Tomfoolery

Make the effort to travel north from the hubbub of central London to the exclusive, village-like suburb of Muswell Hill and you’ll find a hidden jewel. Tomfoolery has been a presence among the area’s charming selection of independent traders since 1994, and in the spirit of the area, offers a wide selection of jewellery that you simply won’t find anywhere else. 

The store design itself is incredibly simple. Press the buzzer for entry and you’ll step into a clean, white box - a pared-back style carefully cultivated by the owners to allow the jewellery to do the talking. The intimate shop is packed with well-lit cabinets that each contain an edit of jewels, starting with playful fashionable pieces at the front of the store and graduating into fine jewellery and bridal collections from independent makers at the back. This is where you’ll also find a table and chairs set out for longer consultations.

The number of designers on display and the styles of jewellery are diverse, and each cabinet deserves careful scrutiny. Our advice would be to allow yourself time to indulge to make sure you don’t miss a thing. And if you can’t find exactly what you are looking for, then do let the staff know, as Tomfoolery will often be able to order in existing designs or commission the designers stocked in-store to create something unique just for you. Or for something totally bespoke, you can work with its in-house team to turn your own creative jewellery vision into a reality. 

The style and price points of the jewellery is eclectic, from neon acrylic necklaces to diamond engagement rings, but there is a keen focus on delivering style and something that little bit different. Expect one-off jewels and small batches from an international cartel of quirky designers such as Alexis Bittar, Jo Hayes Ward, Shaun Leane, Polly Wales, Jacqueline Cullen and Anna Loucah. Tomfoolery also creates its own brand of jewels under the name Métier, which focuses on vintage and organic styles created around unusual gemstones.