Sheila being interviewed by IJL Sheila being interviewed by IJL Sheila being interviewed by IJL

IJL TV cameras interviewing Sheila

Olympia is glittering with the International Jewellery London exhibition.

It’s never been busier for Sheila Fleet Jewellery at IJL, as Martin comments,

 “It’s been one of the best shows in recent years for new customers.  The people we meet here really appreciate we’re made in Scotland”

“Buyers and visitors have been very touched by Emily’s story”, added Sheila. “We’ve even had two of our suppliers and a new customer pledging additional contributions to the Orkney Charitable Trust.”

The support for Daisies for Emily has been truly amazing  – we’ll have another update on funds raised in October – and look out for some new coloured Daisies!!  Premiered at IJL and coming soon!

To help cope with current demand as well as new orders from IJL Sheila has rejuvenated her original Workshop.  The whole team celebrated its reopening with a barbecue, ice-bucket challenge for Martin and a birthday cake for Gina!

 Ice Bucket Challenge Gina with her cake

Sheila and Janice cutting the ribbon with the team – Martin braving icy water – Happy Birthday to Gina, our graphic designer!

The original Workshop began as a humble garden shed.  It provided space for up to 4 jewellers and was put into use just months after Sheila Fleet Jewellery began – the kitchen table couldn’t cope!

 

Sheila, Rick & Martin ready to begin conversion of the garden shed in 1993. Sheila tutoring Martin inside.

The old shed served loyally until 1997 when a new purpose-built workshop opened.  This new Workshop was itself extended to become a state-of-the-art facility for making jewellery in 2005.

Today 10 jewellers led by master pattern maker Pete Cramb work in the new Workshop with another 2 jewellers in the refurbished old Workshop.

  

Janice and Alan are happy with their move: “It’s very peaceful and quiet” commented Alan

“And light and airy,” added Janice “I love it down here, it’s just a different feeling.”

Do come and see the Workshop for yourself – we’ll give you a VIP tour!

Nicola Sturgeon at Sheila Fleet Jewellery

Deputy First Minister of Scotland,  Nicola Sturgeon, touring the Workshop in Tankerness, Orkney the morning before Sheila and Martin left for IJL.  Can you identify the piece of Sheila Fleet Jewellery she is wearing?