Standing strong and passed down through three generations of passionate guardians, Wishart Jewellers have woven their skill into every precious gem and delicate setting. We had a chat with Daniel about his legacy.

With a passion for jewellery ignited at a young age, Daniel fondly remembers spending his young years alongside his brother, captivated by the artistry of jewellery making. "From the age of about 12, my brother and I would spend a lot of time at Glenelg and in the workshop," Daniel recalls. "We loved sitting next to the jewellers who would be working on mostly diamond engagement rings and watching the process of how they are intricately made."

Daniel's grandfather, Robert Wishart, laid the foundation, opening his Jetty Road store in 1953, followed by his father, Grant Wishart, who took the reins in 1974. Now in its 71st year, Wishart Jewellers remains a local go-to, with Grant still passionately contributing three days a week alongside Daniel.

For Daniel, jewellery design isn't just about creating beautiful pieces; it's about being part of significant moments in people's lives. "I really enjoy the excitement of sharing in such big occasions, especially marriage proposals!" At Wishart, hand craftsmanship is key, with most of their work being crafted locally in their Jetty Road workshop. "Handmade jewellery enhances the longevity of a piece of jewellery," Daniel explains. "It's important to know what you are investing in, handmade or cast and hand assembled."

If you are in the market for a custom-designed piece, the process is a collaborative one. Customers are encouraged to explore their preferences, Assisted by the team's expertise.

"Once we have the concept, we find the perfect stone. We then design to scale for approval and book the piece into the workshop." Daniel and his team not only help locals with their dream pieces but have some celebrity jobs that they remember fondly. “We commissioned a piece of jewellery for Aussie actress Teresa Palmer. It was a stunning crescent-cut South Australian opal set in 18ct rose gold. It features small articulating gold discs with her children’s initials stamped into them. It was carefully designed in-house by Renee. Teresa wears it every day and promotes our business wherever she goes.”

What’s trending in jewellery design?

There are so many beautiful designs trending at the moment, and coloured stones are huge. Offset diamonds for engagement rings using untraditional shapes are very popular. Lab-grown diamonds and coloured stones like tourmaline emeralds are popular, too.

Daniel’s tips for picking a wedding & engagement ring?

Stay on budget and try on lots of styles to see what excites you.

What materials do you prefer to work with?

My favourite metal is 18ct yellow gold. It's so lovely to work with, and the finish mesmerises me every time. It's a timeless metal, and I'm very glad to see it come back after working with just white gold and platinum for many years. Diamonds are also my favourite; they are strong and durable.