The Jewel Beetle Story
Destined to meet through a mutual friend, Allison and Yvon, both classically trained goldsmiths, began collaborating in a small studio in Nelson 2004. Fusing their distinct creative skillsets and styles, they craft beautifully intricate, refined, and feminine pieces.
OUR SPECIALTY
The jewellery we offer both in-store and online is secondary to our primary focus: crafting custom pieces. This includes everything from wedding bands to distinctive gifts that celebrate your family's cherished moments. We excel in transforming your design ideas into reality. Unlike some businesses that have developed their craft as a hobby, our team has received formal, traditional goldsmith training, with experience spanning across the UK and Europe.
OUR VALUES
Paying close attention to detail is crucial in everything we do; it's almost like an obsession! The key lies in the final touches of a piece – we aim for perfection, and anything that doesn't meet our high standards won't be showcased.
OUR PROMISE
We will listen to your requirements, consider your budget and ensure you leave with a piece of jewellery that makes you very happy. We look forward to welcoming you back when it’s time for the next addition to your Jewel Beetle collection, or when you need a special gift made for someone you love.
MEET THE GOLDSMITHS
Yvon and Allison share a similar mindset in supporting each other in the workshop and in balancing work and personal life to savor the Nelson lifestyle.
Read their Bio's below
Yvon Smits
Yvon Smits trained as a goldsmith at the Vakschool, Schoonhoven in the Netherlands and gained experience at workshops in Germany and Holland, before opening her first studio-workshop, in Venlo in 1988. She moved to New Zealand in 1994 and ran a studio- workshop from her Nile Street home in Nelson while her children were young.
"We love extending our skills and creativity. Nature is a big inspiration. Our range of charms, brooches and pendants reflect our love of the birds and native trees of Aotearoa-New Zealand, the land we now call home."
"Since the founding of Jewel Beetle in 2004, we have worked together, shared ideas, and crafted a range of innovative designs. Being women and wearers of our own creations, we place a high value on comfort and practicality in each item we create."
Allison Judge
Allison completed her studies at the Kent Institute of Art and Design in 1993, earning a Higher National Diploma in Jewellery Manufacture and Design. After graduating, she worked in Hatton Garden and as a designer for the renowned London goldsmith Elizabeth Gage. Upon arriving in New Zealand, Allison made Queenstown her home, where she worked as an in-house jeweller designing for the Jade Factory before relocating to Nelson.
“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."
TESTIMONIALS
You might not be familiar with us yet, but be assured that we have been established for quite some time and are a well-kept secret! Word of mouth serves as our primary advertising channel, attracting loyal repeat customers. Curious to hear their feedback about us?