What Is Shovelle?

Shovelle is a British jewellery brand making handmade spoon necklaces and other nice things for naughty habits. Every jewellery piece is solid sterling silver, designed and finished by hand in the UK, and shipped worldwide.

How Did Shovelle Start?

Shovelle started in 2022 as a side hustle, born of a simple problem: we wanted a proper spoon necklace and couldn't find one that wasn't cheap tat. So we made our own — no jewellery background, just an unreasonable obsession. Friends and strangers saw it, loved it, and today, we've served customers on every continent. We intend to be the name in nice things for naughty habits.

Are Shovelle Necklaces Handmade?

Yes — every Shovelle is individually finished and assembled by hand by skilled silversmiths. Unusual jewellery shouldn't come off the same production line as a thousand identical accessories, and ours doesn't.

Are Shovelle Necklaces Solid Silver?

Yes — every piece is solid .925 sterling silver, with the weight and feel of real jewellery. Gold versions are the same sterling base finished with a layer of 18ct gold. No mystery metals, no shortcuts.

What Is a Snuff Spoon Necklace?

A snuff spoon necklace is a small, functional spoon worn as a pendant on a chain. The idea is centuries old — miniature spoons in precious metals were carried by aristocrats, travellers and fashionable rebels long before they became jewellery to consume powdered tobacco. A modern one earns its place by being both: a piece you'd wear for its own sake, with a function tucked quietly behind the design.

What Makes a Good Spoon Necklace?

We have a whole Guide for that.

Why Do People Wear Spoon Necklaces?

For the same reason people wear signet rings or carry pocket watches: it's jewellery with a story, and a use. Some wear one for the history, some for the craft, some because it's guaranteed to raise the right eyebrows. It's the rare piece a stranger will actually ask you about — whether that's a blessing or a curse depends on how much you like talking to strangers.

Why Is a Shovelle Better Than the Cheap Alternatives?

Because it starts as solid sterling silver and ends as a hand-finished piece of jewellery — not a plated casting made to hit a price point. The necklaces are built for purpose (Check our Spoon Necklace Guide) Better metal, better proportions, a stem you can actually grip, and a weight that feels right in the hand. You notice the difference the moment you hold one; you appreciate it every month it doesn't tarnish, bend or snap.

Can I Wear a Shovelle Every Day?

Yes — it's designed to be worn, not stored. Under a shirt, over a T-shirt, with formalwear: it works like any fine pendant, and many customers rarely take theirs off. For what to avoid (water, sport, perfume), see the care section of our Spoon Necklace Guide.

Where Did Spoon Necklaces Come From?

Miniature spoons have centuries of history — crafted in silver and gold, carried by travellers, aristocrats and collectors as prized personal objects rather than disposable tools. Somewhere along the way they moved from the pocket to the chain, blurring the line between utility and jewellery. Shovelle continues that tradition with modern design and modern standards.

Is a Spoon Necklace a Good Gift?

It's a terrible gift for boring people — for everyone else, it's the one they'll still be wearing years after the wine and gift vouchers are forgotten. Memorable, unusual, and impossible to mistake for something picked up in a hurry.

Does It Come Ready to Gift?

Yes — every Shovelle arrives in a purpose-built pouch and presentation packaging, ready to hand over as-is. No wrapping panic, no pretending the petrol-station flowers were always part of the plan.

Where Do You Ship?

We ship worldwide from the UK — we've sent Shovelles to every continent. Shipping options and costs are shown at checkout for your country.

How Long Does Delivery Take?

Orders are dispatched within 1 working day. UK delivery typically takes 1–3 working days; Europe 1 - 5; rest of world 4 - 10. You'll receive tracking as soon as your order ships.

What Is Your Returns Policy?

You can return your Shovelle within 14 days of delivery for a refund or exchange, provided it's unworn and in its original packaging. To start a return, email sup@shovelle.co.uk with your order number. Full details are in our refund policy.

What If My Necklace Breaks?

Contact us — a Shovelle is built to last, and if something fails that shouldn't, we'll make it right with a repair or replacement. For wear-and-tear repairs beyond that, get in touch and we'll see what we can do.

How Do I Keep the Silver From Tarnishing?

Mostly: wear it. Sterling silver tarnishes more slowly when worn regularly, and if it darkens, a soft silver cloth brings the shine back in seconds. Some polish religiously; others let the aged character develop — both are valid. For the full routine, see the care section of the Spoon Necklace Guide.