Exceeding client expectations since 1978; offering the best quality diamonds and jewellery, excellent service and professional sales advice. Knar Jewellery was founded in Guelph, Ontario, by brothers Greg and Jeff Buzbuzian. Knar is located in one of the city’s Downtown landmarks; a Tudor designed heritage building that is as elegant outside as it is inside. I spoke with John Van de Kamer, Manager at Knar Jewellery, to learn more about fine jewellery and what goes into selecting that perfect piece.

Pierce: What do you do in the morning to kick start your day?
John: I like to start my day by taking the dog for a walk out in the woods.

Pierce: How long have you been at Knar Jewellery?
John: I started out at Knar as a very junior sales associate; 29 years later I am proud to say that I am now the Manager.

Pierce: I noticed on your business card ‘RJ (AGS)’ can you explain these acronyms and what’s involved in obtaining this designation?
John: ‘RJ’ is a Registered Jeweler and ‘AGS’ represents the American Gem Society. AGS is a jewelry association comprised of the top jewelers in the United States and Canada. As a professional organization, the designation focuses on education and ethics in industry. The work involved in earning your AGS requires a strong gemological background as well as general business knowledge within the industry. I have taken a lot of education courses through the Gemological Institute of America , which were very hands on and required me to be able to identify 500 gems and grade approximately 100 diamonds.

Pierce: Can you tell me about Knar’s involvement in the community?
John: Knar is engaged in the Guelph community through charitable arts and cultural initiatives. We are a proud supporter of the River Run Centre, the Guelph Chamber Choir and Hospital foundations in the cities in which we are located.

Pierce: What’s one accessory you can’t go without?
John: Watches! I love my watches. Other popular items for men include a variety of silver bracelets. For the women, rose gold and white gold combinations are trending and of course our Hearts on Fire diamonds.

Pierce: What’s trending this Holiday Season?
John: Diamond stud earrings are extremely popular this season. Additionally, Canadian designer John Hardy is getting a lot of attention.

Pierce: What’s the rule of thumb when buying an engagement ring (% of your salary)
John: Spend within your comfort level and go with the best diamond possible… not necessarily the biggest. I can say that I have never had a customer come back and say, ‘I wish I bought a bigger, worse diamond.’

Pierce: Any advice on Men’s rings?
John: We are seeing an increase in different custom designs, and with the tools available today like Design Your Ring it makes the search for the right ring simple and enjoyable.

Pierce: Do you sleep with your jewellery on?
John: No, I always take it off before bed.

Pierce: How & how often should you clean your jewellery?
John: We encourage customers to bring in their jewellery for a spa treatment to freshen things up as often as they see fit.

Pierce: Are customers shopping for themselves or others?
John: Mostly themselves. Women make approximately 80% of the jewellery buying decisions but aren’t necessarily making the final purchase themselves.

Pierce: Tell me more about custom jewellery design at Knar.
John: Our sales staff at Knar consists of knowledgeable goldsmiths and designers. With their creative ability and our in house services, Knar is able to offer our customers sketching, computer designs, model making & setting.

Pierce: How does Knar select their diamonds & jewellery?
John: We travel the world. Focusing in on North America and Europe, we look at trends in fashion as well as items of timeless design and quality. It is important to us here at Knar that the companies we work with are ethically run, and the individuals with whom we work understand our market and align themselves with Knar’s top standards.

Knar Jewellery, a family owned business, located at 56 Wyndham St. in Guelph has grown from its single store front to now include Waterloo, Oakville and Toronto. Its four locations are comprised of a dynamic team of 35 staff members with further plans to expand the Oakville location in the new year. Knar has become a recognized leader in the use of advanced technology in design and manufacturing and with the help of their extremely knowledgeable staff can ensure the perfect gift for that special someone… or as a treat for yourself.

For nearly 20 years Colley Insurance has been working with Knar Jewellery polishing our skills and knowledge in our respective professions but working together to create something beautiful.

Visit Knar Jewellery at: http://www.knar.com/

56 Wyndham St., N, Guelph, ON N1H4E6

Phone: (519) 821-798

Store Manager: john.v@knar.com

– Pierce Colley, Registered Insurance Broker