For the upcoming summer may I introduce you to my trusted partners in retail, representing my work with knowledge and enthusiasm. This imaginary journey starts in Vancouver and finishes in the historic city of Kingston, Ontario.

Several years ago I’ve had the good fortune of being introduced to the very charming Laura K Jewitt, owner of the boutique style jewellery store bearing her name. Laura warmly invites clients from neighbouring communities to special events feauring pearls, gemstones or new works by b heer jewellery originals. A visit to Laura K Jewitt Design is not complete without experiencing the sights of the powder room.

Michael Dean Jewellery, located on beautiful Granville Island, is the newest member of this exclusive club of b heer retailers. Michael and his partner Carole Baldock opened the cozy store on Boatlift Lane in 2005. In addition to his own award winning designs, Michael represents several Canadian jewellery creators. His knowledge goes beyond jewellery, always open to expand on the history of Granville Island and its diverse shops.

Invermere is a favourite weekend getaway for Calgarians, also home to the Artym Gallery. The owners Connie Artym-Bradatsch and Grey Bradatsch recently celebrated their 10th. anniversary with the traditional Gala at the end of December. With monthly shows featuring new works by artists, the display is constantly changing. Walking through the doors at Artym Gallery is always a refreshing experience. Any purchases, big or small, Connie and Grey will be happy to deliver to your home in Calgary.

Rubaiyat is a well known destination on 17th Avenue and I am proud to be represented by Pam, David and Morgan Haight and staff. This sprawling treasure trove showcasing over 400 artists and designers may require some skillful browsing, with friendly help never far away. Should you feel fatigued after a long walk, try the comfort of a patio chair on display. Don’t forget to ask for the designs by b heer jewellery originals.

Take a trip to historic Bridgeland and visit X.O Fine Jewellery for a collection of unique works by 10 local designers. Ron and Jack Hanania, with combined over 40 years of experience in gemology, opened this gallery late last year. Enjoy a complimentary beverage while browsing the diverse selection in the showcases. Ron and Jack will also provide you  with a professional appraisal of your jewellery for your insurance.

Wong Ken’s Fine Jewellery is a well established, family owned business in Willow Park Village. John Wong Ken, his wife Gerri and brother Paul offer this rare blend of exceptional service, attention to detail and a wide selection of fine jewellery. Wong Ken’s is also the exclusive destination in Calgary for created coloured diamonds. This store will serve you well with brand name Swiss watches like Tissot and Longines in addition to in house jewellery repairs.

Traveling east across the the prairies to Toronto you can visit the innovative Cheryl Fraser at Zilberschmuck. The name is derived from the German “Silberschmuck”, meaning silver jewellery. This title may sound too restricting for she represents jewellery creators working in a variety of precious and non-precious metals. Cheryl will be celebrating 10 years of Zilberschmuck in 2013 with a bigger than ever annual juried design competition, followed by a special show in the gallery.  Zilberschmuck as a gallery supports one of the largest numbers of metal artists in Canada.

 Rounding off this journey is a stop in beautiful Kingston, Ontario, a mere 4 hour drive from Toronto. Metalworks is located in the heart of historic downtown and has been serving clients for 25 years. Owner Steve Luckwaldt is the driving force in hand fabricated custom jewellery, while Vicki Westgate is the friendly face in the showroom knowledgable about the work of over 25 artists Metalworks represents, including the designs by b heer jewellery originals.

Laura K Jewitt Designs, 4469 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C., 604.282.7775

Michael Dean Jewellery, 1808 Boatlift Lane, Granville Island, B.C., 604.684.3866

Artym Gallery, 934 7th Avenue, Invermere, B.C., 250.342.7566

Rubaiyat, 722 – 17th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB., 403.228.719

X.O Fine Jewellery, 601 Marsh Road NE, Calgary, AB., 587.350.7575

Wong Ken’s Fine Jewellery, 570, 10816 Macleod Tr. SE, Calgary, AB., 403.271.9267

Zilberschmuck, 910 Kingston Road, Toronto, ON., 416.699.6000

Metalworks, 352 King Street East, Kingston, ON., 613.544.5078