Chris Schweder
In 1985, Chris Schweder began a life-long dream to make the art of jewellery manufacture accessible in his local village of Howick.
He is an artisan at heart and thrives on the story behind very personalised jewellery designed just for the wearer.
Always looking for opportunities to provide Village Jeweller customers with more options, Chris found quality ranges of jewellery that met his high expectations.
Village Jeweller proudly stocks international brands, from dazzling designers, and the exquisite shop offering the best in affordability, quality and beauty right in the heart of Howick.
With passion and flair, the Village Jeweller team has worked hard to put stunning pieces of jewellery into their customers’ hands – in the most affordable way.
Whether it is a piece from the cabinet, or a creation made especially for you by the in-house design service of Schweder Bespoke Jewellery, you can be assured that you will leave with something beautiful.
Pop in today and find a special something that will tell your story for years to come.
Aldo Angelo Croce
Born and raised in South Africa, Aldo Angelo Croce spent time living in Pretoria, South Africa, where he served his apprenticeship as an engraver and jeweller.
He then moved to Italy for 10 years, where he worked as a master jeweller and pattern maker, before returning to Pretoria for a further 13 years.
In 1998, Aldo made New Zealand his new home and he has worked as a master craftsman for Village Jeweller.
He is the man behind Design Angelo, a range of silver rings that are inspired by his time in all three countries, creating a unique design style.
Jeremy Stewart
While still at school Jeremy Stewart had an inkling that the world of jewellery would be a good fit with him.
Jeremy’s neighbour fixed jewellery and he was always impressed by the way he could repair and polish old jewellery to make it look like new.
Jeremy met his future wife when they were teenagers and her father was a manufacturing jeweller.
He gave Jeremy experience at the jewellery factory and the young school-leaver learnt that if he didn’t have the vision, the hands or the drive – he would never be a good goldsmith.
Jeremy leapt at the challenge and likes incorporating the skill of the manufacturer with the flair of a designer.
He works with materials that give him the best result and he thinks he may be a perfectionist – not resting on a jewellery task until it is completed to a high standard.
Joining Village Jeweller in July 2017, Jeremy’s work is manufacturing jewellery and repairs, cleaning and polishing.
He lives in the heart of Howick with his wife, who is also in the jewellery industry and they keep one another inspired and motivated.
Ravishka Arthur
Attention to detail must be inherent in Ravishka (Rav) Arthur’s personality.
She is studying a PhD in forensic science at the University of Auckland and works part-time at Village Jeweller.
Rav’s experience with jewellery began a few years ago and she enjoys learning about the processes involved in creative design and manufacturing at Village Jeweller.
The story behind each piece and the thought that goes into the design intrigues her, as does the working relationships between Village Jeweller staff and their customers, who become more like friends.
The balance of art, engineering and science when creating the perfect piece of jewellery interests Rav.
She has lived in Bucklands Beach for most of her life and when it comes to understated style – pearls are her absolute go-to jewellery.
Fiona Bunn
After many years in the corporate world, Fiona decided to pursue a more creative space and is now in her third year studying a Bachelor in Jewellery Design and Technology at New Zealand School of Art and Fashion in Auckland.
For Fiona, jewellery goes beyond adornment. “Jewels come to life when worn revealing an individuals’ expression of themselves, whether through symbolism or as an object of desire, there is always a connection”.
Through the creative lens of designer, maker and visual artist, Fiona is curious by how her work is an extension of herself and is deeply embedded in discovering how this story will unfold for her.
“The Village Jeweller team are talented and artistic. I am delighted to be working alongside them” says Fiona.
