New jewellery shop The Island opens in Bournemouth town centre

Bournemouth town centre has a new independent shop to discover

Pineapple Island, the Bournemouth-born ethical jewellery brand, has opened its first ever physical shop, The Island, on Avenue Road, breathing new life into a unit that had stood empty since the Covid lockdown.

The space, which opened on 15 June, was once a Yellow Buses ticket office and had been sitting vacant for more than six years before Pineapple Island transformed it. Designed to reflect the same laid-back vibe as the jewellery itself, it's billed as more than just a jewellery shop, and there's plenty to do under one roof.

You can browse Pineapple Island's handmade collection in person, from its well-known beaded and knotted designs, hand-tied by makers in Bali and Java, to newer ranges in stainless steel and real pearl. You can book onto a jewellery-making session, create your own piece and take it home the same day. There's also forever jewellery, a permanent welded chain service for people who never want to take their jewellery off.

For a brand that started back in 2008 from a love of travel and handmade finds, and which has built a loyal following through its Bali-crafted jewellery, online shop and festival pop-ups, it's a natural next step, and a lovely one for the town centre.

The Island is on Avenue Road, currently open Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 7pm, and Monday and Tuesday, 11am to 4pm, though hours may change depending on how busy it gets. You can find out more and book workshops or forever jewellery at pineapple-island.com.

You can visit their website HERE and read about their journey.