The story of Cartwright Jewelers started when James Daniel Cartwright was forced to reconsider his career path.
"My grandfather used to fish along the Fraser River until he was hurt in a fishing accident" says owner Susan Cartwright-Coates.
As fate would have it, James' best friend's father was a watchmaker and took the young man under his wing. In 1933, the enterprising James opened his first watchmakers shop on Clarkson Street. Cartwright Jewelers was founded on the savvy acumen of a young man and on a synergy between designers who created objects of beauty and excellence in customer service.
Today James' vision still exists as the company celebrates its 80 th anniversary.
The store has always been a family affair with Don Cartwright following in his father's footsteps in 1965 and Susan joining 20 years later. Today, her daughter, Chelsea Keenan, is the fourth generation to come on board.
For Cartwright-Coates, the business has always been in her blood.
"My grandfather always said 'if you can see over the counter you were old enough to work,'" she quips. "That was the start of a career and a passion."
She carries on her grandfather's legacy of superior customer service, top quality design and craftsmanship, as well as knowledgeable employees.
Last November, the store was completely renovated and expanded to double its size.
"It's nice and bright, and we have a new custom design lounge so we can create computer generated ring designs for our clients," says Cartwright-Coates. "We are true jewellers because we create custom designed jewellery as well as have a complete in store jewellery repair shop."
Cartwright's was one of the first jewellery stores in the Lower Mainland to carry Canadian Diamonds.
"We focus on Canadian diamonds as they are the world's finest diamonds that have been mined right here in Canada," she adds.
In keeping with new innovations in jewellery, Cartwright-Coates is always looking for new products that will captivate her customers.
"We continue to be the largest retailer of Trollbeads Jewellery, where 'Every story has a Bead,'" she adds. "We have an online store TrollbeadsNow.com, which we ship Trollbeads all over North America."
In addition, the company is strongly connected to the community. They regularly donate their time and prizes to non-profit organizations, such as the BC Seniors Services, Monarch Place, Queens Park Hospital, Lions Club and Tim Horton Camp Day. Over the past 13 years, they have raised a whopping $103,000 for the CKNW Orphan's Fund.
Today, this 14-year Readers Choice award-winning business continues to grow and thrive.
As a special thank you to existing customers and future customers, Cartwright Jewelers is commemorating its 80-year milestone by offering a special monthly draw, as well as a grand prize draw of an 80-point Canadian diamond worth $8,000.
For more information, call 604-526-3011 or visit the website at www.cartwrightjewelers.com.
