Angelo Smith & Son
Through the years
Everyday inspiration since 1876
It's 2026 and we are extremely proud to be celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Angelo Smith & Son. This is a huge milestone for our beloved jeweller, and makes us well-and-truly Sudbury's oldest independent retailer.
Throughout the year we've been marking the occassion in several ways, including a reduction of 15.0% on all purchases until 29th August.
Towards the end of the year we will also be loaning some of our archive artefacts to the heritage museum so people will be able to see hundred-year-old ledgers, original tools engraved with Angelo Smith's name, Angelo's original apprenticeship deed, alongside various photographs throughout the ages.
The county of Suffolk is drenched in rich history and heritage - from famous artists to Saxon artefacts. But there can be few better living examples than a fourth generation jeweller in Sudbury Town centre, arguably its oldest independent retailer.
One hundred and fifty years ago, Angelo Newman Smith, the son of a local boot and shoemaker, finished his apprenticeship and opened his watchmaking and jewellery business in New Street, Sudbury within the beautiful Suffolk countryside. Angelo’s skilled craftsmanship and integrity ensured that his reputation grew and his business thrived. Within ten years he was able to move the business to the bustling high street of North Street, where its doors have remained open ever since. One notable identifier of the shop is the iconic clock that hangs outside, setting the time for the town. It was erected in 1886 at a cost of £25 (approoximately £3000 adjusted for 2026) and continued to run well into the turn of the new century. In the 1990’s the clock was replaced with a near-replica.
The business was eventually succeeded by Angelo’s son, Sydney, and later by his son Peter. Under each, the selection of jewellery, watches and clocks grew ever larger, as did the shop premises itself, as it was converted from a business/dwelling to purely a business.
Upon the passing of Peter Smith in 2007, the business has been proudly continued by John Hume who has been associated with the shop for over fifty years. It is under his careful watch that the business has maintained the traditions that we know and love - such as knowing all the regulars by name - as well as bringing the business up to date and embracing the modern world. His understanding of the right aspects to maintain and the right parts to update have ensured that the charm of an independent family business will continue to flourish for many more generations to come.
Today the showroom offers a fine and extensive collection of jewellery, clocks, and silverware, more than sufficient to indulge the friend or relative who “has everything”. Collectively, John Hume and his tight-knit staff have more than 200 years’ experience and are always willing to advise on any area of the jewellery and watch trade.
Jewellery is carefully selected and designed in order to suit all tastes and budgets, from a teenager’s first signet ring to an exquisite hand-made bespoke item. The treasury of antiques and previously loved jewellery is second-to-none and includes items sourced from all over the country, therefore sure to suit the most discerning of clients. The extensive range of watches includes well-loved brands such as Royal, Victorinox, Mondaine and Lotus.
A visit to the historic market town of Sudbury cannot be complete until you have visited the oldest independent business - Angelo Smith & Son - you’ll be certain to return!
