Our History

Situated in the beautiful Shetland Isles, Shetland Jewellery (originally known as Shetland Silvercraft) was founded by Jack Rae in 1953.


    Original workshop with Jack Rae in the 50s

Jack Rae trained as a Jeweller in Edinburgh, later establishing his own business in St. Andrew Square.He was one of the first in Scotland to achieve the prestigious qualification of FGA – Fellow of the Gemological Association.


Jack G Rae (1961)

 

 Jim Moncrieff at his bench in the 60s

In 1945, Jack Rae and his wife Margaret moved to the Shetland Isle of Foula; the most isolated island in the British Isles. Jack worked as a lay preacher and Margaret as a teacher at the Foula Primary school with a school roll of eight (all boys).

Kenneth Rae at his bench in the 60s

In 1949, Jack Rae, along with his family, moved from Foula to Weisdale in the mainland of Shetland, and in 1953 started this business, known then as Shetland Silvercraft.Jack took on a young jewellers apprentice that same year - Jim Moncrieff. Jim remained with the company until his retirement in 2001.

Melting silver in the 70s  

The current workshop was built in 1971, and a major extension was added in 2003, opened by Jim Moncrieff. The business now operates under the management of Jack Rae’s son Kenneth Rae.Today the Shetland Jewellery workshop and visitor centre employs 10 members of staff and is situated next to the beautiful and tranquil Hellister Loch in Weisdale, Shetland.

 

Breaking ground at the present workshop in the 70s

Otters, red throated divers, eiders and terns are seen regularly in the area.Shetland Jewellery’s designs are inspired by Norse mythology, local wildlife, archaeology and also include modern Celtic ranges of Jewellery.

 

Outside the Shetland Jewellery workshop overlooking the Hellister Loch, photo by Terresa

Each item of jewellery is available in Silver, 9 carat and 18 carat yellow, white and rose gold. Jewellery can also be supplied in platinum and palladium.Each piece is hand crafted in our own workshop in the Shetland Isles and carries a lifetime guarantee.

About Shetland

St Ninians Isle, Shetland. Photo by Sophie

The Shetland Isles are situated over 100 miles north of the British mainland.With almost 2000 miles of coastline, Shetland is home to an array of spectacular wildlife including  Killer Whales, Seals, Dolphins, Terns, Gannets, Puffins and of course friendly Shetland Ponies.Along with its nature, Shetland is also known for its Arts and Crafts, its spectacular sea cliffs, its beautiful wild flowers, its archaeology and its thriving fishing and farming community.

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Shetland Jewellery designs are inspired by Scandinavian mythology, local wildlife, the Northern Lights, and from traditional Celtic Patterns.

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