Staff Style || Trevor

Trevor Jordan has been the driving force behind Stonz Jewellers since founding the business in 1987. With a true passion for diamonds and gemstones and an unwavering dedication to his craft, Trevor has shaped the brand's reputation, prioritizing quality and timeless design above all else. 

Under his leadership, Stonz Jewellers has become synonymous with precision and personalized service. Trevor's influence extends through every facet of the business - from the exquisite jewellery collections to the team he mentors with care and expertise.

Trevor's vision and commitment have been integral to Stonz Jewellers' evolution, and we are proud to celebrate both the legacy he's created and the journey ahead. 

Can you tell us about the journey of starting Stonz Jewellers?

In 1987, I co-founded Stonz Jewellers with my brother Neville. At that time, I was a qualified electrian, while Neville was already a skilled manufacturing jeweller. Together, we embarked on this exciting venture, opening our first jewellery store in Papakura. I took charge of the retail operations while Neville honed his craft behind the scenes. It didn't take long for me to develop a profound passion for the jewellery industry, and I was determined to become the finest retail jeweller I could be. 

As the years passed, I took full ownership of Stonz Jewellers, with Neville shifting his focus to his wholesale and repair business. 

In those early days, we would come up with all sorts of weird and wonderful window displays to have a point of difference in the competitive jewellery market. One that sticks in my mind is milking cows in the window for town & country day!

What are some of your most memorable moments over the years?

By the year 2000, we had earned significant industry recognition, where we were gifted the prestigious Jewellery Store of the Year award. This milestone granted us exclusive access to diamonds directly sourced from Antwerp, paving the way for diamond brokering and international sourcing. It also gave us a competitive edge, enabling us to offer our clients superior pricing - a practice we proudly maintain to this day.

Since then, my journey has taken me across the globe in pursuit of the world's finest stones from Asia, Europe and North America. I've had the privilege of attending renowned fairs in Bangkok, Hong Kong and the USA. A particularly noteworthy experience was participating in a groundbreaking week-long jewellery design course in Moline, Illinois, a first-of-its-kind program that furthered my understanding of the craft. 

Among the most unforgettable moments was my invitation to the Debswana Jwanwng Mine in Botswana, where I witnessed the monumental scale of diamond mining operations. To see massive diggers collecting diamonds and loading them into colossal trucks was inspiring. Yet, the pinnacle of this experience was when I had the rare honour of holding the world's largest diamond, at a staggering 187ct. 

These experiences have been instrumental in inspiring new ideas and sourcing rare coloured stones and exceptional diamonds for our beloved clients. Kurt and I continue to attend prestigious international jewellery fairs, where we actively seek out unique gemstones and diamonds. These global excursions keep us in tune with the latest industry trends and best practices, enabling us to consistently offer high-quality, bespoke jewellery. Our unwavering commitment to excellence is reinforced by our dedication to maintaining strong, worldwide industry connections. 

Trevor & Carolyn's Journey to Expansion:

Ten years ago, Trevor and Carolyn were invited to apply for the first Pandora franchise in New Zealand - an opportunity that would redefine their business journey. At the time, Pandora was rapidly emerging as a global powerhouse, positioning themselves as now the world's largest jewellery brand, renowned for exquisite, hand-finished designs, crafted from high-quality materials at accessible price points. 

Their successful acquisition of the franchise led to the opening of Newmarket's first Pandora store, a milestone that soon expanded to St Lukes and Northwest. This pivotal experience gave Trevor invaluable expertise in large-scale operations, deepening his understanding of brand development and market dynamics. Trevor reflects on this as a transformative chapter - one that would ultimately shape the evolution of Stonz and solidify its place in the industry. 

What keeps your passion for jewellery alive after all these years?

The jewellery industry is ever-evolving, with new designs, technologies, and trends constantly emerging. The continual innovation is what keeps my passion alive. I am excited to stay ahead of the curve, explore new developments globally, and anticipate where trends are heading. 

We were a leader in New Zealand, being the first jewellers to introduce custom jewellery design through computer software. This breakthrough allowed us to transform a customer's vision into a digital concept, which we could then bring to life as a beautiful, bespoke piece of jewellery. The response was overwhelming, with clients travelling from all corners to experience this revolutionary process. Today, that software has evolved into CounterSketch, and custom design remains a cornerstone of our business, continuing to inspire and shape our work.

The transition to a second-generation business:

Ten years ago, Kurt transitioned from a career in business banking to join Stonz, bringing with him fresh ideas and an unwavering commitment to customer service that has helped lay the foundation for the next generation of our family business.

We've built a solid family foundation alongside my wife, Carolyn, who has been deeply involved in the business. Together with our dedicated team, we continue to uphold the values that have made Stonz Jewellers a trusted name in the industry. 

We focus on nurturing relationships with our loyal clientele while welcoming new customers. Whether designing a bespoke piece or providing a simple service, we aim to be your family's jeweller for years to come. 

What are some cherished pieces of jewellery you've collected over the years that hold special meaning or capture your style?

Trevor's most cherished pieces tell a story of rarity, craftsmanship, and love. Among them is his ring, featuring palladium and three princess-cut blue diamonds - an incredibly rare find personally sourced from Antwerp, Belgium. It's a testament to his appreciation for the unique and extraordinary. Further, over the years, Trevor has curated an exceptional watch collection, however the OMEGA Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial is a standout. Featuring 18ct Sedna™ rose gold, a sandblasted black dial, and a Ceragold™ diving scale, it perfectly balances heritage and innovation—qualities that mirror his appreciation for timeless craftsmanship.

Trevor's passion extends to his wife Carolyn's jewellery, and each piece has been lovingly designed by him over the years to complement her evolving collection. Her engagement ring, a true masterpiece, features rare pink diamonds sourced from Australian mines that have since closed, making it as exceptional as the story it represents.