Recycling the family silver
“I’ve spent some reflective time thinking about my brother Kit’s life and the incredible legacy he left behind — not just through the jewellery brand we created together, but through the values he lived by: creativity, generosity, and a true love of connecting with people.
Kit’s journey into jewellery began in our childhood home in South Devon. Even as a schoolboy, he had an interest in metalwork and silversmithing, and family stories tell of him “recycling” the family silver candlesticks to make his first pieces.
It was a bold, mischievous move, but it showed the spark of creativity and determination that would guide him for the rest of his life. By 18, he was already working as a sales agent, travelling the country as well as overseas, spotting opportunities where others might have seen risk. That determination soon grew into a lifelong venture in jewellery.
The early years were full of adventure, hard work, and family. Kit travelled the South West in his campervan, selling to gift shops and jewellers, always fitting in a surf whenever he could. Behind the scenes, the rest of the family — our late brother Stevie, Francesca, and I — supported him in the workshop, helping bring his vision to life.
40th anniversaries
North Devon became his home, and from there the business grew — from his first customers in Barnstaple to a purpose-built headquarters, and eventually into a brand recognised nationally and Stateside for its sterling silver designs.
Kit built more than a business — he built relationships both in the US and UK. His warmth, charisma, humour, and energy left a mark on everyone he met, and those values remain at the heart of what we do today. In 2024, we celebrated not only the 40th anniversary of the business but also his silver wedding anniversary with a silver-themed party for all his friends and family— creating happy memories we’ll always cherish.
As I continue leading the company, I feel his influence in every decision we make, from design to customer service — it’s a way of keeping his spirit alive in the business he created.
The Heath Family: Stevie, Francesca, Katie and Kit at an industry event
Honouring Kit’s legacy
Kit’s diagnosis with glioblastoma underscored how little is still known about this aggressive form of brain cancer and why continued research is so crucial. Families like ours are often left navigating limited treatment options, scarce information, and profound uncertainty.
Katie Nickell
His wife Lizzie and their four children devotedly cared for him at home throughout the brief 12 weeks between diagnosis and his passing.
The Brain Tumour Charity does invaluable work, funding vital research, raising awareness, and offering help to families like ours at the most difficult of times. We’re proud to support them as our Charity of the Year.
Following the overwhelming show of support, kindness and love for what Kit left behind, I designed the Big Love Silver Necklace as a symbol of connection, strength, and enduring love — qualities that defined Kit throughout his life. Through this piece, we hope to honour him, celebrate his generosity and creativity, and raise awareness and funds for a cause that has become deeply personal to our family.
For us, legacy isn’t just about the pieces we create; it’s about the impact we make and the people we help along the way. By sharing Kit’s story and supporting The Brain Tumour Charity, we hope to raise awareness of glioblastoma, highlight the importance of early diagnosis, and support families facing this challenging journey.
Thank you for being part of this with us, and for helping us celebrate a life that continues to inspire everything we do.”
You can buy the Big Love Silver Necklace online here.