Whether for a gift, or for yourself, anyone investing in quality jewellery wants to make sure they are buying something special. And what’s more special than jewellery that has been designed just for you?

That’s what goldsmith and jeweller Sheila Kerr offers at her harbourside studio in Irvine, North Ayrshire. In addition to designing her own collections, Sheila provides a bespoke design service to create truly unique, one-off pieces.

“If a customer is interested in the bespoke service, the first thing I do is arrange an appointment here at the studio, or online if they prefer, to discuss their ideas,” she says. “Some people come with lots of ideas, while others have none, and are looking for inspiration.

“We then work together on the design, and I can advise on what is practical and what is possible in terms of budget, for example.”

Sheila adds: “Some people bring older pieces of jewellery, such as diamond engagement rings which belonged to a mother or grandmother, and they want to incorporate the stones. I have done that now very successfully on several occasions. I can also melt down a customer’s gold jewellery to be used to make them a new piece.”

Once a customer is happy with the design, Sheila will send scale drawings and sketches for their approval. There is no upfront fee for this part of the service. Sheila considers it a privilege to share in her customers’ stories, she says – many bring repeat business, and word has spread quickly about her talent for design and her friendly customer service.

Her foray into jewellery design began with an evening class in silversmithing back in 2006. Working as a lecturer in business management, Sheila saw her creative pursuit as more of a hobby, until a work colleague admired a pendant she was wearing.

“She said it was absolutely beautiful and asked if I was selling my jewellery,” Sheila said. “I hadn’t thought about it but then I decided to try selling it at craft fairs. I did wonder if it was good enough but the only way to find out is to start selling.”

In fact her jewellery was so popular that in 2011, five years after starting the silversmithing evening class, Shelia gave up her lecturing post and took up a studio at Irvine’s harbourside where she still works and sells her pieces. Inspired by the landscapes, flora and fauna of Scotland, Sheila works in precious metals and is a member of the National Association of Jewellers, which guarantees the quality of her jewellery.

One of her collections, Ae Fond Kiss, is inspired by Robert Burns and can be found on her website along with her other collections.

“When the National Trust for Scotland, who run the Burns Birthplace Museum, said they would include it in the museum shop, I was so thrilled. It has been one of my most popular collections ever since. As a jeweller, you do want to keep designing new things, and making sure your collections evolve. Sometimes, however, it’s those original ideas that continue to be popular with customers, and that is a lovely thing.”

The Ae Fond Kiss collection, which now includes earrings, a charm bracelet and a smaller version of the pendant, all available in yellow gold and white gold, is inspired by Sheila’s love of Robert Burns’ poetry.

Burns wrote Ae Fond Kiss for his beloved Nancy, (Agnes McLehose), whom he wooed and promised to marry when her estranged husband died. When Nancy decided to join her husband in Jamaica, Burns sent Ae Fond Kiss to her. He died before they could be reunited.

Sheila’s exquisite design is a Celtic heart “with a twist,” she explains. “If you follow down the lines of the heart, you find a hidden, smaller heart within,” she says. “Burns had to keep his love secret, so I wanted to include something of that ‘hidden’ romance.”

And while, as a small business, Sheila has tough competition from high-street jewellery chains, she is proud that her designs stand out in a crowded market. After all, who wants to look like everyone else, when you can have something unique instead?

www.sheilakerrjewellery.com