Ask the expert | Winning wedding jewellery at Sheila Fleet
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Joyce Haynes, manager of St Andrews’ Sheila Fleet Jewellery store, talks us through picking your wedding day gems.
Reef Knot Diamond Drop Earrings in 9ct White & Yellow Gold (£820)
How often have you heard the adage ‘People buy from people’?
That’s certainly the case with Joyce Haynes.
Before she became manager at St Andrews’ Sheila Fleet Jewellery store she was already a fan of the jewellery.
In fact, when we meet she’s proudly wearing a large ‘Reef Knot’ pendant by the designer.
“It’s my wedding jewellery,” she explains.
Joyce and her husband married on the famous West Sands beach and celebrate their 10-year anniversary this year.
That was years before the store opened its doors on 17th May 2021 and Joyce already had a number of Sheila Fleet pieces of her own.
Her love of the designs must have shone through when she wrote to Martin, the Sheila Fleet managing director, to see if there were any opportunities on the eve of the store’s opening.
The gallery is one of five Sheila Fleet stores and numerous stockists across the country, and back in October the designer celebrated 30 years in business.
So what accounts for Sheila Fleet’s ongoing popularity?
“The uniqueness of the jewellery and the enamel attracts people,” says Joyce.
“And because it’s made in Scotland.” With its colourful enamel-work and designs inspired by nature and Sheila’s Orkney home, the jewellery is instantly recognisable, and a popular choice with to-be-weds.
But with so many options, choosing ‘The One’ could be difficult.
For those coming alone to select an engagement ring, Joyce advises, “Think about who you are buying for, what kind of style they normally go for, and if they have dropped any hints.
“Think to the future and how will the wedding ring sit alongside it?”
Couples who choose the engagement ring together often pick their wedding rings at the same time.
“We are led by them and it’s quite diverse what people are choosing,” Joyce says.
“Rose gold is popular again and a lot of people are opting for silver, as opposed to gold.”
Reef Knot Stud Earrings in 9ct Yellow Gold (£300)
The finishing touches
Of course, wedding jewellery doesn’t stop at rings.
Like Joyce herself, you can accessorise your big day outfit with a pendant, necklace, bracelet or earrings from one of the Sheila Fleet collections.
Crystal tends to be a popular choice, while many brides favour the River Ripples design.
You can add a personal touch to any of Sheila’s designs, whether it’s choosing an alternative gemstone or enamel colour.
The company can also engrave your wedding jewellery or rings, with many couples choosing to include their initials or wedding date.
Please allow 4-6 weeks for special items to be made.
A little thank you
It’s not just the happy couple in need of some sparkle of course. Sheila Fleet jewellery is an excellent choice for your ‘maids, especially with the option to tie the enamel in with their dresses.
“We advise the couple bring some dress fabric and we can match the enamel to it,” says Joyce.
The Primula Scotica collection is a particular favourite for bridesmaids, with enamel petals in the perfect shade.
And when it comes to gifts for mums, couples tend to choose little pieces like pendants or earrings, with the Pentland collection a perennial favourite.
Whichever piece you choose, you’ll know your wedding jewellery has a special tale and will provide the finishing touch to your Big Day look.
Do you fancy wearing Sheila Fleet Jewellery on your wedding day?
Check out the full collection here
