Rings, Kids & the Creative
Chaos

My love affair with jewellery making started back in 2000 when I crafted my first (not-so-perfect) ring. Since that very evening in a jewellery workshop, I've been hooked on the magic of metals, gemstones and handmade jewellery.

Fast forward four years I finally landed an apprenticeship with the Silversmith and Jeweller, Matthew Hale, in Mount Barker (son of South Australian silversmith and jeweller John Hale). I spent another six years honing my skills under Matthew's wing and in 2010, I took the plunge and opened my own jewellery shop with an on-site workshop in Woodside.

Running my own business all these years has been a challenge with daily new learning curves, but I can't imagine doing anything else.

My gorgeous wife Brooke and I have two amazing kids, and a recipe for a full and (sometimes chaotic) life. But creativity finds a way! Despite the busy schedule, I still squeeze in some hobbies (most of them creatively inclined, of course).

Creating is my true passion – I still often wake up with design ideas and keep a notebook by my bed to scribble them down when I wake! One of my proudest moments was seeing my sterling silver magnolia sculpture displayed at the South Australian Museum's Waterhouse Natural Art History Prize exhibition.

Looking ahead, I'm excited to explore more sculptural pieces, push my technical skills even further, and constantly learn new things. Stay tuned on instagram or my mailing list for what's next!

Rekindled Passion & Personal Connection

Artistic creation is a passion I feel strongly connected to.

In my youth, I invested my time writing and playing music as a means of creative expression.

My jewellery journey began in 1992 following the footsteps of my father Chris Sheehan, who himself began his career as a jeweller in 1964 at Wendts.

He later opened his own store, Stirling Jewellers in the beautiful Adelaide Hills.

I have been fortunate to work within multiple jewellery businesses over the years, ranging from large manufacturing companies such as Mark McCaskill Jewellery, Australian Opal & Diamond Collection and Pink Carat.

My desire to work back in the Adelaide Hills, led me to where I am today at Shannon Cornish Artisan Jewellers.

To me jewellery isn't just about the stones and metals, it is about working closely with customers to create a masterpiece. It's about bringing to life a personal story through a piece of jewellery.

This is what I love about my job as a Jeweller.

Chance Encounter Landed Dream Job

Motherhood, a beautiful yet demanding chapter, had me navigating the elusive work-life balance for several years after becoming a mom in 2013.

Venturing back into the workforce in 2023, a chance encounter with a fellow school mum (bless the camaraderie!) proved to be the key that unlocked a truly fulfilling opportunity.

What began as a casual inquiry about openings led to an interview unlike any other. Imagine this: a lively conversation with Shannon, akin to catching up with an old friend, yet brimming with the excitement of a potential collaboration. It was during this interview that the possibility of a fantastic team became crystal clear.

Since then, my role has organically blossomed from being Shannon's personal assistant to encompassing a dynamic blend of office management, business support, and even wielding my graphic design talents in-house. Each day brings a fresh challenge, keeping the work environment stimulating and engaging.

Surrounded by the artistry and generosity of the team at Shannon Cornish Artisan Jewellers, inspiration permeates the very air we breathe. Witnessing the magic these skilled jewellers weave with precious metals has ignited a spark within me

a desire to further hone my own creative abilities. Who knows, maybe one day I'll contribute to the symphony of creation in a more hands-on way!

My Journey with Shannon Cornish

My story with Shannon Cornish began not with a jeweller's torch, but with a customer's eye! I started as a loyal patron, drawn to their stunning ready-made pieces, their skilled repair work, and the allure of custom designs.

Then, in 2016, something exciting sparked – the launch of their jewellery classes. With a playful "why not?" attitude, I decided to give it a whirl. Little did I know, it would be the start of a long and fulfilling journey.

Fast forward, and I'm still here, creating with endless enthusiasm! My jewellery box boasts a diverse collection: a charming honey spoon featuring a golden bee for one daughter, a whimsical fox trinket box crafted in silver and copper, a dazzling opal pendant for the other daughter, and even Paw Patrol badges for the grandkids (because who can resist a little superhero style?). Of course, the collection also includes personal favorites like rings, earrings, pendants, and stunning pieces showcasing chasing and repousse techniques.

As fate would have it, Shannon saw my passion and talent after my first term. She offered me an exciting opportunity – to join the team in an admin/shopfront role! Needless to say, I jumped at the chance.

Looking back, I can't help but tell everyone – this is the best job I've ever had! Working alongside a fantastic team, I get to share my love for beautiful handcrafted jewellery while handling administrative and accounting tasks, and promoting those very same jewellery classes that ignited my passion. While my role has transformed and changed over the years there is always a new challenges to keep me engaged.

This journey with Shannon Cornish has been a delightful surprise, full of creativity, camaraderie, and the joy of sharing the art of jewellery making with others.

A Love Story (Almost) Unscripted

While becoming a business owner wasn't part of my life goals, once I met Shannon my whole world changed.

Initially, it was all cheese and cider and lazy Sunday morning sleep-ins, but fast forward, and before I could say "renovation," I found myself thrust into the heart of the operation.

Shannon, (bless her ambitious spirit) was embarking on the exciting world of jewellery classes, and someone (ahem, me) needed to keep the ship afloat during the construction whirlwind. Turns out, being a multifaceted individual with the resourcefulness of a seasoned troubleshooter proved to be a blessing in disguise, as my days of renovations transitioned into managing the administrative aspects of the business. Add in a baby, a bushfire, a pandemic, a 2nd baby during a pandemic (that was fun!), a house move, and let's just say it's been an adventure.

Now I get to leverage my skills to support Shannon's creative vision. It's a beautiful partnership, fuelled by mutual respect, a shared love for our children and each other, and the occasional escape to the garden for some well-deserved relaxation.

So, there you have it! My unexpected journey from accidental ambassador to mother, wife, and business partner. It's a tale of loyalty, adaptability, and the knowledge that a positive attitude and some elbow grease can work wonders.

A Never Ending Journey: Learning, Creating & Sharing

My fascination with jewellery making goes beyond the finished product. I'm enthralled by the entire process, from the raw metal to the final polished piece. Whether it's the art of forming and shaping, the meticulous detail of engraving, or the way textures add depth and character, each technique is fascinating with endless ideas to explore.

This passion is evident in my own collection of work, where each design reflects a love for these techniques.

I worked at Shannon Cornish Artisan Jewellers for 12 years before opening my own teaching workshop in Charleston, a selection of my jewellery can be found on display in the Woodside store.

My enthusiasm isn't confined to creating; it extends to sharing my knowledge as well, which is why I teach jewellery classes. Students often comment on how my teaching style fosters a positive learning environment, allowing them to flourish creatively in the calm, relaxed, and patient atmosphere.

My love for making and sharing knowledge transcends metals. I have found great joy exploring many areas including leather working, blacksmithing or any creative medium. The potential for crafting something beautiful feeds my boundless curiosity and fuels my desire to constantly learn and refine my skills. While I hold formal jewellery qualifications, a significant portion of my expertise stems from unwavering dedication, relentless practice, and a curiosity to explore the possibilities.