A HEXHAM-BASED jewellery brand has opened a new shop in the town.

Sarah Hickey Jewellery, whose pieces are designed and handmade in Hexham, have opened a boutique on Beaumont Street this week.

"I've always liked the idea of having a shop but the business has always been an online business," said Sarah.

"I think the right shop came up in the right location and we just thought 'Let's just go for it', and it's such a gorgeous spot.

"It just seemed to really fit my brand, the feel of it."

Sarah Hickey Jewellery began when Sarah moved to New York after studying History of Art in London.

"I was working in an art gallery but I started to take jewellery classes, evening classes, and completely fell in love with the craft," she said.

She started a jewellery wholesaling business, but when she decided to move back to the North East - Sarah is originally from Washington - she set up an Etsy shop to sell her collection.

Sarah was also approached by notonthehighstreet.com and signed up with them.

Sarah lives in Hexham, along with the seven women she employs, and the brand's workshop has been based on Burncliffe for 10 years.

"I'm sort of slightly off the beaten path and people don't necessarily know about it because it doesn't get walked by," said Sarah.

"We have a pretty big local following on Instagram so when we announced it [the boutique opening], it was so nice that people were really supportive."

Sarah, who has three children, added: "I'm extremely lucky to love what I do, and I love where we are.

"There's so much inspiration around here, with the landscape and the history.

"We're really proud of the fact it's all made here and all designed here, and I think it's just a great place to be.

"We're really excited about having a bricks and mortar in Hexham."

Sarah Hickey Jewellery, on 6A Beaumont Street, Hexham, is open 10am-4pm Tuesday-Friday, Saturdays 10am-5pm, and by appointment only Sunday-Monday.