After humble beginnings in a converted shed back in 1993, Sheila Fleet Jewellery now employs a team of skilled craftspeople in a state-of-the-art Orkney Workshop, from where all our jewellery is designed, made and dispatched.
Sheila Fleet has developed a reputation around the world for her distinctive designs. At the heart of these is her love for Orkney, her home since birth. Read on for some of the highlights and many milestones we've reached over the years.
In 1993...
Sheila set up Sheila Fleet Jewellery at her home in Tankerness, Orkney, with the help of her husband Rick and young son Martin.
At the Highland's and Islands Business awards, Sheila was presented with the award for 'Most Promising Newcomer' by H.R.H Prince Charles. The company was also commended as a small business—an impressive achievement for such a new company.
In October, Sheila first introduced enamel to her designs; a technique that has since become synonymous with Sheila’s jewellery style. Sheila’s sister, Dorothy, was our first enameller, adding colour to the designs while working in Sheila’s kitchen. Some of the first pieces available with enamel are Sheila's Scapa Flow Pendant, Pentland Necklace and Turning Tides Pendant.
In 1994...
Sheila hired her first employees to help meet demand for the growing business. Three silversmiths joined the workshop team and two other employees were hired to help with office duties.
In 1995...
Work began on a new workshop, along with a showroom area, to accommodate the growing business. The Workshop & Gallery was opened in 1997 by Mr Jim Wallace M.P.
In 1999...
Our Kirkwall Gallery was opened at 30 Bridge Street in Kirkwall, Orkney's capital. The shop offers customers a range of Scottish-made crafts alongside our growing range of jewellery. In the same year we also launched our first website.
In 2005...
Our first transactional e-commerce website was launched, allowing customers from all over the world to browse and purchase Sheila's designs online.
With the business steadily growing, we needed more space so work began on extending the workshop. The workshop was upgraded to a state-of-the-art facility, including the addition of casting facilities, which for the first time allowed us to cast Sheila's designs on-site.
In 2008...
The first independent Sheila Fleet shop outside of Orkney—our Edinburgh Gallery—was opened in Stockbridge, Edinburgh, by Orkney MSP Liam McArthur.
In 2013...
Sheila was awarded an OBE in the New Year 2013 Honours for services to the jewellery industry.
In 2014...
Sheila received an honorary degree from Edinburgh College of Art.
In 2017...
Sheila Fleet Jewellery becomes one of only two jewellers worldwide authorised to use Scottish Gold from Cononish Gold Mine, the country's only commercial gold mine.
In 2018...
Our newly renovated Kirk Gallery and Café opened its doors for the first time. Sheila bought the former parish church in 2010 and work began in 2015 on our flagship store.
In 2019...
Our new Glasgow Gallery opened its doors, moving from our small House of Fraser concession, to a dedicated Sheila Fleet presence in Princes Square, Glasgow’s favourite speciality shopping destination.
In July, Sheila and Martin travelled to London to attend the UK Jewellery Awards 2019. The Kirk Gallery and Café was nominated for UK Store Design of the Year, taking home a highly commended within the category.
In 2020...
In March we received the keys to our new St Andrews Gallery—the previous premises of Matthew M Henderson jewellers—and work began on the extensive renovation. This is Sheila's first shop in the Kingdom of Fife and she was keen to bring the dark skies and celestial objects of the Northern Hemisphere into the design. Although slowed by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, development began...
In 2021...
After a difficult year for the world, and the many challenges we faced as a company, Sheila opened the doors to her new St Andrews Gallery on 17 May. Working with interior designer Marion Yorston, the gallery is described as 'retail theatre' offering an immersive experience for all visitors.
In 2024...
In September, Sheila was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by UHI Orkney, a prestigious academic award given by the university to individuals in recognition of their outstanding contribution to creative work.
Orkney has remained at the heart of Sheila Fleet Jewellery and all that we do as a company. Why not come and visit us?
