Our story · Since 1942
A family story, still being written
From a watchmaker’s bench in a garden shed to six distinctive stores, our story has always been about care, craft and the moments that matter.
Warm people. Brilliant careers.
Made to last
Jewellery marks a moment. So does the way you are looked after.
That belief has travelled through four generations of our family. It shapes the pieces we choose, the craft we value and the welcome you receive in every Allum & Sidaway store.
A multi-award-winning independent jeweller, built around expertise, family values and unforgettable service.
Our story
From a garden shed to six stores
A family business that has grown with its communities for more than eighty years.
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Heritage scene, artist’s interpretation1942Where it all began
A watchmaker’s bench in a garden shed
During wartime Britain, Dennis Allum began mending clocks and watches from a shed in his garden. That small workshop became the starting point for a family business built on patience, precision and personal service.
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GillinghamAcross the decadesGrowing with our communities
From trusted repairer to independent jeweller
From those early repair roots, Allum & Sidaway grew into a trusted independent jeweller serving market towns and cities across southern England. As the business expanded, so did its offer: fine jewellery, watches, repairs, bespoke design and personal guidance.
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Old Market House, Ringwood2012Seventy years
A bold new chapter in Ringwood
To mark our 70th year, we moved Ringwood into the Old Market House, a Grade II listed building with nearly five times the space of our former shop. Opened on 16 March, the new flagship reflected a growing ambition: to make independent jewellery retail feel exceptional while keeping it warm and personal.
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Minster Street, Salisbury2016A Salisbury destination
More than a jewellery shop
After more than 40 years in the city, we opened a two floor flagship in a Grade II listed Minster Street building. Fine jewellery, a watch gallery, a dedicated bridal lounge and thoughtful British craftsmanship made it a destination, not simply a shop.
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Celebrating our team2017–2024Recognition
Awards built on people
From Retailer of the Year and Best Store Environment in 2017 to Professional Jeweller wins in 2019, 2022 and 2023, the awards have reflected what matters most to us: a brilliant team, genuine expertise and care for every customer. In 2024, the National Association of Jewellers named Allum & Sidaway Jewellery Retailer of the Year.
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Plymouth2022–2024Plymouth joins the family
Shared values, a new name
In our 80th year, we welcomed Drakes Jewellers of Plymouth into the business. Founded in 1950 and loved in the city for generations, Drakes shared our belief in family values and thoughtful service. In 2024, the store began its next chapter under the Allum & Sidaway name.
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The Allum & Sidaway teamTodayThe story continues
Four generations, one shared standard
Today, Jason Allum leads the business, with the next generation involved and a team across six stores in Salisbury, Gillingham, Ringwood, Shaftesbury, Dorchester and Plymouth. Our scale has changed. The promise has not: expert advice, carefully chosen jewellery and the kind of service people remember.
What guides us
Independent in spirit. Personal by nature.
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01
We make it personal
We listen first, then help you find the piece that feels completely right for you.
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02
We share real expertise
Our teams keep learning, with professional jewellery training supporting clear and confident advice.
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03
We choose with care
From established names to distinctive independent makers, our collections are selected for beauty, quality and longevity.
Six stores. One warm welcome.
Your story starts here
Whatever you are marking, we would love to be part of it.
Engagements, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and the moments in between. Let us help you find or create the piece that feels right.