The Okanagan Valley is a region of glamorous communities that boasts some of the most exciting jewellery stores in Canada. This special section gives you a wonderful opportunity to explore gift options for the coming holiday season.
Posh
Step through the doors of elegant Posh Jewelry in the heart of Kelowna’s Cultural District and be instantly welcomed by gleaming jewels, unique design and staff who embody everything the boutique stands for: beauty, charm and that je ne sais quoi not found anywhere else in the Okanagan.
Trendsetting Lucite baubles by New York designer Alexis Bittar, sumptuous Jamie Joseph statement rings of precious gems, glittering Mizuki diamonds and Shaesby designs, handcrafted silver talismans by Pyrrha, and the popular Pandora charm bracelet collection can all be found sharing space among the carefully curated selection of jewellery and designer handbags. The first shop to bring Pandora to the Okanagan, Posh offers a unique service to its clientele: every charm you purchase or are given is recorded and a Wish List option is available for that subtle hint.
Posh is also the only place in Canada you’ll find some of these dazzling pieces of wearable art by Mizuki and Shaesby, a strategic move by owner Kate Morgan who opened the boutique as a passion project in 2003 to share her love of the beautiful and unique.
“Jewellery makes me feel good and I want to share that feeling,” says Kate. She and her right-hand girls Rhianne Barile and Lisa Tupman are just three of the reasons to visit Posh where the personal level of service is as exquisite as the jewellery they sell. Another of Kate’s firm beliefs is that a business is only as good as its staff, and she couldn’t run Posh without Rhianne and Lisa—a sentiment her clients would agree with. Frequenting the boutique is like stopping by to visit friends, only with a sparkly outcome.
Location matters as well. Posh is part of downtown Kelowna’s revitalization, infusing the city with a fresh new vibe that’s attractive to residents and visitors alike. Trendsetting in the trendiest Okanagan region, Posh is a must-visit at 1393 Ellis Street, Kelowna. Online visit www.poshjewelry.ca.
JC Bradley
While diamonds are forever, Richard Pierson says the tides are changing at JC Bradley’s. New lines like Pandora, Thomas Sabo and Simon G are now in our showcases with new (yet familiar) hands are on deck. “My daughter Chantelle has cut her teeth in our industry,” he says. Now she’s following in her father’s footsteps, something she has talked about since she was a little girl, keys in hand and unable even see over the showcase.
Chantelle is a dynamic, fashion forward young lady who has achieved her graduate jeweller diploma, is currently obtaining accreditation as a
graduate gemologist and certification in jewellery design through the Gemological Institute of America.
“We are here to share people’s special moments with them, from the purchase of an engagement ring to appraising a family heirloom. We’re proud to cherish these moments with our clients.” With the Pierson’s vast knowledge of the jewellery world they will be sure to make your next piece the perfect one. Stop by the store in the heart of Vernon’s Village Green Mall or 380 Alexander Street NE in downtown Salmon Arm.
Enderby Jewellers
Just one visit and you’ll know why they call it the secret store: Enderby Jewellers is considered one of the best-kept secrets in the Okanagan. Owner Judy Dangel’s customers tell her the store has an amazing selection for such a small community. “It’s like three businesses under one roof,” she says, “with treasures in every corner.”
Strong on tradition, Enderby Jewellers originally opened on October 10, 1947 and is now celebrating 65 years. Judy herself worked for the store’s second owners for 10 years before deciding to purchase the business; that was 21 years ago. Countless satisfied customers later, she still offers everything you’d expect to find in a fine jewellery store including a wide selection of timeless gold pieces and eternal gifts like Canadian diamonds.
“Diamonds symbolize a special moment or a special journey in our lives,” says Judy; “we purchase diamonds to remember.” Whether to celebrate a milestone or seal an engagement, she and her long-serving staff take both pride and pleasure in helping their customers find just the right stones in the perfect setting, whatever the occasion may be.
Although they’re rightfully proud of their history, Enderby Jewellers certainly isn’t stuck in the past. Judy recently updated her storefront and logo, and she carries plenty of fun new products like Pandora and the wonderfully creative Kameleon—sterling silver settings with interchangeable pop-out jewels for a customizable look—along with Steelx’s line of stainless steel pieces for men and women. She has also recently added the sleek and beautiful line of Bering watches to the store’s selection of Bulova timepieces.
To make any item extra special, the store’s engraving department has a variety of machines and can add your personal touch to precious metals, wood, acrylic, glass, coated or painted metals, ceramics, leather, tile, plastic, cork, anodized aluminum, stainless steel, brass and more. Business signage and name tags, glassware for your head table or special event, jewellery (including the insides of rings)…the possibilities are endless. They can even add a logo or a photo.
Bring in your own piece to be engraved or select the perfect item in-store. Along with jewellery, Judy also carries a full line of giftware from all the best lines: Bradford Exchange, Derek Alexander, ESPE, Willow Tree, Bunnykins, Speed Freaks. You’re sure to find the perfect gift for every occasion whatever your budget, and with Christmas shopping just around the corner it’s a great time to check out pieces from Jim Shore and Thomas Kinkade.
Online at www.enderbyjewellers.com or call 250.838.7123. Better yet, visit Judy and her staff at 608 Cliff Avenue in Enderby. Wherever you are in the Valley, it’s worth the drive to Enderby Jewellers—the secret store with treasures in every corner.
Hagemann Jewellers
Established in 1993, Hagemann Jewellers is not your run-of-the mill jewellery store. Known for his meticulous attention for detail, Rainer Hagemann has more than 30 years experience as a goldsmith and certified European watchmaker. Trust him to restore your treasured antiques, re-set or redesign your piece, or create something new and unique to your own specifications.
All work is done on premises, where along with quality custom design, restoration and repair services for jewellery, they repair and service timepieces, including grandfather clocks.
Hagemann Jewellers also offers a complete selection of fine jewellery and watches. Visit their showroom to see their elegant collection of Canadian diamonds, platinum and estate jewellery. You’ll find them at 3119–30th Avenue, in the heart of downtown Vernon, or call 250.545.1528.
Pandora
Pandora started out in Denmark as a small business run by a pair of goldsmiths nearly 30 years ago. Today the company is the world’s third largest jewellery manufacturer. With stores in 28 countries their popular charms grace the wrists of women everywhere. Lyle Hance began opening the company’s Canadian concept stores in 2009, including one at Orchard Park in Kelowna in June of 2012.
Pandora is an unabashedly feminine store, aiming its gold and silver pieces at women of all ages and, of course, the men who love them. “We sell to younger children, mothers, grandmothers,” says Hance, “and it is easy for men to buy from us too.” The beautiful little charms are the perfect gift to celebrate special moments in their lives.
While best known for its charms, Pandora is also popular for its romantic, high quality jewellery lines. With more than 3,000 designs in all, they have something for every woman’s style, her every mood, and for every occasion. Build a classic yet contemporary bracelet featuring a variety of silver, gold and Murano glass. Select from the “Stories” collection of matching earring, bracelet, ring sets and watches. Or choose the new 18k gold “LovePods,” featuring brilliant-cut hand set diamonds. Mix and match to your heart’s content; even in the budget-friendly selections, the quality of each Pandora piece shines through. “All of our products are handmade,” says Hance. “Some companies mass produce their products, but at Pandora it’s very labour intensive. Up to 40 expert hands touch each piece.”
Hance says Pandora jewellery was initially put into small stores, little mom-and-pop operations and gift shops, and when Pandora wanted to branch out into concept stores, he saw an opportunity. Having lived in Kelowna, he’s pleased to be back and, as he puts it, “making Kelowna and area a little more charming.”
Just as Pandora started as a family business in Copenhagen, Hance keeps family ties in his stores. “It really is a fun business,” he says. “And as you get more good people on board, it continues to be fun.” His 105 employees are continually upgrading their skills. But for Hance, business success isn’t just measured in revenue and opening new shops; it’s also measured in giving back to the community. “We do a lot of corporate sponsorship,” he says. “Pandora has been a big supporter of breast cancer research for many years. We support the local community wherever we go—we feel that is important.”
Drop by Pandora’s Orchard Park location, or visit www.Pandora.net for more information. You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter. There’s even a Pandora app for mobile devices, featuring the latest information on new lines and releases.
Indulgences
We all deserve a little indulgence and what could be more indulgent than one-of-a-kind, handcrafted jewellery? Susan Scott works in sterling and fine silver, copper and brass incorporating gemstones, pearls and Swarovski crystals in her unique designs. She loves doing custom work, conceptualizing and creating the perfectly individualized look. Studio hours are 10 to 4, Tuesday through Saturday, or by appointment. Indulge yourself at 13216 Henry St., Summerland.
Gregory’s Fine Jewellery
Greg, Joan and their staff care about helping you choose the right jewellery for your lifestyle and your budget. They’re delighted to be assisting a second generation of loyal clients in selecting just the right engagement ring. First in the Okanagan to sell Canadian diamonds, they carry the traditional whites along with cool pinks, yellows and blues.
Choose from their wide selection of ready-made jewellery, including elegant and contemporary handmade luxury pieces and products from Pandora and other popular lines. Greg also creates unique pieces to your specification, listening carefully and asking all the right questions so when you see your custom made piece, you’ll say “It’s perfect—just what I thought it would be.” Visit Gregory’s Fine Jewellery at 3107–30th Avenue in Vernon.
JK Schmidt Jewellers
In 1976, J.K. Schmidt and his wife Marianne opened a small watch repair shop in downtown Westbank. Today, JK Schmidt Jewellers is one of the largest independent jewellers in Western Canada. That’s more than 36 years of trusted service.
Now a third generation of jewellers is carrying on the family tradition. “We pride ourselves on customer service,” says Stephanie Schmidt, “from repairs to custom designing fine jewellery.” That dedication shows: the store has received numerous customer service awards and is regularly voted best jeweller in the Okanagan.
The diamond leader, JK Schmidt Jewellers has the right diamond for any occasion in their Canadian Ice Collection. They carry the classic favourites like Gucci, Movado, Bulova, Corona, and Custom Gold, along with fashion forward silver jewellery like Elle and the popular Pandora.
Their goal is to offer their customers a vast selection to meet every taste and every budget. “Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are always there to help with your purchasing choices in a non commission environment,” says Jennifer Schmidt. If you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, they can custom-make a piece to suit including message bands, family rings, name necklaces and more.
In addition to jewellery and timepieces, JK Schmidt Jewellers carries exquisite giftware lines—Waterford, Vera Wang, and Royal Doulton. Visit them at 2477 Main Street in West Kelowna, or find them online at www.jkschmidt.ca.
Gold Dust Jewellers
The most exquisite piece of jewellery you can picture is within your reach at Gold Dust Jewellers. Visit this bustling store in downtown Penticton and you’ll see what locals already know.
Behind the glitter is master goldsmith and owner Don Nguyen. You can see his amazing craftsmanship in a showpiece necklace on display in the store. Fashioned as a working zipper, this creation sports 1,360 diamonds, each set in place by Don’s practiced hand.
“It stunning,” says Lois, a longtime employee. “It’s a definite red carpet piece.”
Don’s mastery, combined with a full retail line of jewellery, means local shoppers have no need to head to Vancouver if they’re looking for a high-end piece. The Nguyen
family takes pride in having something to fit everyone’s taste and everyone’s budget.
As the South Okanagan’s exclusive dealer of Canadian Maple Leaf Diamonds, Gold Dust showcases some of the word’s highest quality stones, mined in the Northwest Territories. Each gem is laser-engraved to certify its Canadian origin.
The full-service store is a member of the Canadian Jewellers Association and offers custom cleaning, all aspects of repairs—on-site—and custom design. With the most up-to-date computer design and wax mold cutting CAD machines, Gold Dust Jewellers can duplicate any design requested.
Helping Don behind the workbench is his sister, Thao, and nephew Justin, who is apprenticing with his uncle.
“The minute you come in, you feel you’re at home,” says loyal customer Bonnie Save-Jones. “It’s just like you’re family.”
You’ll find Don, his family, staff and exquisite jewellery at Gold Dust Jewellers, 317 Main Street, Penticton.
La Roca Watch and Jewellery
Family owned and operated La Roca Watch and Jewellery has been proudly serving the Valley since 2000 and has been voted best jeweller in the Okanagan by the readers of Okanagan Life. Specializing in watches and unique jewellery, La Roca offers rare and collectible pieces to clients around the world.
Owner Ted Risko has been a professional watchmaker for over 30 years. An avid collector of watches, vintage pieces and coins, Ted enjoys the intricacies of repairing timepieces and the satisfaction of offering quality items to the discerning client.
Along with providing expert repairs and restorations, La Roca carries a wide selection of fine timepieces including Ball (famous for setting the universally recognized standard of railway time), and Rotary, Tissot and Momentum, all Swiss legends with reputations for durability and functionality.
But La Roca isn’t just about keeping accurate time. La Roca also carries a variety of exclusive jewellery collections. If unique style is your trademark, the selection of artistic enamelware by the sought after Austrian jeweller Frey Willie is a must see. And for sentimentalists looking to remember special people and occasions, see the Chamilia twist on the traditional charm bracelet. They also have a full line of engagement and wedding bands in both traditional and contemporary designs in gold, platinum, tungsten carbide and titanium. Visit La Roca at 2915 Pandosy Street in Kelowna.
