Living Lerwick would like to welcome the newest member to Da Street, Nordsterna Crystal Boutique.
Nordsterna (North Star) is Shetlands only Crystal Boutique. Selling traditionally crafted, mouth-blown and hand-cut, finest quality 24% lead crystal wine glasses, tumblers, bowls, and vases.
I went along to meet Ian in his boutique on Commercial Street which opened last month.
Being a bit of a ‘magpie’, I love anything that sparkles and catches the light, so I was very excited to get to look at the crystal ware.
To be honest, I was a little bit nervous about handling the pieces in case I dropped them, but Ian really wants you to feel the glasses and vases, their weight and study their beauty.
Each one has been designed by Ian and then made in Croatia by skilled craftsmen. The workshop in Croatia is one of the very few that still use traditional techniques, unlike mass produced crystal that is commonly seen on the market. You really are getting something unique when you purchase anything from the collection. There are only a few of the same items in the world so if you are lucky to own a vase or a bowl then feel happy you are only one of two people in the world that has one.
Ian came to Shetland in 2019 after driving 3000km over 5 days. He arrived with his wife and son in December, probably greeted by cold dark weather. But that did not put Ian off, he loves the weather here, not too hot in the summer and not too cold in the winter. Ian talks about Shetland and the people who live here with a smile on his face. He says people have been so kind and welcoming and its such a beautiful place to live, he loves the peaceful nature of Shetland. Ian has lived and visited many countries in his life, and he said he has never seen a high-street that is predominantly a collection of true local businesses that are unique and individual.
When you are next visiting Da Street, be sure to pop in and see Ian at his boutique, he will be more than happy to show you and talk to you about his collection. It really is unique and very beautiful.
We do not like to mention Christmas to soon, but if you are looking for something unique to buy that special person in your life, then look no further than “Nordsterna”.
We wish Ian, his business, and his family all the best.
141 Commercial Street
Lerwick
ZE1 0DL
01595 695410
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