R.L. AUSTEN

Jewellers Since 1794

Independent family run Jewellers, based in Chichester, West Sussex

We offer our customers a friendly welcome with a high standard of service, based on many years of experience in various aspects of the jewellery trade.

Our knowledgeable staff will help you find that something special. We stock a range of high quality jewellery, specialising in coloured gemstones & diamonds, pearls, top name branded watches and clocks, and quality name giftware.

We also have a large selection of pre-owned watches and jewellery. We undertake a full range of customer services; including jewellery repairs, valuations, clock and watch repairs, and pearl re-stringing.

A level of service, a cut above the rest.

At Austens, we pride ourselves on the high level of service inherited from our heritage and history. This level of service means we have life long connections with our customers and in many cases, multiple generations.

Visiting us ensures you will be speaking to the professionals you require with shared decades of experience and knowledge. We showcase products for all budgets and make everyone feel welcome to view at their leisure.

A Long and Distinguished History

Now situated in the heart of historic Chichester, and thought to be one of the oldest established businesses, we originated in Brighton and were jewellers to Princess Charlotte.

R.L. Austen Ltd. is an independent family run jewellers dating back to 1794, originally under the name E.H. Lewis.

The Post-War Years

RAF fighter-navigator and Gemmologist Richard Leonard ‘Dickie’ Austen took on the business in February 1947, and in 1964 he moved R.L. Austen to 75 North Street, Chichester.

Dickie was accompanied by Mr Alan Franks, who joined in 1948 as Store Manager and remained with the business for over 50 years.

The business grew over the decades into the store we have today.

A New Era

In 2015 we have moved to a prestigious new premises at 2-3 East Street, where we now have two retail floors with a luxurious watch showroom on the first floor.

Having moved to our prestigious new location, we have hosted a number of events showcasing extraordinary products and working in collaboration with other businesses and services.