As a brand that prides itself on having the biggest range at unbeatable prices, Shiels relies heavily on its dedicated team of buyers who scour the globe in search of quality gemstones, materials, watches and more. This includes Shiels' expert diamond buyer, Kylie Pitt. Kylie has been a valuable member of the Shiels support team for over two years and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the retail buying world.
So, when unpacking everything from the latest diamond jewellery trends to the rise in popularity of lab-grown diamonds, it made sense to speak to Kylie and get her perspective on all things diamond, including what inspires her when picking the best possible product for our customers and of course, what her current favourites are in the range.
Q. What attracted you to a career as a diamond buyer?
A. I have always loved the buying process and the connection to the fast-paced environment of retail. Buying is a challenging and rewarding career and I am fortunate enough to work in an exciting industry where I source and review beautiful diamond products.
Q. What do you enjoy most about your role as a diamond buyer?
A. So many things! I love following market trends and working with suppliers to bring gorgeous products at affordable prices to our customers. I enjoy bringing new products to life from the design stage to then visiting our stores and physically seeing the product on display. When our customers love the product as much as I do, then I know I have done my job well. Our customers are the truest test of my success.
Q. What are some of the biggest trends you’re seeing at the moment for engagement rings?
A. A brilliant cut diamond will always be on trend for an engagement ring but we have seen interest grow in fancy shapes such as oval and pear. Halo designs are also a clever way to achieve a bigger-looking engagement ring at a lower price as the halo of diamonds around the centre stone will give extra size and sparkle and who doesn’t love more sparkle!
Q. It seems like everyone in the jewellery industry is talking about lab-grown diamonds, have you noticed more people gravitating towards lab-grown stones over the traditionally mined diamonds?
A. Our customers love our Luminesce Lab Grown Diamond range and our offer only continues to expand as demand increases. Lab-grown diamonds offer our customers premium diamonds at a much lower price. Our range started with engagement rings and has extended into a complete offer including diamond earrings, dress rings, pendants and more. Lab-grown diamonds simply provide another option for our customers.
Q. What are some of the pieces you think any fine jewellery enthusiast should have in their collection?
A. I am a big fan of a right-hand ring! Dress rings allow us to show a bit of personality and the more sparkle the better. Every collection should include a pair of diamond hoop earrings and with multiple piercings being very on-trend, a pair of solitaire studs will be an easy everyday wear. Diamond tennis bracelets and necklaces have been on trend for some time now and will continue to be popular given how classic they are. We have a range to suit every budget.
Q. Where do you get a lot of your inspiration from when it comes to creating and picking designs?
A. I am fortunate enough to travel in my position which exposes me to trends not only for our market but all around the world. Inspiration comes from what people are wearing, the environment, fashion trends, speaking to our staff members and working with suppliers to create and design while always keeping our customers front of mind.
Q. What are your 4 favourite pieces in our diamond range?
I wear my Lumnesce Lab Grown Diamond initial necklace every day. It is an easy-to-wear, personalized item that I cherish. Our customers will often buy their children’s initials and I love that these have a personal touch.
$299.50
Sparkle in your very own Luminesce Lab Grown Diamond Initial Pendant. Set in 9ct Yellow Gold With Adjustable 45cm Chain Included, these petite initials are perfect on their own or layered with other chains. Luminesce Lab Grown Diamonds are quickly… read moreLuminesce Lab Diamond K Initial Pendant in 9ct Yellow Gold on Adjustable 45cm Chain
$599.00
Solitaire diamond stud earrings are essential. Easy to wear and very classic with different size options for every budget.
$199.50
Add a touch of Classic Sparkle with Luminesce Lab Grown Diamond Solitaire Studs. Perfect to wear as everyday earrings and set in 9 Carats of Classic Yellow Gold. Luminesce Lab Grown Diamonds are quickly increasing in popularity as not only… read moreLuminesce Lab Grown Diamond Solitiaire Classic 10Pt Stud Earring in 9ct Yellow Gold
$399.00
Our Luminesce Lab Grown Diamond engagement rings are absolutely stunning. My personal favourite is the brilliant cut centre including diamonds in the shank and we have various fancy shapes available. They have such a big, bright, clean sparkle.
$4,199.30
An absolutley stunning and Perfectly Classic, 1 Carat Luminesce Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Ring. This ring literally sparkles from every angle and set in a timeless 4 Claw, 14ct Yellow Gold setting to ensure the Lab Grown Diamond is the… read moreLuminesce Lab Grown 1 Carat Solitaire 4 Claw Engagement Ring in 14ct Yellow Gold
$5,999.00
Then there's the tennis bracelets which are very on-trend. I especially love our 1-carat yellow gold diamond bracelet which was designed to ensure each stone offers maximum sparkle.
$3,149.30
This stunning 1 Carat diamond tennis bracelet is simply luxurious. The 9ct yellow gold bracelet features 48 brilliant cut diamonds.… read more1 Carat Diamond Tennis Bracelet in 9ct Yellow Gold
$4,499.00
