Shiels Jewellers is an Australian jewellery retailer and was founded by Jack Shiels in
Adelaide in 1945. Since then, Shiels has expanded to 40 stores across
South Australia,
Queensland,
New South Wales and
Western Australia, employing over 450 people. Shiels remains headquartered in
Adelaide,
South Australia, and currently sells bridal and diamond jewellery in a variety of metals, leather items, gemstone jewellery and watches for women, men and children. Shiels Jewellers is renowned for its quality, affordable diamond range and markets itself as the home of the 1 carat diamond.
Early history
Founded in 1945 by South Australian jeweller Jack Shiels, the business initially had a single store which operated out of Adelaide's Central Market Arcade selling jewellery, giftware and silver-plated merchandise.
Jack and his wife ran the family-owned company from for over 32 years.
In 1977, Jack sold his company to
Albert Bensimon
Albert Bensimon (born 1948) is an Egyptian-Australian businessman from Adelaide, South Australia. He is most well known as the owner of Shiels Jewellers. He frequently appeared in television advertisements and became famous for his catchphras ...
and his wife, Nyra.
Recent history
Originally, Jack Shiels sold jewellery and giftware. After purchasing the company, Albert and Nyra quickly expanded the selection to include more precious jewellery, including gold, silver and diamonds.
From the single store, Shiels expanded into suburban malls, starting with
Westfield Marion
Westfield Marion (colloquially known as simply "Marion") is the largest mall in Adelaide, South Australia, located in Oaklands Park, serving greater Southern Adelaide. It contains approximately 342 stores, with anchor tenants including David ...
. With success in this new setting, Shiels expanded into other malls across Australia, and today has 40 stores across
South Australia,
Queensland,
New South Wales and
Western Australia, employing over 450 people.
Currently
While Albert and Nyra Bensimon retain ownership of the company, their son Toby Bensimon took over as Shiels' managing director in 2013. Since then, Toby has continued to grow the brands online presence, resulting in the launch of imprint specialty sites, such a
Watch DepotLuminesce Lab Grown Diamonds
an
Silver Chic
References
External links
* {{Official website, http://www.shiels.com.au/
Jewellery retailers of Australia
Companies based in Adelaide
Retail companies established in 1945
Australian companies established in 1945