THE VILLAGE GOLDSMITH STORY
Capturing Stories. Crafting Memories.
In 1981,Ā jewelleryĀ designer Ian Douglas, a former NZ Apprentice of the Year, opened The Village Goldsmith jewelleryĀ store in Kelburn, Wellington in New Zealand.Ā Ā
With an affinity for loud shirt patterns, Ian is never one to shy away from designing a bold piece ofĀ jewelleryĀ either. This along with his natural curiosity and perseverance for crafting perfection is the basis for what VGĀ JewelersĀ would become today.Ā
The expanding team moved to a larger premises in The Dominion Building in Wellington's CBD. Since then, the company has continued to build its name internationally as an innovative and creative group, always pushing the boundaries of design.Ā Ā
Of course, while still treasuring the relationships built over the years with many locals as their beloved familyĀ jeweller.Ā
The creative team has won or been a finalist in over 20 national and international design awards. Ian is a former EY Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist and Chris Benham (Director) is a former winner of the Jewellery World Awards (previously JNA) Award for Young Leader of the Year from London Stock Exchange Listed UBM Asia.
RESPONSIBLY SOURCEDĀ
As members of the Responsible JewelleryĀ Council,Ā we are constantly working towards improving all aspects of our business to play our part in bettering the world and our people. We recognise this isn't something that can change overnight, but we are documenting our journey for you to follow.Ā
MADE UNIQUEĀ
Whether you're crafting your own unique piece ofĀ jewelleryĀ orĀ have fallen in love with one of ourĀ ready-madeĀ designs, we're always excited to create new unique designs, to tell your story; and who better to craft them than our award winningĀ jewellers.Ā
BUILT TO LAST
Besides from beautiful design, quality always comes first to us. From the craftsmanship to the quality of materials, diamonds and gemstones we source, you can trust that your piece ofĀ jewelleryĀ is made to the highest quality.Ā
Well to us, loads. These items were chosen to feature in our flagship store in Wellington, New ZealandĀ because they represent the same values that we do in our work.Ā These items were chosen because not only do they all have their own unique beauty about them, they also were created in a time when objects were built to last. Something that's not that common these days.Ā
They are just a few of the objects of by gone days that we have chosen to repurpose into our unique interior to give new life and meaning to. Upcycling these items reflect our values as designers and craftspeople, demonstrating a commitment to create beautiful and enduring objects that will stand the test of time.Ā
Since originally opening in 1981, to where we are today has been a wonderful and rewarding journey.Ā
Here are some of our proudest moments...Ā
ESPERANZA PENDANTĀ
Pendant design for the most valuable diamond ever discovered in the USA.Ā Ā
The Esperanza stakeholdersĀ approachedĀ usĀ to design a piece of fineĀ jewelleryĀ as the setting for the Esperanza diamond.Ā
'MAUI' PAUA AND TOPAZ PENDANTĀ
Winner of 2nd Place Professional Design Excellence in the MJSA 2016 Vision AwardsĀ
When we came into the possession of a 232 carat, natural blue, triangular cabochon topaz, we knew it was destined for a magnificent piece ofĀ jewellery. When one of the team described it as if youāre looking into a swirling ocean filled with all sorts of wonders, the the Maori legend of Maui fishing up the North Island sprang to Ianās mind.Ā
PATAI DELICATEĀ
The Inspired Delicate Collection Finalist in the 2016 UK Jewellery Awards
The InspiredĀ JewelleryĀ Delicate Collection was named as a finalist for the Bridal Collection of the Year in the 2016 UKĀ JewelleryĀ Awards. The Patai ring was awarded Bronze at the 2016Ā New Zealand Best Awards.Ā Ā
