About Zoo
Zoo Jewellery was founded in 1992 with the first store opening in Worthing, West Sussex. The three partners, Jim, Simon and Rob had first met at college in the 80’s. After college Jim and Rob both went travelling while Simon moved into the world of Illustration in London. They all stayed friends and eventually Jim and Rob caught up in Kathmandu, Nepal to travel together for a month.
During this time of trekking, wildlife watching and golf the idea of working together was born. Rob was already dabbling in wholesale jewellery for a mutual friend and the idea came about for Jim and Rob to open a store to sell their own product. With thoughts still buzzing in their heads they continued to hatch a plan and without further ado found themselves in Freak Street in the old part of Kathmandu. It was here that history was made and they placed their first order for silver jewellery and getting carried away they also bought a terracotta rhino and two Karom boards that would need careful negotiation to take on to the aeroplane as hand luggage on their way home.
Reuniting back in the UK in early 92, the idea still sounded good and by that summer the first Zoo store opened with the help of their new creative sales team. A year or so later the idea of expansion took place and it was quickly realised that a creative head was required, Simon got the call.
Over the last 20 years we have enjoyed combining our passion for creativity and travel with the search for new jewellery to bring to our customers. Our travels have taken us to Mexico, Brazil, America, Bali and Laos to name but a few. The company mission remains constant, to source unique jewellery from around the world. Fair trade is paramount and we work with family businesses using local crafts people where possible to help protect the supply chain. Workshop inspections are undertaken with new suppliers to make sure that the workers are being well looked after and the projects are sustainable.
There are now 4 Zoo stores, a wonderful team of creative sales people and buyers plus an e-commerce site that helps us to expand our brand to a wider audience in the UK, Ireland, Europe, the USA, Australia and the Rest of the World.
So we’ve covered jewellery, the team, friendship and travel. Are you wondering about the beer ? Well everybody knows that some of the best decisions are made over a cold beverage or a coffee with friends and family and this is a Zoo company policy that continues to this day. Our team are all encouraged to part of the Zoo Family and to be part of the decision making with the running of each of our stores ...
During this time of trekking, wildlife watching and golf the idea of working together was born. Rob was already dabbling in wholesale jewellery for a mutual friend and the idea came about for Jim and Rob to open a store to sell their own product. With thoughts still buzzing in their heads they continued to hatch a plan and without further ado found themselves in Freak Street in the old part of Kathmandu. It was here that history was made and they placed their first order for silver jewellery and getting carried away they also bought a terracotta rhino and two Karom boards that would need careful negotiation to take on to the aeroplane as hand luggage on their way home.
Reuniting back in the UK in early 92, the idea still sounded good and by that summer the first Zoo store opened with the help of their new creative sales team. A year or so later the idea of expansion took place and it was quickly realised that a creative head was required, Simon got the call.
Over the last 20 years we have enjoyed combining our passion for creativity and travel with the search for new jewellery to bring to our customers. Our travels have taken us to Mexico, Brazil, America, Bali and Laos to name but a few. The company mission remains constant, to source unique jewellery from around the world. Fair trade is paramount and we work with family businesses using local crafts people where possible to help protect the supply chain. Workshop inspections are undertaken with new suppliers to make sure that the workers are being well looked after and the projects are sustainable.
There are now 4 Zoo stores, a wonderful team of creative sales people and buyers plus an e-commerce site that helps us to expand our brand to a wider audience in the UK, Ireland, Europe, the USA, Australia and the Rest of the World.
So we’ve covered jewellery, the team, friendship and travel. Are you wondering about the beer ? Well everybody knows that some of the best decisions are made over a cold beverage or a coffee with friends and family and this is a Zoo company policy that continues to this day. Our team are all encouraged to part of the Zoo Family and to be part of the decision making with the running of each of our stores ...
