I was here visiting my mom. We walked past the shop, which I always admired when passing, but never seemed to be open at the times I was around.
I just had to pop inside to have a browse. Whilst in the shop I overheard the previous shop owner mention her closing down sale. This of course sparked a conversation as I was sad to see her beautiful shop go.
I expressed how if I owned a shop I’d hope it would be this one as there is something so special about it, but I didn’t think at the time that owning a shop would be possible for me. Long story short, she offered the shop to me and introduced me to the landlord straight away. I confirmed the very next day, knowing in my gut that this was meant to be!
As you will be aware the premises were formerly a jewellery shop called Amulette which built a strong reputation locally, is the new business attracting a lot of local interest despite only opening on Valentine’s Day
Everyone has been so overwhelmingly kind! Even before I opened, I’d get friendly smiles or a thumbs up through the window, and many words of encouragement. It’s honestly been so wonderful, and now that I’m open, already so many pieces have found new homes with the friendly Teddington locals.
What do you like about Teddington?
On that note, the people! Their friendliness really kept me going through the renovation process of the shop, as most of it was done by myself and my partner. It was tough work, and took a bit longer than expected, but the interest and encouragement from the locals spurred me on a lot.
The nature and greenery in the area is a huge part too. Coming from South Africa, I honestly struggled with the transition and finding a happy place in London. I find other areas mostly too noisy or crowded, but there’s something peaceful about Teddington.
Give us some idea of the range of the items on sale, which can, I think be described, as vintage jewellery or reworked jewellery. Can you explain this?
Yes, on the jewellery side of the business I have a vast collection. Vintage means that the piece is 20 years or older, but most of my pieces are from around the 1970’s-1980’s. I stock vintage gold plated jewellery, cloisonné, solid sterling silver, gemstone jewellery, pearls, faux pearls and beaded jewellery.
Oftentimes the beaded jewellery I come across will sadly have a few cracked beads, so I discard those and keep the rest of the good beads. I then clean them and design a new piece using new sterling silver findings. I also come across a lot of single earrings missing their partner, so I remove the ear wire and convert them into pendants. My pieces start from as little as £5 so there is something for everyone if you love to accessorise.
Can customers come to you have sentimental pieces restored or reworked?
Yes absolutely! I can rework beaded pieces or combine the beads from a necklace and bracelet to create one statement piece, just as an example. I can also re-string something that has come apart. Unfortunately, I don’t have the facilities for metal repairs or re-setting stones, but I am more than happy to talk anything over with customers.
Do you accept commissions to make a piece of jewellery for a special occasion, for instance?
It depends on the piece of jewellery. If someone has a design in mind that they’re looking for, I can definitely keep an eye out for sustainable parts. As I mostly use what I can find second hand, it may be tricky or take longer to source. On the other hand, if someone visits the shop and would like me to alter or combine two pieces they’ve seen, I can look into that! I had a customer add a few pendants to a pearl necklace once, and it became a very unique and special piece for her.
I currently offer custom scrunchies and my alice band design for special occasions such as weddings. If a customer has a fabric they love, or has particular colours in mind, I can create one offs or a personal collection for the event.
Alternatively I can work with the bride-to-be and together find the perfect fabric that compliments her bridesmaids dresses or even hen party. Commissions are available through my website www.pieceakate.com
