1887 — The Beginning
W.R. Bullen Jewellers was established by William Redgrave Bullen, a descendant of Anne Boleyn. A former fine tailor and footwear merchant, he took over a local jewellery business from a Mrs. Cooper, creating what would become a beloved family legacy.
"From Tailor to Treasure"
William Bullen had a Gentleman’s fine tailors in Magdalen Street and a shop at 47 - 49 London Street proclaiming “Fine Quality Boots and Shoes to the Gentry of Norfolk".
1898 — A Cornerstone Is Set
Originally trading at 47–49 London Street, the business moved to its current iconic corner location at 29 London Street, Norwich. The site has remained our home ever since.
The bespoke shopfront and fittings were hand crafted in Norwich by the cabinet makers Robertson and Colman. A testament to their quality and beauty that they are still in use today. Providing that tradition charm that cannot be reproduced, and forming an integral part of the fabric of the amazing building we see today.
1901 - Family Tradition Begins
Next generation - Brothers Donald and Richard Bullen took up the reigns, literally. Richard, as a young man, began by tending the horse and carriages while the Lord's and Ladies were served inside—a true family business from the start.
1901 - London Street, Norwich
1967 — A Street for People
London Street coped with two way traffic and the pavements were so narrow prams and the like would scrape along the shop windows. It was largely welcome when in 1967 the street became the first fully pedestrianised street in United Kingdon. Within 3 years, another 20 streets became pedestrianised in the United Kingdon.
Life was rarely dull in London Street; trading was interrupted on 1st August 1970 when Garlands department store was destroyed by fire. It was a case of ‘all hands-on deck’, with a human chain to help Buckinghams shoe shop save thousands of pairs of shoes from the heat next door.
1975 — A New Generation Steps In
Stephen oversaw an uplift in trade and maintained the traditional ‘air’ of Bullens whilst also having to be conscious of new manufacturing techniques and trends of retailing. He continued until his own retirement in 2008.
Tales of The Unexpected
In 1982, for the first time, the shop ‘featured’ briefly in an episode of ‘Tales of The Unexpected’, starring Toyah Wilcox.
45 Years
A similar scenario was to play out again on the 24th March 2014 when a film crew arrived with Charlotte Wrappling to film parts of the film 45 Years.
1982 — A Star Turn
Luckily, we chose to allow the filming only with the shop closed. This turned out to be a good decision.... as the film crew of seventeen arrived, plus actors, make-up artists, hair stylists, cameras, lights, reflectors, metres of cables etc. - The small shop was filled to bursting for half a day.
The finished result was a mere few seconds of TV and film time with just a glimpse of a glass cabinet door and our windows!
1980s–90s — Craftsmanship Expands
Over the years Bullens has traded through some challenging times, in the early 80’s the UK’s economy was very volatile, we had high rates of inflation and unemployment, and as we know gold performs best during times of uncertainty. In 1980 the fix price of gold peaked at a record $843 USD. A new record set in April 2025 wher the fix price is $3,331.
2000s — A New Chapter
When Stephen retired in 2008, he sold the business to another local jewellery family headed by ‘Harry’ Hemstock.
Harry was one of the first Retail Jewellers in the UK to become an official Registered Valuer in 1987.
Michele, Harry’s daughter studied business management at the UEA and has the National Association of Jewellers Gemstone & Jewellers qualification.
The Hemstock's introduced a fresh portfolio of suppliers, workshops, experiences, and knowledge to complement the existing assortment. Namely, a full jewellery, watch and silverware valuation service, and our gemstone buyers that specialise in hand sourcing gemstones and diamonds from around the world to create the beautiful in-house collections. All these skills introduced the very popular bespoke jewellery service where they use sketches, hand-painted drawings or CAD designs to bring customers ideas to life.
2013 - Award Winning
Along the way we have been honoured to win some amazing awards and lucky enough to employ some recognised rising stars too. Retail Jeweller celebrate young rising stars in our industry and celebrate their achievements. The Professional Jeweller Hot 100 profiles the top 100 independent jewellery and watch retailers from the UK & Ireland. The Retail Jeweller Inspiring Independents is a celebration of all that is great about independent retail and we are thrilled to have made it on to the list for many years.
2017 — Celebrating 130 Years
In
2017, during the 135 year celebrations, the decision was made to rebrand our trading name to what our customers affectionately refer to us, 'Bullens
Jewellers'. The Hemstock Family continues the stewardship of the Bullen Jewellers business and celebrated 130 years with suppliers and customers at The Assembly House in Norwich.
Where to Find Us
29 London Street
Norwich
NR2 1HU
info@bullensjewellers.co.uk
01603 620641
Cannot fault the team here, me and my now Fiancé were drawn in by a beautiful engagement ring and greeted with nothing but top service from a team who could not do enough to help us!
We will definitely be attending in the near future to shop for wedding rings.
Ben Potter
Engagement Ring
The most amazing service, customer experience and attention to detail I’ve ever had. I wanted to make a bespoke engagement ring for my partner and Jake and the team went above and beyond to make that a reality for me. I could thank Jake enough for everything he has done. From acquiring the best stones for the best price, the alterations post-completion, absolutely everything. Thank you Jake for making it perfect. Having now proposed, my partner could not be happier with the result, it is perfect!
JJeast
Bespoke Engagement Ring
This is my go to jeweller's
Can't rate this shop enough really friendly knowledgeable staff who are willing to go that extra mile too give excellent service.
Prices to suit everyone's pocket ....
