How it Started
It all begins with fred sladen (1854 - 1925 ). He started his jewellery business Sladens around 1880 in Town Hall St, Sowerby Bridge, Yorkshire (Sladens sign seen in the second story in the building bottom left of the photo below). Then in 1896 he closed up and sailed to New Zealand with his family on the Orient. He then restarted business in Christchurch.
After his death in 1925 the business continued in the hands of his sons Reg and Irving sladen.
Reg was succeeded by son-in-law Fred Dowie and Irving by son Howard Sladen.
Fred Dowie (1929 - 2025) was one of the first New Zealanders to become a gemmologist and distinguished himself by winning the Tully Medal from the Gemmological Association of Great Britain in 1964. The Tully Medal in gemology is a prestigious award given by the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) to the candidate deemed to have achieved the highest standard in the Gem-A Diploma in Gemmology. It's not awarded every year; it's reserved for candidates who demonstrate exceptional performance.
Fred Dowie was succeeded by his sons, Richard and Anthony, who continue to manage Sladens today. They are Fred Sladens' great-grandchildren, Sladens continues to be jewellery manufacturers and wholesalers supplying retail jewellers, gift and souvenir shops
JJewellery by Frederick was founded by Anthony's son, Elliot, and his wife, Hannah, as a continuation of the legacy of Fred Sladens & Sons—bringing timeless craftsmanship into the world of bespoke retail and online jewellery. Growing up around his father’s jewellery store and workshop on Armagh Street before the Christchurch earthquake, Elliot developed a deep appreciation for the trade. Over the years, he found his own voice in the industry, with a particular passion for men’s jewellery and precious stones. Hannah contributes her creative eye and background in marketing, shaping the brand’s modern identity while staying true to its rich heritage.
