Jewel Beetle – Celebrating 20 years of creative excellence in Nelson

Jewel Beetle celebrates 20 years of making stunning custom-made jewellery in our beautiful city. That’s a big achievement and it says a lot about their commitment to their trade and customers.

The dynamic team of two are both highly qualified as Goldsmiths. The journey has been a progression and a friendship that allows both Allison and Yvon to work to their strengths. It’s a form of synergy that we can all aspire to!

“Making jewellery is a deeply rewarding occupation. For over 20 years we have been motivated by the pure enjoyment of crafting beautiful objects. We love what we do – working with precious materials is a kind of magic and our enthusiasm and passion is crafted into every piece.”

Yvon was born and educated in the Netherlands before relocating to New Zealand in 1994. The family explored NZ in a Campervan with a newborn baby and a 2.5-year-old. They discovered Nelson and were attracted to semi-rural landscapes and its creative community.

Allison is from the UK and was living in Queenstown. Looking for a change of scene, a mutual friend in London connected them, Allison moved to Nelson and rented a space in Yvon’s jewellery workshop on Nile Street. After 6 months of sharing a workspace, the girls joined forces and opened their first studio upstairs on Trafalgar Street.

The name ‘Jewel Beetle’ came about from a conversation with a friend who is a Canadian poet. Out came the Thesaurus and numerous names were discussed. Beetles are beautiful and resilient.

Raising families at different stages, allowed the girls to support each other and accommodate balancing work and motherhood roles. It’s true what they say…Teamwork makes the dream work.

Allison looks after the website, and social media tasks, which are all part of operating a modern business.

“Although our creative styles are different, we complement each other well. I love the technical side of Jewellery making, and Allison is the creative one with a flair for design” says Yvon.

Jewel Beetle designs many styles of jewellery from Diamond engagement rings, shaped wedding bands to fit your engagement ring, and inventive designs like the hinged ring.

“A bespoke Jewel Beetle piece starts on a special journey from its concept to completion. Along the way, we listen to your thoughts and ideas, stirring them into a melting pot together. We’re excited by the challenge of interpreting your ideas. Every item of jewellery is profoundly individual – to design a bespoke piece requires a level of understanding, intuition and empathy to listen – a skill we have refined at Jewel Beetle.”

They have created some innovative ideas to engage the locals in the process of making Jewellery. Running workshops for groups or even couples who want to create their own wedding rings.

To celebrate their 20th anniversary Jewel Beetle is offering a 20% discount store-wide plus having an amazing giveaway competition to win a diamond ring worth $1500!

Visit their Bridge Street shop or website and see the 6 ring designs on offer. The lucky winner will have their ring choice handmade in 9ct yellow gold and set with a 0.20ct lab-created diamond. See the ring designs HERE.

To enter tell us the name of the ring design you would choose.

ENTER NOW