The Blair and Sheridan Way
Bespoke Jewellery Design Glasgow
I first met Douglas Blair and Roddy Sheridan of Blair and Sheridan in 2018 when my husband and I were lucky enough to work with them to design my engagement ring and our wedding rings. So, when the opportunity to interview the creative duo pioneering Unique to You handcrafted jewellery in the West End of Glasgow, came up, I was incredibly excited to get started. By Elena Taggart
As a long term ‘Sex and the City’ addict I was completely obsessed with black diamonds and had a vision of a kite shaped black diamond ring. My husband is Mr Sport and kite-surfing is one of his passions, somehow a kite shaped diamond meshed into something that was very personal to us both.
Roddy was able to interpret my vision in his sketches and source the perfect stone. The entire project was so collaborative. We talked through my ideas, and we were able to try on bands to consider the weight and size of the ring once made. ‘Trying on’ diamonds and precious stones was actually mind blowing. You get to pop them on your finger to see how you like them, the size, the colour, consider if you like another stone, it was breathtaking.
Designing with Colour and Clarity
Both Glasgow-born, Douglas and Roddy studied and worked in the city prior to starting the business together. As a student of the esteemed Glasgow School of Art, Douglas graduated in 2000 with a BA Hons Degree in Silversmithing and Jewellery Design. Over the following few years Douglas honed his skills at a well-known bespoke family jewellers in Glasgow.
In the meantime, Roddy was studying Physiotherapy and worked across various hospitals within the NHS for several years. With an interest in the origin of diamonds and gemstones, a chance meeting saw Roddy under the mentorship of an ex-DeBeers specialist, which ignited his passion for the jewellery industry. Roddy undertook training in Antwerp and London to become a fully-qualified polished diamond grader.
The team crossed paths in 2007 thanks to a mutual friend. Simultaneously running separate businesses — Douglas as a self-employed goldsmith and Roddy as an independent jewellery designer — they collaborated with each other on ring and jewellery commissions through private consultations. Over time it became apparent that there was something special about this partnership and that having a space would allow the business to grow.
‘We began life as a small appointments-based shop in Glasgow specialising in bespoke diamond jewellery design. Our approach is very personalised and involves the customer at every step of the way, taking on board their input and personal touches to create truly stunning pieces,’ Douglas says.
As the business continued to expand, Roddy and Douglas employed an additional goldsmith in 2014 and more than doubled their floorspace by taking over the adjoining retail unit. ‘Our newfound spacious studio/shop allowed expansion of our consultation area as well as creating a large workshop area to accommodate a growing workforce.’
Commissions that Sparkle
Based on Great Western Road near Kelvinbridge, their studio and creative space is both beautiful and welcoming. Over the years, Blair and Sheridan have grown from strength to strength and their team has grown from two into double digits. The team offers a full design service in house, from understanding and sketching your vision to design, CAD service, manufacture and advanced stone setting.
When I asked if there had been any truly unusual commissions, mine wasn’t the standout. ‘We have had many unusual requests over the years. However, a really memorable design was for an engagement ring commission where the fiancée-to-be had previously worked at a big cat reserve in Africa. Led by the customer, we designed a lion’s head engagement ring with a sizeable round brilliant cut diamond held in the teeth of the lion’ explained Roddy. ‘Another quirky engagement ring featured a willow tree design band. The customer had proposed under the tree, plucked a branch and brought it to us to base their ring on.’ I love both those ideas.
I asked if they had any preference in terms of commissions, what do they prefer to create — necklaces versus rings, new verses reimagining inherited pieces? ‘While we specialise in bespoke diamond engagement rings at Blair and Sheridan, we recognise that our customer’s story does not end at a proposal, that’s just the beginning. Life has so many celebration-worthy moments and we are here for all of them. So, while most of our business starts out as engagement ring commissions this often leads to many types of jewellery down the line both for men and women. Weddings, milestone birthdays, anniversaries and declarations of love see many of our customers return for luxurious, unique gifts throughout their lives.’
A Cut Above the Rest
That said, I wondered if they ever had to talk clients out of designs? Perhaps if it will date or won’t work? Douglas explains, ‘The way we work with customers is very collaborative, taking on board their thoughts, guidance on what works with regards to the best settings for different diamonds, which metals lend themselves to different types of jewellery etc, with the aim being to allow the customer to make an informed decision. We encourage our customers to lead the way in their design and intervene with industry knowledge and ‘best practice’. Sometimes if a customer’s idea has mechanical or structural difficulties then we can advise on a different design solution. The intricacies of metal work might not work for the design so we can work through a solution to create something truly Unique to You and bespoke.’
I can support this having gone through the design process with the team. They made suggestions I hadn’t thought of and I ended up with much more beautiful rings.
The team at Blair and Sheridan recently celebrated their 10-year business anniversary with a champagne cruise of Loch Lomond with staff, friends, family and customers. But a recent highlight for the business was being shortlisted for the Bespoke Retailer of the Year at the National Association of Jewellers Awards in both 2024, and again in 2025. Roddy tells me: ‘To be recognised alongside some of the best jewellery companies in the UK was a huge accolade.’
I asked the team if they felt being in the West End of Glasgow was important to them. ‘Yes, hugely important. The West End is synonymous with unique and unusual design, and the clientele are receptive to the personalised service we provide. People who reside and hang out in the West End tend to support local businesses and be proud of the raft of independent retailers that are on their doorstep.’
Ethical Sourcing
While many of the materials used in Blair and Sheridan’s bespoke jewellery require sourcing from a wide range of suppliers in the UK and abroad, they maintain a commitment to sustainability by sourcing locally wherever possible. All their cabinets, consultation desks, display units and bespoke bar are custom-made by a local specialist cabinetmaker. Their beautiful store features bespoke seating and wallpaper from a neighbouring design studio and homeware boutique. And they display several pieces of original art purchased from a nearby gallery to support local business and artists. ‘We are determined to fly the flag for local businesses wherever possible,’ says Roddy.
In terms of sustainability in their jewellery they are incredibly conscious in sourcing. ‘We ensure that all precious metals, diamonds and gemstones we use are ethically and responsibly obtained,’ Douglas explains. They also promote a re-modelling service to reduce the need for newly mined resources. So perhaps that inherited ring or necklace that you just don’t wear because you aren’t that sure about it, can be made into something you’ll love and cherish. Blair and Sheridan also advocate the benefits of lab grown diamonds, again to minimise the impact of precious stone mining on the environment.
Their mission for the coming years is to continue to be at the forefront of design and creation of bespoke jewellery in Glasgow. ‘We pride ourselves in sourcing the very best materials,’ says Roddy. ‘Not cutting corners and taking the optimal approach in every process throughout the creation of every ring and item of jewellery we design. Because we are not beholden to pre-fabricated mounts and components, we have complete autonomy to fulfil exactly what our customers need and want. Unique to You is our mission. We make designs and solutions that are unique to our clients.
The Kelvin Collection
‘Over the years, we have definitely created a style that is synonymous with Blair and Sheridan. In light of this we have recently created our inaugural signature range, the Kelvin Collection which features three pieces: a ring, pendant and earrings. At the heart of the collection is a trilogy of round cut stones from a selection of diamonds, lab grown diamonds and a wide choice of coloured sapphires. We have some ready to buy pieces in the collection, however, you can create a design entirely unique to you through customisable features. You can select your own combination of stones — a unique trilogy choice. There are personalisation options such as metal choice (yellow, white or rose gold, or platinum) and finishing options — polished or brushed metal. This flexible design approach allows you to create a truly one-of-a-kind piece.’
I asked Roddy and Douglas if they had any advice for new business owners? ‘Research your market thoroughly. Ensure there is a demand for what you have to offer. Be bold and courageous and have faith in your product, your idea and your abilities,’ says Roddy.
Douglas continues, ‘We love being part of the West End community and being right next to Kelvinbridge Underground makes the area accessible to everyone. Great Western Road has very much a neighbourhood vibe about it while proprietors and residents alike all look out for each other. Of course, the staff are spoiled for choice at lunch time with a host of wonderful coffee shops and bakeries nearby.’
For more information on Bespoke Jewellery Design in Glasgow, visit –
Blair and Sheridan
417 Great Western Rd G4 9JA
0141 334 0557
