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A weekly spotlight on the fabulous Nottingham Independents who make our city unique.
Introducing K.fines
This week we speak with Katie, who has successfully created not one, but two jewellery brands for us lucky magpies here in Nottingham. Keishi is a bespoke studio in Cobden Chambers and the K.fines concept store was born to showcase selected brands. Online initially, K.fines launched in October 2018, but after great success, the first physical store launched on Pelham Street in March 2020.
The K.fines store is minimal and elegant. The clean lines, created by gold and glass streamline cabinets, are softened with soft prop accents in the way of feather, pampas grass and in-store floral installations. The effect: a pleasurable, calm shopping environment for customers to browse at their leisure and without pressure. Let us step gracefully into store…
Hi Katie, thanks for speaking with us today. Where did the gorgeous brand names originate?
"Keishi is a Japanese pearl, they are beautiful and very organic in their nature. As an extension of Keishi, K.fines then references the fine jewellery collections showcased."
And can you tell us more about the jewellery you sell at K.fines?
"The jewellery and mix of brands that we showcase aims to bridge that gap between high-street and the top end of the jewellery market. Our opening price point is £15 through to £600, with most items sitting in the £30-£150 bracket. The ethos is that of current trend led jewellery with a focus on quality, value for money and spectrum of price points. We like to source fresh, up and coming brands and ensure that there is an element of fun to our ranges."
"We work hard to deliver something different to the high street in the way of undiscovered and new jewellery designers. Our collections are a combination of local, national, and internal brands with a wide spectrum of materials, looks and price points. We are always searching out our next brand to launch to keep things new and fresh. We recently launched Norwegian brand Crystal Haze with their gummy bear line causing a bit of a stir and quickly becoming the item to be seen in. Other examples of brands that we stock are Birmingham based brand Mikaela Lyons, Mikaela makes lioness and vintage inspired jewellery following the principles of the slow fashion movement. Otiumberg, demi fine London based jewellery brand encompassing solid gold and precious gemstones which stand the test of time and Pernille Corydon, Danish minimalist aesthetic brand."
Tell us about the customer experience you offer – what makes it special?
"We aim to provide everyone that enters our stores with an exceptional experience from the hello through to the knowledge our staff hold to assist in the purchasing process. We pride ourselves on a friendly, knowledgeable team with a can- do approach to all customer enquiries."
Tell us a bit about your own background – how did you get into the world of jewellery?
"My background has always been in high end retail, even whilst studying Psychology at University. Post university I managed a small jewellery brand for several years, learning the trade and actively being involved in the design process of collections."
"When they decided to close their doors, I started Keishi Jewellery with the inheritance left to me by my mother when she sadly passed away. She is a constant drive for me to follow my dreams and I'm eternally grateful that she has facilitated me doing so. I have never looked back!"
"I learnt, from my Jaeger days, the importance of excellent customer service and quality products has been embedded into me. That combined with a passion for jewellery, design and a love of retail drove me to launch Keishi and then subsequently K.fines."
It's In Nottingham have teamed up with John Lewis & Partners and The Great British Exchange to provide eight Nottingham independent businesses the chance to ‘pop-up’ in the John Lewis Nottingham store throughout the summer.
k.fines will be in store 19-25 July. Here, you will find several beautiful items from their current collections, and we hear that there may even be a chance for visitors to take part in an exclusive competition. K.fines neighbour, ladies clothing boutique Stick & Ribbon will also be popping up in John lewis Nottingham this summer. For more details on the event please visit https://www.itsinnottingham.com/features/the-great-british-exchange/
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