Squamish residents like gems under the tree
Roland and Susan Badke have owned Gem Jewellers on Pemberton Avenue since 1995. They moved here after buying the family business from Roland’s parents in the late 80s. It was originally located in Capilano, which Susan says was a lot like Squamish in the “old days” with a community vibe and family atmosphere.
The lifestyle of Squamish residents means what sells is what works outdoors.
“You have people who like nice things but they’re rough on them. So big fancy fussy rings where you can knock the head off them just won’t fly,” Susan said.
Roland, a registered goldsmith and gemologist creates custom pieces. He starts with a customer’s nebulous or precise idea and creates a 3D video design, which is then 3D printed and waxed to caste.
“Roland will talk to them about their lifestyle and look at their hands,” says Susan. “And 20 years down the road, they still love it.
Though all retailers get busy during the holidays, what makes jewelry different is the emotion attached.
“Often people have stories behind what they’re buying,” Susan says, “and that’s what makes it so different. Most people are just looking for something special for their loved one.”
Diamond stud earrings are a crowd pleaser during the holidays because they’re classic and work outdoors, Susan explains. It’s the real planners who tend to order custom since it takes about four weeks, she added. “We love it here in Squamish,” Susan says. The family business looks forward to December and loves seeing the community grow, though she admits it’s hard to keep up sometimes.
“We thrive on doing one-of-a-kind things and we would love to produce faster but we can’t.”
Jody Sparkes, the owner of Studio Sparkes, says the volume goes up a lot around the holidays.
The Squamish resident always wanted to make jewelry after learning to bead on a First Nations reserve where she grew up.
After travelling the world, she opened her business selling handmade jewelry in craft markets, fairs, pop-up boutiques and in stores along the Sea-to-Sky Corridor. Her lightweight fringe earring was popular, but her new stud design is flying off the tables.
“They’re such a popular solution for women who are sporty but want something from the collection that won’t get stuck in their helmet,” she says.
This season she is fully booked at winter markets from Squamish to Alberta. Sparkes also does custom work and says it’s usually a sentimental piece for a loved one.
Custom orders ramp up over the holidays and jewelry making is incredibly precise so she has her work cut out for her.
