Cover Story

ESTHER & PETER VANDENBERG

Vandenbergs Fine Jewellery shines like their diamonds in-store and beyond

BY LISA CRESS PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

Peter Vandenberg is truly a gem of a jeweller. In fact, his first job in the jewellery business was at the age of 16. With an obvious knack for the profession, he advanced quickly, stepping into management roles and later going on to launch and operate locations for a number of popular jewellery stores in Canada. The journey to opening the doors to Vandenbergs Fine Jewellery is rooted in Vandenberg’s passion for quality pieces and creating an experience for customers that is equal parts conscientious and luxurious.

“When I opened the business with my wife Esther 25 years ago, we wanted our focus to be on custom pieces,” Peter Vandenberg, Owner, Vandenbergs Fine Jewellery explains. “We’re here to help our clients celebrate life’s milestones. Whether it’s an anniversary, engagement, wedding or birthday, we can confidently guarantee that if we make it, our customer is going to be happy with it.” Vandenbergs Fine Jewellery began as a humble operation. Peter and Esther Vandenberg have built the business from the ground up, starting out with limited stock and trade shows in small towns. They eventually moved into a small office and opened a modest store. “Participating in trade shows was a very significant part of our growth,” Vandenberg says. “We would set up our award-winning booth at shows with our cameras and computers and offer brides a free wedding band design. Brides would line up, we’d take a picture of their engagement ring and then we’d design a wedding

“It’s amazing to have started this business with next to nothing and then 25 years later, realize, wow, we have a successful business. But this is my calling and I have been truly blessed to be doing what I do.” - Peter Vandenberg

THE VANDENBERG FINE JEWELLERY TEAM

band for them. It got to the point people were lining up around the corner – it really launched us.”

Through shows like the Wonderful Wedding Show, Vandenbergs Fine Jewellery found their client base. They continue to stay busy largely thanks to customer referrals and positive reviews and accolades. As they celebrate their 25th year in business, Vandenbergs has also been honoured with a Consumers Choice Award for the fourth year in a row.

“It’s amazing to have started this business with next to nothing and then 25 years later, realize, wow, we have a successful business,” Vandenberg says. “But this is my calling and I have been truly blessed to be doing what I do.”

Custom designs from Vandenbergs Fine Jewellery are created by a Master Goldsmith. When you make an appointment to visit the store, a jewellery consultant will sit down with you to discuss what you’re looking for. You can select your exact ring size, pick your diamond, choose your metal and even add gemstones to the piece. With customized engagement rings, the sky is really the limit to what you can do.

“We have one of the best goldsmiths I have ever worked with,” Vandenberg says. “White gold pieces are molded and cast in a 14 kt rhodium-free metal, so your jewellery will always stay white. We work in all metals; platinum, 10-18 kt, rose, white and yellow. Our stones are also hand set, which means you have the confidence of a secure setting.” After your ring is designed, you receive a wax model of the piece that captures every detail to ensure that you will be happy with it.

“It’s a bit of a process - but people love the experience of personalizing a piece that’s just for them,” Vandenberg says. “I’ve done all kinds of different things to make rings and special pieces unique and meaningful to the wearer, from incorporating animals, figures, flowers and quotes to adding birthstones and detailing.”

You can also bring your old jewellery in for a redesign to a more current style (or whatever you want!). Whatever your budget, Vandenberg is confident they can make it work. “The great thing about customization is that we can go through design options and then tailor that design to what the customer is looking to spend,” Vandenberg explains. “There’s no shortage of design options and no price is set in stone. That’s not what our store is about.”

Vandenberg’s eye for detail and quality goes beyond jewellery. He has curated a seasoned staff who live and breathe exceptional customer service, such as jewellery consultants Marlene and Diane. Vandenberg is also passionate about creating a uniquely beautiful in-store experience that also makes customers feel welcome.

“We’ve been at our location on Portage Avenue for about 17 years and we’ve taken great care in designing our storefront and the atmosphere in-store,” Vandenberg explains. “We have gorgeous natural light coming in from all angles, high ceilings and unique light fixtures. We have

steel art sculptures outside, one-of-a-kind metal wallhangings in-store and fresh flowers everywhere. We really want our store to set a tone for the type of service you can expect.” While Vandenbergs Fine Jewellery has built a reputation on creating meaningful jewellery, they are also ardent about making purposeful contributions to their community. While Peter himself has been involved with St. James Biz, serving as a board chair for over 10 years, the Vandenberg’s business has provided sponsorship for the St. James school division, Rainbow Stage and literacy programs overseas. They have also made contributions to Lighthouse Mission and sponsor the Lovers Lane light display at Assiniboine Park Zoo’s Zoo Lights event.

“Every organization we get involved with has a meaningful purpose that betters lives and our communities,” Vandenberg says. “As business owners and people of faith, it is very important for us to give back and provide meaningful contributions to those in need through a variety of charity organizations.”

Contacting the good folks at Vandenbergs Fine Jewellery couldn’t be any easier. Peter and Esther have evolved the business to include a strong online presence through e-commerce and harnessing the power of social media, with Jessica at the helm.

“Our store is really a place you can sit, relax and dream with us,” Vandenberg says. “We are very proud of our growth as a business and are so thankful to our valued customers who have continued to support us with positive reviews and referrals. If you have yet to visit us, know we are ready to celebrate your life's milestones with you.”

Learn more about custom jewellery fashions, view Vandenbergs Fine Jewellery’s portfolio of designs or make an appointment to talk with a jewellery consultant at www.vandenbergs.ca. 

Vandenberg’s Fine Jewellery 1858 Portage Ave Winnipeg, MB 204-487-4732