The Ouze

The Ouze is a contemporary jewelry brand that redefines the concepts of tradition and craftsmanship, drawing inspiration from antique jewelry passed down through generations. It celebrates the imperfect, timeworn beauty of these pieces, a perspective that is expressed more profoundly through handcraft techniques such as engraving, etching, and hand-carving. Additionally, traces of the maker’s touch, such as fingerprints left during the crafting process, may remain on the jewelry. This evidence of human touch invites the wearer to form an intimate connection with the jewelry and to weave their own story through it.

Taking its name from the River Ouse, The Ouze celebrates the fluidity of experimental design, working in harmony with nature by using only recycled precious metals and adhering to slow production principles. The River Ouse flows through Lewes, East Sussex, the hometown of founder Toby Vernon. Known worldwide as the bonfire capital, Lewes and its renowned Bonfire Night celebrations are steeped in a history of anarchy and revolution. The Ouze honors this rebellious spirit by preserving the tradition of British fine jewelry while also challenging conventions along the way.

The Spring/Summer 2025 collection boldly evolves the brand’s core values, fusing raw and cut stones into striking creations. By juxtaposing ancient and modern techniques, it highlights the distinctive character of each. Among the standout pieces, the Relic Signet perfectly embodies this theme. A Victorian-era brooch is meticulously dismantled and reimagined as a signet ring, evoking the allure of a jewel unearthed from the sands of time. Seamlessly blending history with contemporary design, the Relic Signet encapsulates the essence of the collection, speaking to the wearer of both timeless beauty and the spirit of innovation.

Founded in 2021, The Ouze was established by Toby Vernon. Toby studied fashion design at the University of Westminster, where he developed a unique design approach and aesthetic that continue to influence his work as a jeweler. He began experimenting with jewelry design during the 2020 lockdown, discovering the freedom of creative expression and the opportunity to challenge traditional boundaries. Since then, he has continued to teach himself through experimentation, without formal training in jewelry making.