New Zealand

Diamonds are permanently: Inside the life of gem specialist Harry van Heerden at Peet Jewellers


Peet Jewellers opened in 1974, however all of it began a couple of years previously at the house of the previous owner, distinguished jewellery maker David Peet.

He had actually been amazing Tauranga residents with stunning handmade pieces for several years, and won a raft of awards for his distinct styles.

Harry van Heerden took control of that custom and the daily running of Peet Jewellers in 2013.

They are now 50 years in company.

They are extensively referred to as among the Bay’s most distinct and premium jewellery designers and producers, and Peet Jewellers is likewise among the couple of companies of its kind that trains apprentices.

“Downtown Tauranga has been a challenging area for anyone in small retail for the past 10 years or so. Growth and development has been much slower than any other city, but at the end of the day it is changing now and slowly coming into its own,” Harry states.

The company has actually seen lots of modifications throughout the years, however a couple of things have actually constantly stayed the very same.

Service, sincerity and dependability.

Peet has actually ended up being a location for lots of, and Harry states he wants to keep this going long into the future through devoted and truthful service.

“I say honest quite a bit, because we mean it. We have talked ourselves and our customers out of a sale or spending money on many occasions, because we truly believed it would be in their best interest to not do a repair or purchase something they are not completely satisfied with.”

As a jeweller, Peet Jewellers is a cut above the rest as what they use is never ever cookie-cutter design.

Diamonds are a company preferred for a number of their consumers, and some reach calling it their shimmer treatment.

Harry’s individual preferred stone is Natural Blue Zircon, not to be puzzled with Cubic Zirconia.

“Zircon is among the earliest stones utilized in gem set jewellery and has a range of vibrant deep colours flashing through its depth as you move the stones through the light.

“I’ve likewise grown to like yellow gold once again. The warm natural colour of gold will constantly be unique.”

You’d state wedding event season is huge for any jeweller, however Peet Jewellers’ consumers are not just the young recently engaged.

Anniversaries are a huge one for the group, therefore are other turning points in individuals’s lives.

“Buying custom-made jewellery for significant birthdays such as a 50 th is popular, and some couples who were not able to manage a pricey engagement ring 30 years back are now in the monetary position to pay a bit more for something they actually desire.”

There have actually been several uncommon demands throughout the years from consumers, however Harry is everything about stability.

He does not kiss and inform.

'Sparkle therapy' at Peet Jewellers. Photo / John Borren
‘Sparkle treatment’ at PeetJewellers Photo/ John Borren

He does point out that a consumer when provided $20,000 and no greater than an approximation of what she likes, and what’s more intriguing for any designer than a near-blank canvas?

“She offered us unlimited freedom to make something for her, and we made her 3 incredible rings that she was definitely pleased with.”

Harry’s profession in jewellery production started as a young apprentice in his native South Africa, although other courses have actually been followed, too.

Marine rigging, airplane engineering, and a great deal of taking a trip to call simply a couple of. He pertained to New Zealand in 1999 and states it was the very best choice ever.

Not just is he well-travelled and imaginative, Harry likewise has a terrific mind for company.

Alongside Peet Jewellers, he has actually released the online platforms Nana’s Box, Broken Gems, and most just recently Roamington which he makes use of for offering leather and high-end travel devices for recognized gentlemen.

“Nana’sBox is a current advancement with the function of offering an online website for consumers seeking to check out and purchase estate jewellery and valued vintage ornaments at their own leisure.

“We always have a few hidden trays in the safe out the back that not everyone gets to explore so with Nana’s Box we are hoping to make this more accessible.”

Estate jewellery often shows up wholesale lots at Peet Jewellers when consumers clear out acquired houses, and other gorgeous and distinct pieces originate from purchasing journeys to locations such as America and Istanbul.

The other brand-new endeavor, Broken Gems, grew from the concept of utilizing or repurposing all the old and damaged gems that have actually originated from harmed or broken rings.

Just as our own scars develop our characters and contribute to our stories, brand-new stories can be produced for gems.

“We develop brand-new jewellery with them and provide brand-new life, as a damaged diamond is still a diamond. Some brand-new style established from this too, and it is gently concentrated on a market that others might view as broken.

We are doing our smidgen for restricting additional ecological damage to declare more ideal stones from the earth when these are currently completely imperfect.”

Broken Gems is likewise an innovative outlet for Harry as in a visual sense, the idea might not always get in touch with their normal consumer base.

The function of Broken Gems is worldwide, and it has an online focus just.

Although innovation fits in modern jewellery style, production and goldsmithing and CAD illustrations are utilized at Peet Jewellers, a number of the standard hand tools are still in usage.

The methods to custom-make gorgeous and distinct jewellery have actually stayed similar.

When inquired about the group of 5, Harry states they are exceptionally devoted and reputable.

Most have actually been with Peet Jewellers for several years, consisting of Michael Ellis and JanetWall The group works well together in a fairly little area; the workshop and workplace location lie right behind the store front.

Everyone in the group is, not surprisingly, likewise extremely imaginative. Michael is a passionate internet user, and Janet is a designer who makes her own clothing and devices.

For Harry, creating or developing something unique has actually been a long-lasting interest and as an activity with a pal, he likewise constructs and personalizes all sort of old bikes.

His buddy calls him “the visionary” one as he is constantly developing originalities.

“It’s a creative outlet in a physical sense, and also a wonderful mindfulness activity,” Harry states.

Harry van Heerden and his beloved dog Jackson. Photo / Jack Neale
Harry van Heerden and his precious petJackson Photo/ Jack Neale

As he resides in Mount Maunganui, Harry likewise likes going out to the beach with Jackson.

He calls his pet his finest networking tool when it comes to what the small pooch does not have in size, he offsets in character.

“Jackson loves photos almost as much as he loves people and he is very friendly and photogenic. I’m embarrassed to admit it but yes, there is even an Instagram page with his name on it. Feel free to look up and follow @jackson_kisses!”

The hectic entrepreneur likewise delights in going to a good coffee shop or bar from time to time, where he can sit and be imaginative, and create more concepts.

Then there is his long-lasting enthusiasm for taking a trip, and he brings originalities or designs back from every journey. It can be simply concepts, however often it’s real items.

Roamington was born that method. He has actually simply returned from Bali, which he calls a must-do location.

The brand-new year will bring more modifications for Peet Jewellers as they are checking out a brand-new area for 2020, that makes Harry anxious however fired up at the very same time.

But initially, a much-needed two-week break is on the cards for Christmas, and he is eagerly anticipating going outdoor camping and diving in the Coromandel.

“We close for two weeks every Christmas as the crazy build-up of pressure and the attitudes of ‘everything must be done now before the break’ takes its toll on us each year. We’ll all enjoy the break and return refreshed and ready to go again!”

• Look online or in shop Peet Jewellers Level 1, 5 Wharf St, Downtown Tauranga www.peetjewellers.com
@peetjewellers @broken. gems @nanasbox @roamington @jackson_kisses
Call: 07-5788181

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