Aldeburgh > Shopping
Riley & Riley, Aldeburgh
Riley & Riley is situated in Aldeburgh. We caught up with the director, Mark Riley to find out more about his business.
Can you tell us a little bit about Riley & Riley?
Riley & Riley is a completely independent jewellery shop and workshop which was founded in 2004 by my wife, Tessa, and I in Ipswich. We opened our second store in Aldeburgh in 2013, which is where we are now based. Being able to concentrate on the one shop has really paid dividends as I have more time to work on my own make pieces and we have been building up an exciting range of second hand and period jewellery and silverware. We cover a full range of jewellery to suit all budgets and many of our pieces are made as bespoke commissions. We offer a full repair service too, from watch batteries to full ring remodels.
What makes Riley & Riley unique?
We have some exclusive jewellery that is unique to us, particularly my own ‘Aldeburgh Pebbles®’ which are solid silver or gold facsimiles of beach pebbles. I select specific pebbles from the beach and makes moulds into which I pour molten silver or gold. I only make one piece of jewellery from one pebble so every piece is a one-off! Unusually, my workbench is actually on the shop floor so I’m available for advice and you can see me at work most days. I am also a qualified gemologist and diamond grader so you know you will be getting the best advice when looking for that special gem.
What one thing should customers not miss when visiting you?
There’s so much not to miss! There’s our big range of amber and rainbow moonstone, fabulous gem rings and jewellery, a big range of wedding rings, lots of silver and gold jewellery, and some really eclectic pieces. Of course there’s ‘Aldeburgh Pebbles®’ and you can even choose your own beach pebble for me to make into your own unique piece of jewellery. But if there has to be one thing not to miss, it has to be the second hand and period jewellery and silverware. It constantly changes. We get really interesting pieces at really good prices.
Can you give us a random fact about Riley & Riley?
This year, I am celebrating 40 years as a jeweller. I have managed shops for quality jewellers in Bolton, Cheltenham, Guildford and then managed Croydon’s in Ipswich for a number of years, which is what brought us to the area. I left Croydon’s to work for an Italian gold jewellery business before setting up Riley & Riley in 2004. ‘Aldeburgh Pebbles®’ is a registered trade mark owned by me!! A random fact about me…..I am a singer in two rock bands! Your local rock ‘n’ roll jeweller – oops, that’s more than one fact.
Where would you recommend grabbing a bite to eat?
Wow! Well we’re spoiled for choice here in Aldeburgh. Of course, there’s the famous fish and chip shops, but there are also fabulous restaurants like the Regatta and the Lighthouse, brilliant pubs like the Cross Keys and The Mill, cafes like Cragg Sisters and Munchies and of course the lovely hotels, The Brudenell, The White Lion and The Wentworth. I love the stroll along the beach from Aldeburgh to Thorpeness, have coffee and cake at The Kitchen @ Thorpeness and stroll back.
What is your favourite thing to do in Suffolk on your day off?
Walking our dog in the countryside is just lovely, it’s so peaceful and there’s so much wildlife to observe – it really helps to reset the mind! I love going to Bawdsey beach looking for fossils with my son, we particularly look for sharks teeth!! If it’s a warm sunny day we like to go to Covehithe beach which is sandy and great for swimming and paddling – it’s dog friendly too.
