The Story Behind the Jewel: Dr. Roger Watson
Exceptional
Dr. Roger Watson first sent his daughter on a screening errand to search out a jeweler specializing in custom work. After meeting with Jeff, she came back to her father letting him know that if he chose Premier Gems, he would be able to work directly with the owner & head designer.
As soon as I opened the boxes, the cufflinks made me smile.
The Story Behind the Jewel: Sarah Drummond
Perfect 100%
Sarah was looking for a place that shared her vision for custom jewelry and could provide her with an exceptional pair of stackable eternity bands.
She found out about Premier Gems from a friend who highly recommended Jeff and decided to book an appointment with him to feel it out.
Everything I wanted.
The Story Behind the Jewel: Karlo Kovac
Amazing!
Karlo Kovac was not what you would call “an expert” in the world of custom jewelry. He wanted to create something unique and exquisite for his fiancée-to-be Wendy Hanson, but was unsure about the process. Wendy recommended Premier Gems and Jeff Nechka as she had worked with them previously and had a wonderful experience.
Highly recommend! It was a very positive experience!!
The Story Behind the Jewel: Gary Johnston and Alma Sawatsky
Absolutely gorgeous!
Deciding who is going to design your wedding ring is a meaningful and oftentimes stressful process. That decision was much easier for Gary Johnston and Alma Sawatsky, who had received a glowing recommendation of Premier Gems and Jeff Nechka from Tannas Walsh, who was very familiar with the high quality of work provided by Premier Gems, and was more than happy to refer the couple.
Great job, Great Service, Wonderful Creativity!!
The Story Behind the Jewel: Chris Bews
Amazing!
Chris Bews had an idea. After a particularly successful hunting trip, he came into possession of some elk ivory from an animal he had himself hunted. Chris thought that they would make for a very beautiful and very personal gift for his girlfriend in the form of some custom jewelry pieces. He was hesitant however to turn the ivory over to just anyone for fear that they may not produce something special.
Definitely recommended! Amazing customer service and craftsmanship!!
The Story Behind the Jewel: Robbyn Charlton
You know it’s an amazing piece when other jewelers go, “Wow, where did you get that?”
It was at a fundraising event that Robbyn Charlton noticed something was wrong with her cherished emerald ring. Robbyn’s heart sank as she rubbed her finger over the gem. Something had caused a weakness in the emerald; somehow and at some point, it had cracked and become damaged.
The ring turned out a thousand times better than I imagined.
The Story Behind the Jewel: Elfie Gilroy and Gene Scissions
Quality, and the result of the piece, proves Jeff’s talent, expertise and experience. Unbeatable value!
Elfie Gilroy and Gene Scissions knew that they wanted a special ring with a prominently featured sapphire. Their friends Cam and Amanda Reid were already working with Jeff at Premier Gems replacing a lost diamond through an insurance claim. After thorough research and receiving multiple quotes, they decided on Jeff, and as a result recommended him to Elfie.
Premier Gems offers tremendous value, and Jeff is a nice guy!
The Story Behind the Jewel: Betty Durda
You’d be a fool not to choose Premier Gems!
Betty Durda wanted a diamond ring, custom made to her liking and she had something specific in mind. She had heard of Premier Gems through a friend and as they came highly recommended she decided to work with them.
After the initial consultation Jeff Nechka was able to create a 3D rendering of the ring prior to beginning the work. Betty adored the idea of being able to visualize such an important piece in advance.
Betty was so grateful for the attention given to her by Premier Gems and the high quality work and craftsmanship. When asked what her thoughts were on Jeff Nechka and the Premier Gems, Betty stated,
Great service! Highly recommended!
The Story Behind the Jewel: Carol & Ken Coatham
What an excellent value! Getting a better quality diamond and a custom design and for less than chain store retail!
Carol Coatham found out about Premier Gems when she decided to sell some gold and diamonds from a previous marriage.
She found the Premier Gems website and was immediately impressed with the level of professionalism, most notably with gemologist Jeff Nechka and his list of certifications (G.G., A.J.P, G.I.A.).
After reviewing the site, the idea of creating a custom piece from the gold and diamonds came over her. Carol was unsure about the process, but decided to make contact and gather some information.
After speaking with Jeff, she became excited about the process. Jeff clearly knew his stuff and had a relaxed demeanor which contradicted the pushy, aggressive retail sales approach which she disliked. As someone who had taught sales technique in the past she was very grateful for Jeff’s professional and easeful approach.
The process was wonderful and Carol was pleased with the level of knowledge that Jeff displayed and that he was so open to her ideas. When asked what she would say to people who may be hesitant about visiting a custom jeweler, Carol noted,
I love it! Definitely do it.
The Story Behind the Jewel: Joran Kosterman
Highly Recommended. Custom pieces which are surprisingly affordable!
When Joran Kosterman decided to propose he knew he wanted the engagement ring to be unique.
Feeling that buying a ring at a jewelry shop was lacking in a personal touch, Joran recalled that his future sister –in-law had been given a custom engagement ring from Premier Gems that she cherished.
She had told him of the unique customization of the ring and had incredibly flattering words for gemologist Jeff Nechka and Premier Gems.
Incredible. With custom jewelry your imagination is the limit!
The Story Behind the Jewel: Bob & Debbie Shelton
Choose Premier Gems when you want something unique!
Bob Shelton loves his wife Debbie so very much and has so through forty years of marriage. With their 40th anniversary coming up it meant a great deal to him to do something very special for her; Bob wanted to honour Debbie and their beautiful union appropriately.
He decided that a one-of-a-kind custom ring was the answer, and Premier Gems felt like the company to create this wonderful piece.
Bob was instantly impressed with the level of service provided by Premier Gems. Jeff Nechka came to Bob and Debbie’s home to meet and discuss their needs, something that they had not anticipated and certainly could not have imagined with a retail jewelry store.
They discussed at length their desires for the ring; Jeff listened to their wishes and was open to their ideas.
They felt as though Jeff was truly accessible to them; Bob and Debbie wanted their children’s gemstones placed in the piece and Jeff was thrilled to accommodate them.
The result is a stunning, unique ring which truly honours Bob and Debbie’s marriage and represents their family perfectly. When asked how they would describe Jeff and Premier Gems, they commented,
Highly recommended. Trustworthy. No surprises. Great attention to detail.
The Story Behind the Jewel: Sharlene Butz
Really really nice…unique, modern, one-of-a-kind.
When Sharlene Butz’ son returned from a trip overseas bearing the gift of a stunning Tahitian pearl, she knew she wanted to do something very special with it.
Armed with a desire to showcase the rare pearl in a distinctive and sizeable modern silver ring, she began looking for custom jewelry designers who could meet those criteria and provide her with a selection of their most impressive imaginings to choose from.
When Sharlene found Premier Gems through a Google ad, she was intrigued by the striking one-of-a-kind modern designs displayed on their website which, she said, “stood out above the rest” and convinced her to book an initial consultation where she would be presented with three different design options.
During their meeting, she fell in love with one of the renderings that Premier Gems presented her with and gave them the go ahead to execute their vision.
When she came in to see the final product, she was presented with a very modern and clean-looking silver statement piece that Sharlene thinks is just perfect.
When we asked her to tell us what about Premier Gems she valued the most, Sharlene enthusiastically told us:
Talent!
The Story Behind the Jewel: Mike Brascombe
Already sending referrals.
When Mike Brascombe decided that he wanted a one-of-a-kind engagement ring to honour his fiancée Paula, it was Premier Gems’ focus on custom jewelry design that won him over.
He and Paula had attended a gem show that autumn, and had both fallen in love with the custom pieces that had been on display there. When he later logged on to www.premiergems.ca to investigate further, he became convinced that Jeff was “definitely the right person to do the job”.
An extensive gemology background would be important when Mike handed over the raw pink sapphire he wanted to showcase, and this was something Jeff at Premier Gems had in spades.
The result was a stunning faux-trinity band that cradles the pink sapphire in a warm bed of gold. And, since Jeff has such a background in the treatment of gems, he was even able to design a specific cut for the sapphire, ensuring that absolutely everything about their ring is unique.
When we asked Mike what his fiancée’s reaction was, he declared:
Excellent! Paula says she loves it more and more every day!
The Story Behind the Jewel: Emily Ritter
Perfect! 10 out of 10.
Emily Ritter had a unique design vision that was proving to be a difficult one to realize. Her family cat had recently passed away, but she had saved a tooth as a keepsake and wanted to commission a custom pendant around it in memory of her beloved pet.
After performing a ‘custom jewelry’ search on Google and submitting her request to several of the jewelers in the results list, Emily found none of them were willing to design the piece. Then she received a response from Jeff at Premier Gems, who was delighted to be presented with such an unusual challenge, and invited her in for a consultation.
When she met with the designer there, she decided that the place “felt right…[and] was the best fit for this particular piece.”
The result is a striking gold and bone pendant that shines with exceptional design and style. Emily is extremely happy with her custom jewelry and insists that her pendant is better than she could ever have imagined it.
When she was asked if she had any advice for other custom jewelry seekers out there, she responded:
Definitely choose Premier Gems…Amazing!
The Story Behind the Jewel: Lori Milroy
The finished pieces are fabulous…high quality, and very beautiful
Lori Milroy came to Premier Gems with an existing engagement ring that had potential, but was set in a way that made her diamond look small and lower in quality.
Since Lori and her husband both wanted her diamond to shine, she began looking for a local jeweler with creative vision and impeccable credentials.
Her search paid off. Two of her coworkers, Tammy Andrews and Carla Rogoz, recently had great appraisal and design experiences at Premier Gems themselves, and recommended the couple book a consultation with Jeff.
They happily reported that during their first visit to the Premier Gems, a very accurate and professional appraisal was done right in front of them, the questions they asked were answered with integrity, and Jeff’s experience and knowledge of his art were apparent. The couple immediately fell in love with the showcase of finished pieces that had been custom made for other clients, and commissioned Premier Gems to reimagine their ring.
The result, Lori says, is an extraordinarily beautiful and distinctive custom-designed ring of the highest quality that makes her feel special.
When they were presented with the finished piece, her husband remarked:
Wow! That is way better.
The Story Behind the Jewel: Tammy Andrews
I’m fascinated with jewellery, I was asking Jeff all kinds of questions about his education and industry background along with questions about gems and diamonds. Not once did was I felt like I was being talked down to.
For someone skilled in their trade, there’s perhaps nothing more satisfying than developing a new client relationship from a referral by a past customer. When Tammy Andrews was looking for a custom jeweller to create a wedding band to fit with her engagement ring, a friend who had recently had an appraisal recommended Premier Gems. Before committing to hiring Jeff to design her ring, she had him appraise her engagement ring and was very impressed by his level of skill and attention he displayed for the appraisal. Tammy was very curious about the world of jewellery design and appreciated the one-on-one time she spent with Jeff learning about the process he takes.
As so many of Jeff’s clients are, Tammy was extremely happy with her wedding band and noted in particular how comfortable it is to wear. She will certainly be passing along the referral she got from her friend on to others.
The Story Behind the Jewel: Jody O’Rourke
Spectacular…I love the diamond and how it shines in it’s setting.
Jody wanted to upgrade her stunning 1.5ct diamond ring to over two carats.
Initially she planned to have the jeweler where she’d originally purchased the stone handle the upgrade, but she was less than thrilled when she received the price they offered for a trade in.
Jody shopped around and was dismayed to find most jewellery stores were offering similarly unrealistic prices.
She found Premier Gems online, and was relieved when Jeff offered her a fair trade in. Jody was also impressed with Jeff’s knowledge and passion for custom jewellery and gems.
Jody loves the finished product, but most valued the way Jeff handled her questions. Jeff gave Jody straight answers, and didn’t be-little Jody’s questions.
When asked if she would recommend Premier Gems, Jody says:
Trust Premier Gems…just do it!
The Story Behind the Jewel: Tyler Derksen
The process is really easy, more so than what I had imagined, [Jeff is] very easy to work with.
A marriage proposal is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and Tyler Derksen wanted to make his moment even more special by presenting his beloved with a custom-designed diamond engagement ring. A colleague recommended Premier Gems and Tyler was pleased that Jeff could come directly to his office to discuss the design. What Tyler thought would be a long proceeding was actually accomplished quickly and without difficulty.
“The finished ring was absolutely beautiful,” Tyler says, and the woman he presented it to must have thought so as well, because she’s now his fiancée.
The Story Behind the Jewel: Angela Mulrooney
Beautiful…Very Beautiful!
Angela had a loose and very unusual Danburite Gemstone that she picked up on her travels.
Angela wanted to showcase her gem, but had never done anything like this and was unsure of where to start, or how to get a piece of custom jewellery designed.
Because Angela already knew of Jeff’s reputation, she asked him to help her create her piece of custom jewellery and let him guide her effortlessly through the process. Angela really appreciated the personal service, attention to details and the fact Premier Gems accommodated her busy schedule. And of course, she absolutely loves the end result.
When asked if Anglea would recommend Premier Gems, she said:
Absolutely, I would not hesitate (to recommend) at all!
The Story Behind the Jewel: Pamela Burke
Fabulous! Perfect! Exactly, exactly what I asked for. I couldn’t be happier
A bucket list is a number of accomplishments a person wants to achieve before they ‘kick the bucket.’ One item on Pamela Burke’s bucket list was to own a large, beautifully presented diamond ring. Pamela had a particular design in mind, and after attending a Premier Gems open house at Zyn Wines, decided to commission Jeff to create her dream ring.
“I saw your pieces at the show and I liked your designs and style,” she says. “I also liked that we were able to compare diamonds side by side.” For such an important purchase, Pamela had lots of questions for Jeff and was pleased he took the time to answer all of them respectfully, as well as educate her on the difference in quality and value between various stones.
The end result was a colourless, very high clarity cushion-cut diamond, set in a wide band which Pamela loves. Thanks to Jeff’s buying connections, she was able to get a much larger diamond for her money than what other places had quoted her. Now that she’s crossed another item off her bucket list, Pamela will definitely be recommending Premier Gems to others as she moves forward to her next challenge.
The Story Behind the Jewel: Robbyn Charlton
Trust Jeff and you’ll get a piece of jewellery you can hand down. He creates family heirloom quality pieces.
Robbyn knew her gorgeous 2.31ct round brilliant cut loose diamond needed an equally magnificent ring design and setting to do it justice.
In her search for the best way to show off this spectacular gem, Robbyn heard about Premier Gems through another jeweler, who said Jeff was one of the best gemologists he’d ever seen.
Robbyn liked what she saw on Premier Gems website and had Jeff appraise her gem. She was impressed with Jeff’s attitude and artistic inventiveness, and decided Premier Gems was the best choice available in Calgary to custom design the perfect ring for her gem.
Robbyn really appreciated that Jeff accommodated her schedule and met at her home. Additionally, she really liked the natural whiteness of Jeff’s 18K white gold as other jewellers rhodium plate their white gold and she didn’t want to go that route.
The Story Behind the Jewel: Matthew McWhirter
I’m not well-versed in jewellery or diamonds, and I [knew I] could trust Jeff’s advice.
Keeping in touch with old friends can certainly pay off. When Matthew McWhirter wanted to design an engagement ring, he turned to his old school friend Jeff Nechka of Premier Gems. Having done his due diligence, Matthew found that Jeff offered better service and a better product than what he could find at several jewellery stores. Despite having a specific idea for what he wanted the ring to look like, Matthew needed help to achieve his vision.
After sharing his knowledge and advice with Matthew, Jeff produced a ring that was exactly to Matthew’s specifications – an ideal cut diamond ring with ornate embellishments. When you hire Premier Gems, Matthew says, you get premier service and knowledgeable advice from an expert in the field of jewellery design.
The Story Behind the Jewel: Gordon Rae
My wife will be so thrilled to have her necklace looking in perfect condition,[You] met my full expectations.
When Gordon Rae was looking to rejuvenate his wife’s silver-plated necklace, a piece that held great sentimental value for her, he turned to Premier Gems thanks to high praise from a friend. Jeff was able to provide a quote and complete the work in a very short period of time, much to Gordon’s appreciation.
For Gordon, the crowning touch on the service was that Jeff came to the Raes’ home to present the updated piece to them. Looking once again as bright and perfect as the day it was made, it was received with great thanks.
The Story Behind the Jewel: Lorelei Talbot
I love it. Anyone considering using Premier Gems should definitely do it!
Lorelei Talbot’s recent experience buying jewellery did not start out very positively. After buying a diamond ring on a cruise ship, she brought it back home to Calgary and had it appraised by Premier Gems, only to find out the value and quality of the diamond were lower than she was led to believe. A third-party appraisal by the Gemological Institute of America confirmed Jeff’s original evaluation, and the cruise line ended up compensating Lorelei.
The incident cemented Lorelei’s trust in Jeff, and she commissioned him to create a wedding band to accompany the diamond ring, which she wanted to incorporate diamonds from her mom’s wedding rings into. During the design and consultation process, she especially valued that Jeff could work with her schedule and come to her home. When the piece was finished, she was delighted with the results.
The Story Behind the Jewel: Wendy Hanson
The ring is stunning. [It] took my breath away.
You brought my mom’s ring back to life and now I can keep her in my memories every time I wear my new piece.
Supporting local businesses is a strongly-held value for Wendy Hanson. After being referred to Premier Gems for an appraisal by another jeweller, she was pleased with the prompt service and had her mom’s diamond ring appraised right there while she waited.
Of Jeff, she says, “I had this feeling of trust as soon as I met you… you are very professional and have a calming demeanour.”
Wendy wanted to create a new ring using the diamond from her late mother’s ring and was open to Jeff’s designs, which incorporated ideas she had never even considered. Throughout the design process, Wendy had high praise for Jeff’s service and attention.
When she saw the completed ring for the first time, Wendy was overcome with emotion.
I felt like I was receiving the same level of service as someone spending tens of thousands of dollars. Your integrity and professionalism speak to who you are.
The Story Behind the Jewel: Sheila Molyneaux
[I am] absolutely satisfied, I know what the key pieces are worth and the pink tourmaline which [Jeff] re-polished looks like a brand new gem. The scratches and abrasions are completely gone and now it just sparkles!
Left with a touching gift of jewellery inherited from her mother, Sheila Molyneaux needed to have the pieces appraised for insurance purposes and came to Premier Gems through a recommendation from Calgary Jewellery. Uncertain of their value and which pieces even warranted an appraisal, Sheila was reassured by the referral from an established retailer and felt confident that Jeff’s experience as a gemologist would give her an accurate evaluation. What wowed her was the personal service and the extra touches, like having the old gems polished up to look as good as new.
Sheila also appreciated the speed of service Premier Gems provided, and the fact that there were no hidden costs in the final bill. With the appraisal complete, Sheila is now free to enjoy these special pieces and the fond memories they will bring back.
The Story Behind the Jewel: Dale & Lisa Johnstone
I like the fact that when we are in the design process [Jeff] educated us on the different precious metal and setting options to expand our focus on our limited knowledge.
I liked that I could talk and explain what I envisioned in my mind while [he was] busy interpreting and sketching out the concept.
Dale Johnstone wanted to surprise his wife, Lisa, with a new setting for an old tanzanite and diamond ring which had lain hidden in her jewellery box for years. Having met Jeff from Premier Gems at a trunk show and seeing the quality and creativity of his craftsmanship, he knew Jeff was the right person to transform this gem.
After creating a 3-D rendering of his concept and getting its approval from the Johnstone’s, Jeff created the new setting and presented it to cries of ecstatic excitement. 
[We are] overwhelmed with the end result, If you ever wanted something exquisitely designed and made just for you, see Jeff!
The Story Behind the Jewel: Ryan and Jen Chadwell
[Premier Gems offers] good value – I’m not worried about being overcharged or pushed into something I can’t afford. Meeting with us in our home definitely brings down any defensive behaviour.
The Chadwells came to Premier Gems looking for an engagement ring for Jen. Their original motivation was to find the best value for their budget, which they found, along with more.
“We enjoyed working [with Jeff] so much that we went and did both wedding bands and a necklace for Jen. says Ryan. Throughout the entire process, both of the Chadwells felt very comfortable and at ease with Jeff’s methods after finding that the commercial jewellery stores did not respect their budget or their vision.
In a true testament to their satisfaction, the Chadwells have been referring friends, family and colleagues to Premier Gems and are happy they have found a gemologist they can trust.
Our ideas met your ideals and now we have phenomenal jewellery pieces.
The Story Behind the Jewel: Maggie Herr
I feel confident that I have a diamond that can be viewed as an investment many years from now.
Maggie Herr came to Premier Gems knowing exactly what she wanted – an ideal cut diamond approximately 1.3-1.5 carats to be used as the centre piece in a custom-designed ring. She says throughout the process of acquiring the perfect gem to meet her tastes, Jeff provided her with the guidance and support she needed to select the perfect gem.
She praises Jeff for his invaluable expertise in helping her make this important decision. Now that she has her perfect diamond,
I can’t wait to begin the custom design process!
The Story Behind the Jewel: Brian Doell and Pippa Wilson
I have never seen a more beautiful ring set… this must be your best work.
Premier Gems recently created a custom engagement ring and matching wedding band for clients Brian Doell and Pippa Wilson. They wanted something that was well-made and unique, as well as a great value.
The Story Behind the Jewel: Dan Bent
I appreciated [Jeff] giving me all the options and the cost and benefits of each.
Customer Dan Bent came to Premier Gems through a referral from one of Jeff’s past clients. He was searching for a ring for his 25th wedding anniversary, and had a very short time-frame – two weeks. He was very impressed with how Premier Gems took care of all his needs within his time limit and budget.
[I was] extremely pleased beyond expectation with the product and service.
You’re the nicest guy I’ve met.
The Story Behind the Jewel: Jose Canal
I now have a new friend and have someone in a new industry in my network. Not to mention, a fantastic new piece of jewellery!
Jose Canal’s experience with Premier Gems has left him certain he will never go anywhere else for jewellery. He was seeking a diamond ring for a birthday gift, and knew that quality, industry knowledge and expertise were his top priorities for finding a jeweller. The best value of working with Jeff, he believes, is not only knowing that he got a great product at a fair price, but made a new acquaintance as well.
The Story Behind the Jewel: Chris Thompson & Carla Rogoz
I love the ring, it looks perfect next to my engagement ring!
Chris & Carla wanted a custom wedding band that would be the perfect compliment to Carla’s engagement ring.
Heading first to the location where Chris purchased the engagement ring they were unable to find a wedding band that was the perfect fit.
Chris & Carla were disappointed, but weren’t about to settle for anything less in the piece that was to stand as a symbol of their love.
The jewellery store provided a quote on custom designing Carla’s wedding band. But Chris & Carla had heard about Premier Gems through a friend who had used Jeff to create their wedding ring and decided to get a second opinion.
Chris and Carla were impressed with how easy Jeff was to work with- that Jeff was able to meet in their home at their schedule was much appreciated.
The deciding factor was that Premier Gems was able to create a completely custom wedding band for less than half the price the original jewellery store had quoted.
And now Carla has a ring she will be delighted with for years to come.
When asked what Chris & Carla would tell others they said simply:
To do it…The quality of the work is exceptional…met and exceeded our expectations.
The Story Behind the Jewel: Norma McNalty
[I] wanted to cry as soon as I opened the box, I absolutely love the ring… I couldn’t have dreamed it any better.
Not every client comes to Premier Gems looking for a brand-new piece of jewellery. Some, like Norma McNalty, want to transform old family pieces into something that better represents their personality. In Norma’s case, she had two old cluster rings that she hadn’t worn for years, collecting dust in her jewellery box. She was thrilled with the ring that Jeff produced for her.
Norma liked that she didn’t have to deal with the distractions of a retail store when working out the plan for her piece, as well as the fact that her ring is a true original, made especially for her.
Now, instead of languishing away in a box, her gems have found new purpose and she can’t take her eyes off her new ring. “I’ve spent the rest of the day admiring it,” she says.
You really did make my dream a reality.
The Story Behind the Jewel: Lynell Aucoin
To Jeff and Premier Gems,
Just a little note to thank you so much for designing my beautiful rings. I absolutely love them and can’t thank you enough. Your high quality craftsmanship, amazing customer service, and caring compassionate mannerism made purchasing my rings a wonderful experience. I would and will recommend Premier Gems to all of my friends and family and to anyone looking for a beautiful piece of jewellery and superior customer service.
Thanks and all the best,
Lynell Aucoin
The Story Behind the Jewel: Peter Truch & Katrina Plamondon
We like the fact that the gem has a bit of history and had to do some travelling before it met us. I know the story of where my sapphire was mined, that it is untreated, and that it was done in an ethical manner.
Katrina Plamondon’s quest for the perfect engagement ring came from a rather unusual inspiration – a special dress she purchased in a striking shade of green. She fell in love with the colour and knew that a matching gem was exactly what she wanted. After settling on a green sapphire as her best option, she sent her fiancé, Peter, out to scout the city but ran into a roadblock when he turned to retail jewellers.
“I did not realize that [almost] all of the jewellers in this country source their gems from only two suppliers and if the suppliers don’t have a gem in stock you’re out of luck,” he says. “I appreciate the fact that you were able to perform a global search and locate a green sapphire with the desired characteristics.”
Once the gem was located, Peter and Katrina found that they enjoyed the design process, including learning more about their stone.
Katrina and her husband Peter were so pleased with the engagement ring, they naturally engaged Jeff to design their wedding bands as well, using green sapphires in the same unusual shade.
It was such an easy process. We would not hesitate to recommend [Premier Gems] to anyone in need of custom jewellery.
The Story Behind the Jewel: Sarah & Pam Stewart
This experience is way better than picking out something at a traditional jeweller. I was involved in the design and I love the fact that it incorporates gems from one of my mom’s rings… even though it was not a surprise it was way cooler since I got to choose what I like.
Pam Stewart wanted to reward her daughter Sarah for excelling in school with a unique, personalized graduation ring. She especially appreciated being able to make changes as the design evolved and the ability to compare some custom rings with manufactured ones, a step which assured her of the quality of the piece she was buying.
I got a very cool ring.
The Story Behind the Jewel: Chelsey Fournie & Dave Henderson
Amazing, we’re very happy, -right price!
Chelsey and Dave looked everywhere for premade channel diamond bands that would sit snugly against Chelsey’s engagement ring.
But they were disappointed to find that despite searching almost all the jewellery stores in Calgary, none of the rings fit just right.
Chelsey & Dave first heard about Premier Gems through a business associate and decided to get a quote to custom design Chelsey’s wedding band. They could not believe that other Calgary jewellery stores were charging double what Premier Gems had quoted.
This happy couple was relieved that Jeff could meet their timeline and was pleased that kept them up to date and answered emails promptly.
When asked, What would you tell others, they replied:
Definitely go for it. Better service and value than at a chain jewellery store.
The Story Behind the Jewel: Sharon Lee-Williams
I do love the uniqueness of my rings. I like that no one else has one like it and I receive compliments often and I take pride in telling them I had them custom made.
The Story Behind the Jewel: Christine Woelfle
Happy New Year!! I just have to tell you that my 18-year-old daughter just LOVED her ring. She wore it every day and it looks very beautiful on her, she wears it on her middle finger, which looks nice. Thanks so much for your wonderful work, you are truly gifted, and thanks for getting it finished before Christmas, it was so great that you could get it done just in time.
The Story Behind the Jewel: Deep Kayshal & Gurjit Grewal
Excellent results! Couldn’t ask for better
Deep and Gurjit were looking for an engagement ring and wedding rings.
Gurjit did an online search and came across Premier Gems website. She was impressed with the client reviews and the gallery of finished pieces.
Gurjit always dreamed of wearing a large princess cut diamond that would ‘float’ above the ring and to have two fitted bands set with diamonds.
When Deep & Gurjit met with Jeff they really enjoyed that it did not feel like a business deal. The whole process felt very personal, they joked around and felt very comfortable.
They chose Premier Gems based on Jeff’s great customer service, personalized attention to the details and great price.
We recommend Premier Gems- Most definitely without a doubt!
The Story Behind the Jewel: Jordan McJannet
Thanks, Jeff. Also, thanks for the card. I love my ring more and more all the time. I get a massive amount of compliments – I was speaking to a man in Court and scratched my face and he literally stopped mid sentence and said “wow – that is an impressive ring.”
The Story Behind the Jewel: Denise Mills
Premier Gems is the first company and Jeff is the first person I would send anyone seeking jewellery services to, [Jeff] built something perfect and exactly how I envisioned it.
Denise first learned about Premier Gems and their services at one of their educational seminars on diamonds at Calgary Harley Davidson. Impressed with what she saw and learned, she commissioned Jeff to create a custom piece of diamond jewellery that would be unique, reflecting her subtle sense of style. She was very impressed with the design process and the way Jeff communicated his ideas, first through hand-drawn sketches, then digital renderings.
The Story Behind the Jewel: Darren Hudspeth
With Premier Gems, I knew exactly what I was getting into in terms of quality and price, nothing hidden.
Darren entrusted the design of one of the most important purchases of his life to Premier Gems: the engagement ring he planned on presenting to his fiancee, as well as their wedding bands. He was seeking not only information on the different qualities and characteristics of gems, but a place where he felt valued as a customer and could trust that he wouldn’t be overcharged. He especially appreciated that Jeff provided him with knowledge and expertise without trying to influence his decisions. The end result was “a beautiful engagement ring and wedding bands [we are] proud to wear and showcase.” Darren was so pleased with the work Jeff did, he referred his friends to Premier Gems as well.
The Story Behind the Jewel: Neal Brunt
I like the fact its custom and one-of-a-kind; you can’t walk into a store and get the same piece.
Neal was looking for a custom engagement ring featuring his soon-to-be fiancée’s birth stone.
He found Premier Gems online and he really liked the website. Once he decided to request more information he was pleased at how quickly Jeff responded to his inquiry.
Jeff took the time to explain the design process and seemed more interested in building a relationship than just selling Neal. As a result, Neal chose Premier Gems to custom design his fiancée’s birth gem engagement ring.
Neal appreciated the educational aspect of the process, where he was able to compare diamonds side by side and see the progress of the design through 3D computer images.
When asked what he would tell others, Neal said:
Highly recommended. Great quality. Jeff kept me focused on time lines and kept the process moving smoothly.
The Story Behind the Jewel: Nicole Reed
It was a great learning experience. I’m now one step closer to getting coverage and I feel confident with the assessed values.
Nicole came to Premier Gems in search of another one of their services – jewellery appraisal – after inheriting some pieces of jewellery, which needed to be evaluated for insurance purposes. Jeff came to her home and appraised the items with her, allowing her to understand the process and ask questions along the way. Nicole especially appreciated the extra time Jeff spent with her, showing her how to properly clean her new jewellery.
The Story Behind the Jewel: Alison
Alison thought she couldn’t get luckier after winning a vacation to the Rocky Mountains, but after finding some raw garnets on a hike during that trip, she learned otherwise. She brought the stones to Premier Gems to have them cut, polished and turned into a special memento of her getaway. The information package she received gave her the confidence that Jeff had the skills and knowledge to transform her rough stones into things of beauty. After Jeff’s prompt service in cutting the gems, Alison is looking forward to the design process.
The Story Behind the Jewel: Deniz Sumer
The fact that Jeff came to my home made it that much more comfortable to come to a decision. You have this feeling of being a VIP since the whole process from choosing a design to presenting the final piece is an act of celebration.
Graduating from university is one of life’s defining moments, and when Deniz achieved that goal, she wanted to commemorate it with a special piece of jewellery. As Jeff was a longtime personal friend of hers, it was only natural that she have him design one for her.
She and Jeff worked closely to come up with the perfect piece, one that she will treasure forever for many reasons.
This piece was created by someone I’ve known most of my life and it represents my successes in school and in life. I now have a beautiful pendant that I will wear for the rest of my life.
The Story Behind the Jewel: Mike Johnstone
I’m 110% satisfied, absolutely perfect. Suzanne is going to love it!
Mike was looking for a custom made engagement ring for his sweetheart.
Premier Gems came very highly recommended by both his Mom & Dad as well as his Brother and Sister-in-Law.
Seeing the previous pieces that Jeff made for other family members made choosing Premier Gems a very easy decision for Mike.
“It’s the personal service and exceptional quality products.”
Mike really appreciated the educational aspect of working with Premier Gems. Not knowing a lot about jewellery Mike felt like he was in good hands throughout the entire process.
What would you tell others?
I am completely satisfied. I did go into (Large Chain) to browse but they want to sell a ring and not an everlasting moment.
You have to go to Premier Gems
The Story Behind the Jewel: Hugh McTavish
I can’t wait to present it to my other half and then collaborate on a custom piece. My dad would be proud to see that the stone turned out beautifully.
Hugh inherited a collection of gems from his parents, including an almost seven-carat emerald. Unfortunately it had been poorly cut and was not suitable for a piece of jewellery in its current form. Recognizing that the gem had potential, Hugh brought the emerald to Premier Gems to have it re-cut. “Premier Gems was recommended by two of Calgary’s finest jewellers,” Hugh says. “I was convinced that this was the right company to offer advice for my emerald so that I can eventually turn it into a piece of jewellery.” Jeff used his extensive knowledge of gems to reshape the emerald into what is now a stunning stone.
The Story Behind the Jewel: Gail Shervey
I now have peace of mind. I know the exact value of my jewellery [and] I can now move forward in getting the jewellery insured properly.
Gail was in need of an appraiser to evaluate several pieces of jewellery she owned for insurance purposes. After a recommendation from a local property documentation company, Gail chose Premier Gems to do her appraisals. A key factor for her was that Jeff could come right to her home at a convenient time, but she was very impressed with Jeff’s knowledge, thoroughness and professionalism.
Gail plans to pass on the recommendation she received onto others.
The Story Behind the Jewel: Laura Drezzick
Laura originally found Premier Gems from an online search for jewellery appraisers but ended up engaging the company to design a pendant for a loose diamond she owned. She was very pleased with the onsite service and the finished piece, and plans to work with Jeff to design wedding bands for her upcoming marriage.
The Story Behind the Jewel: Pamela Easterbrook
It came out as imagined! Perfect!
Pamela met Jeff at the Calgary Gem Show. She had an idea for a design and after discussing it with Jeff she felt confident and I liked your style and personality.
Pamela met Jeff at the Calgary Gem Show and found him easy to talk to.
His expertise and great ideas gave Pamela the confidence that her vision could be translated into reality.
Pamela really appreciated that Jeff took the time to both answer all her questions as well as educate her on the various gems she was considering.
Pamlea felt that Jeff understood her design ideal and was pleased it came out exactly as she imagined. Beyond the unique design, Pamela was also impressed with the quality of the work.
When asked what she would tell others, Pamela said
The customer experience was fantastic.
The Story Behind the Jewel: Aisha & Shane Sinclair
I seek out to only work with the best and most competent people, people who I feel at ease and where there there is no selling pressure, [With Premier Gems] you know you’re going to get all the facts and you know you’re going to get great value.
Aisha and Shane Sinclair first came to Premier Gems to have an appraisal done after another firm mis-represented their diamond’s value. The experience was so positive for them that they later commissioned Jeff to remake an eternity ring that had not been well-made for them, and were thrilled with both their results and Jeff’s enthusiasm during the process.
“Jeff is passionate about his pieces,” says Aisha. “The look in his eye and his smile when he sees the first reaction to his work is special… he truly cares for his clients and wants to share the experience of creating memories with us.”
Both she and Shane feel like they were more than just clients to Jeff, who built a relationship of trust and respect with them. Jeff transformed their ring into something that showcased the diamonds the way they were meant to be seen, and was durable enough to be passed on to future generations.
The Story Behind the Jewel: Nadine Clarke & Shane James
[Working with Jeff] was probably the easiest jewellery experience we’ve encountered,” Shane says. “We felt comfortable from the start.
An engagement ring can be the most special gift a woman will ever receive, so when Shane James decided he wanted to propose to girlfriend Nadine Clarke, he turned to Premier Gems to design and create a ring that would be unique, eye-catching and made with attention to quality and craftsmanship. Two of their friends had already used Premier Gems to create their engagement rings, so they felt confident they would be happy with the results.
“[Jeff] listened to what I was looking for and made it happen,” says Shane. “There was no pressure or stress.” When they saw the final product, a nature-inspired setting with leaf accents and nearly flawless diamonds, they both felt it was absolutely perfect.
Lets celebrate your special moment!
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