Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Shipley.
Hi Kimberly, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Scott and Kim’s journey into the jewelry industry started with Scott’s lifelong passion for design.
Scott has always been a designer of something—whether it was houses, artwork, or creative projects—and that natural gift eventually led him to jewelry. About 15 years ago, he began designing jewelry, which quickly turned into requests for redesign projects, and then into learning the craft of jewelry repair.
As Scott’s skill and reputation grew, the opportunity of a lifetime came along. A close friend—who was also a master jeweler—was preparing to retire after 40 years in the jewelry business, and Scott and Kim were asked to step in and open their first store.
On March 1st, 2023, Shipley’s Fine Jewelry officially opened its doors.
Today, Shipley’s Fine Jewelry specializes in:
Custom jewelry design
Jewelry repair
Watch repair
It’s a full-service jewelry store with a family-focused, small-town feel, built on trust, craftsmanship, and community. Scott and Kim’s long-term dream is to continue growing Shipley’s Fine Jewelry and eventually create their own signature jewelry line.
Our team is amazing, we have an onsite Graduate Gemologist that does Jewelry Appraisals, Brenna. A goldsmith and Jeweler Cassi. Scott is our master bench jewelry, jewelry designer. Kim handles all the business parts of the store. And of course our three dogs that come to work with us everyday, Motley, Sylvie and Coco.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a perfectly smooth road — like any small business, there have been challenges along the way. Starting a jewelry store from the ground up takes a lot of hard work, long hours, and constant learning. We’ve had to balance everything from building inventory and systems, to marketing, staffing, and keeping up with customer demand, all while maintaining the quality and trust that comes with fine jewelry.
That being said, we feel incredibly blessed because the Fleming Island community has truly welcomed Shipley’s Fine Jewelry with open arms. From the beginning, people have shown us so much support, and that encouragement has made the challenges worth it.
One of the biggest reasons we’ve seen such a positive response is because customers really appreciate having a full-service jewelry store right here in town — especially with onsite repairs and custom design. People love being able to come in, talk directly with us, and know their repairs and custom pieces are being handled locally with care and craftsmanship.
So while we’ve definitely had to work hard and navigate the growing pains of a new business, we’ve also experienced so much joy and momentum — and we’re grateful every day for the community that has supported us.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Shipley’s Fine Jewelry, we are a full-service, locally owned jewelry store in Fleming Island. We specialize in custom jewelry design, engagement rings and wedding bands, and on-site jewelry and watch repair. A huge part of what we’re known for is helping customers create meaningful, one-of-a-kind pieces — whether that’s designing something completely new, restoring something sentimental, or transforming an heirloom into a modern piece they’ll wear every day.
What makes this even more special is that we get to do it together as a husband and wife team. We truly love working side-by-side. There’s something really unique about building a family business together and having our customers become part of that journey. People aren’t just buying jewelry — they’re trusting us with some of the most personal, emotional moments of their lives, and we never take that for granted.
We’re most proud of the relationships we’ve built in the community and the fact that our store has become a place where people come not only to shop, but to celebrate. We get to be part of couples’ most exciting moments — from the day they get engaged and choose or design the perfect engagement ring, to selecting wedding bands, anniversaries, and milestone gifts.
One of the most meaningful parts of our work is jewelry redesign. There are many times when someone comes in after losing a loved one, holding a family heirloom that has been passed down. Being able to redesign that piece into something wearable — something that honors their story and keeps that loved one close — is incredibly emotional and rewarding. Those pieces become more than jewelry… they become a legacy.
What sets us apart is the combination of:
true custom design ability
on-site repair and craftsmanship
and a small-town, family-focused experience where customers feel cared for and known
We aim to offer high-end quality with a personal approach — and we’re proud that Shipley’s Fine Jewelry has become a trusted name for custom design, repairs, and celebrating life’s biggest moments.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
One of the best pieces of advice we can give is to never try to navigate your industry completely alone — mentors and networking can completely change the path of your career, and we’ve experienced that firsthand.
We’ve been incredibly blessed to have some amazing mentors who helped guide us and showed us how to navigate the jewelry industry the right way. Early on, Scott had the opportunity to work closely with a friend who was a master jeweler, and spending that year learning directly from him made a huge impact. It wasn’t just about technique — it was seeing the mindset, the quality standards, and the discipline behind a successful jeweler. That mentorship is what helped Scott grow his skills quickly and gave us confidence as we stepped into the business.
In terms of networking, what has worked best for us is getting involved in organizations that truly support jewelers. Being part of groups like that creates instant connection because you’re surrounded by people who understand the challenges, the trends, the business side, and the craftsmanship. It’s also where you find the most genuine mentors — people who are willing to share what they’ve learned and help others grow.
Our advice would be:
Seek out someone whose work and integrity you genuinely respect
Be willing to show up, listen, and learn (even when it’s uncomfortable)
Join professional organizations and attend conferences/events whenever possible
Build relationships consistently — not just when you “need something”
Mentorship and networking have been a huge part of our journey, and we truly believe the right connections can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Shipleysjewelry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shipleys.finejewelry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090080667073
