HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Iain was taught from a very early age to be practical, to find solutions in creating something and fixing mechanical problems.

Encouragement from his family, who had a keen interest in the restoration of car and motorbike engines, gave him a crucial understanding of mechanics, metals and the processes of engineering.

Working with engines and metalwork was such an important foundation in what Iain has built today with IHD: It takes a lifetime of experience with metals, commitment to quality, and a love for finding solutions that creates the detailed and intricate jewellery we do.

 

All of the early work with his Dad, led Iain onto studying Jewellery Making at Bradford College, after which, he went straight onto a Silversmiths degree at Sheffield University where he perfected his craft.
After 6 years of studying, for his final graduation exhibition in Islington, London, Iain produced an impressive silver tea set, designed and made around the concept of spheres. The piece was immediately snapped up by a celebrity, Lady Bienvenida Buck, who went on to commission him further for some bespoke pieces of jewellery.

The rapid purchases of his early works were a great vote of confidence in his abilities, and the financial injection prompted Iain to launch his own collection of jewellery. This was the very moment that he could envision a sustainable business opportunity in jewellery making.
Shortly after, IHD was born in 1996, where Iain made collections that were stocked in many independent high street jewellers across the UK. His works became very popular, and this was where the business focused for the next decade, eventually becoming established in over in over 40 stores. Although making an income, over time he became creatively frustrated with only supplying the required items to high street stores.

 

I Never Looked Back

It was the right choice for the business, and what was really required out there in the market place. Our specialist, not-on-the-high-street services are now sort out by people far and wide, who expect far more from their jeweller and general shopping experience.

Our custom-made studio is a welcoming and relaxing place where our customers get to come and explore their ideas and creativity in privacy and comfort. Receiving also, the award-winning, customer’s service and experience that keeps our customers coming back time-and-time again.

Making a success and Turning Heads

We are really proud of the fact that in recent years we have won some great accolades, as the business has really started to turn some heads:

• 2013 – North of England, Wedding Awards – Outstanding Customer Service - Winner
• 2014 – North of England, Wedding Awards – Outstanding Customer Service - Winner
• 2014 - FSB Awards, Micro Business of The Year - West Yorkshire Winner
• 2018 – North of England Wedding Awards - Outstanding Customer Service - Winner 
• 2017,18, 19 – I Do Magazine Wedding Awards, Jeweller Category - Finalist
• 2020 – North of England, Wedding Awards – Outstanding Customer Service - Winner
• 2021 – North of England, Wedding Awards – Jewellery and Accessories - Winner

As well as the recognised jewellery we make here at IHD, our success really comes from out great studio team, who all take their role with passion and pride to deliver something truly personal and unique. Iain, Karl, Donna and Asha make sure that every customer gets the red-carpet treatment, we call it 'The IHD Experience', a way of treating people and doing business that makes all the difference.