The U.K. jewelry world is mourning the loss of Kit Heath, founder of the silver jewelry brand that bears his name, who passed away on Sept. 26 at the age of 69 after a brief battle with brain cancer.
Heath’s journey into jewelry was as unconventional as it was inspiring. As a teenager, he melted down family candlesticks to craft silver pieces for friends, long before he began selling creations out of the back of a Volkswagen camper. That fearless, entrepreneurial spirit would later reshape the British silver jewelry market.
In 1985, Heath founded his namesake brand with his sister Katie Nickell, drawing inspiration from the rugged coastline and landscape of North Devon. Their vision was simple but groundbreaking: make sterling silver jewelry both contemporary and accessible. At a time when gold dominated the market, Heath’s passion elevated silver from “second choice” to a stylish and desirable category in its own right.
The brand quickly grew, setting new standards for retail customer service and becoming a symbol of British design—sleek, elegant, and wearable. “Kit was known for his charm, charisma, and trailblazing spirit,” the company said in its tribute. “He built a brand that became synonymous with quality, elegance, and contemporary British design.”
Even as he stepped back from day-to-day management in recent years, Heath’s DNA remained embedded in the business. Today, Nickell serves as managing director and vows to carry his vision forward: “Kit’s legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of everything we do. We remain committed to honoring my brother’s vision.”
The Kit Heath brand has continued to thrive, winning accolades such as Professional Jeweller’s 2024 Collection of the Year award for silver jewelry—proof that his pioneering influence still resonates in an industry now grappling with shifting tastes and the rise of lab-grown diamonds.
Heath leaves behind his wife, Lizzie, and their four children—Annabel, Ollie, Alex, and Mimi. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Brain Tumour Charity and North Devon Hospice.
Kit Heath’s story reminds the industry of a deeper question: in a world where jewelry trends often chase novelty and spectacle, who will carry forward the understated brilliance of silver? His passing is not only a personal loss but also a moment for the trade to reflect on how visionaries like Heath reshaped consumer perceptions—and what comes next.
👉 Explore our Jewelry Guide to learn how pioneers like Kit Heath shaped modern jewelry design and what today’s brands can learn from his legacy.