Master goldsmith Terry Matheson brings 45+ years of expertise to create your perfect piece. He offer a comprehensive range of jewelry services.
From custom jewelry design and expert repairs to gemstone selection and watch maintenance, these skilled artisans combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. Services include CAD design visualization, lost wax casting, and both hand and laser engraving. Expert valuations and gold buying services help preserve family heirlooms and facilitate precious metal investments. The focus on exceptional customer service and meticulous attention to detail ensures quality craftsmanship for all jewelry needs.
Quick Summary
- Nanaimo Jewellers offers 45+ years of expert goldsmith services, including custom design, repairs, and restorations with no design fees.
- Professional gemstone grading and selection services help customers make informed decisions using the Four Cs evaluation system.
- Comprehensive repair services include ring sizing, stone setting, and chain repairs with typical turnaround times of 2-5 days.
- Traditional hand engraving and modern laser technology are available for personalizing jewelry and various materials.
- Expert gold buying services include transparent valuations by a Graduate Gemologist with immediate cash payment options.
Why Choose a Professional Goldsmith

A professional goldsmith brings unparalleled expertise and craftsmanship to jewelry creation and repair. These skilled artisans work with remarkable precision, often matching the accuracy of precision machinery using nothing more than their trained eyes and specialized hand tools.
Choosing a professional goldsmith means entrusting your precious pieces to someone who has spent years mastering techniques like filing, soldering, sawing, and polishing. Their commitment to safe working practices helps protect both themselves and your valuable jewelry during intricate repairs.
The value of working with an established goldsmith extends far beyond their technical skills. These professionals stay current with emerging techniques while honoring traditional craftsmanship, ensuring your jewelry receives the best of both worlds.
Whether you’re seeking a custom engagement ring that tells your unique love story or need a family heirloom restored to its former glory, a professional goldsmith delivers results that stand the test of time.
Moreover, professional goldsmiths build lasting relationships with their clients through trust and ethical practices. They source materials responsibly and provide expert guidance on metal choices and gemstone selection.
When you choose a professional goldsmith, you’re not just getting a service provider – you’re partnering with a dedicated craftsperson who takes pride in creating pieces that will be cherished for generations.
Custom Jewelry Design Process
Creating custom jewelry begins with an extensive design journey that transforms your vision into wearable art. The process starts with an engaging consultation where your ideas take center stage.
Whether you’re dreaming of a unique engagement ring or reimagining a family heirloom, skilled goldsmiths are here to bring your concept to life.
Once you’re satisfied with the design, a precise wax model is created, allowing you to experience the piece in three dimensions.
The final stages involve the lost wax casting process, where molten metal transforms into your unique creation. Master craftsmen then meticulously set any chosen gemstones and apply the finishing touches.
Throughout the four-to-six-week journey, you’ll witness your personal treasure emerge, culminating in a piece that’s uniquely yours and crafted to last generations.
Expert Repair and Restoration

Whether restoring cherished heirlooms or repairing daily-worn pieces, expert goldsmiths provide extensive repair and restoration services that breathe new life into treasured jewelry. From delicate chain repairs to complex stone replacements, these skilled artisans combine traditional techniques with modern innovation to guarantee each piece receives the attention it deserves. With over 45 years of experience, they have mastered the art of jewelry repair and restoration to the highest standards.
Service Type | Technique Used | Typical Timeline |
---|---|---|
Ring Sizing | Precise cutting, soldering | 2-3 days |
Stone Setting | Prong repair, rebuilding | 3-5 days |
Chain Repair | Link soldering, clasp replacement | 1-2 days |
Heirloom Restoration | Custom part fabrication, matching finishes | 1-2 weeks |
The restoration process begins with a thorough assessment, where master goldsmiths evaluate the piece’s condition and develop a tailored repair strategy. Using specialized tools like fuel gas/oxygen torches and ultrasonic cleaners, they meticulously work to restore each piece to its former glory. The final touches involve progressive polishing techniques that transform tarnished treasures into sparkling showstoppers. Every repair comes with the assurance of expert craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Gemstone Selection and Grading
Understanding the art of gemstone selection and grading empowers collectors and buyers to make informed decisions about their precious stone investments. Professional gemologists evaluate stones using the internationally recognized Four Cs: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight.
Gemstones are assessed through established grading scales that help determine their value. Each stone undergoes careful examination for its unique characteristics and qualities. Through proper magnification and lighting, experts can evaluate important features that affect a gemstone’s overall grade and value. High-quality stones typically receive AAA grade designation, representing the finest specimens with exceptional clarity and cut.
Whether selecting a diamond for an engagement ring or a colored gemstone for a special occasion, understanding the grading process helps buyers make informed decisions.
Various factors influence a stone’s value, including treatment processes and origin, which helps determine the optimal balance between quality and budget for individual needs.
Gold Buying and Valuation

Gold buying and valuation services in Nanaimo offer residents expert assessment of their precious metal assets, complementing the area’s extensive gemstone evaluation offerings.
The convenience of local service eliminates the anxiety of shipping valuable items, while an educational approach helps customers understand exactly what their treasures are worth.
Whether you’re clearing out inherited jewelry or considering the value of your own collection, professional gold buyers handle both small trinkets and substantial quantities with equal attention to detail.
Gold valuation services can assess various forms of gold items, from vintage jewelry to dental gold, providing accurate market-based evaluations.
The process typically includes transparent, professional valuations with immediate cash payment options for those looking to sell their items.
Expert appraisers can determine the true value of precious metals through careful examination of purity, weight, and current market conditions, ensuring customers receive fair assessments of their valuable items.
Heirloom Restoration Services
While preserving cherished family heirlooms requires specialized expertise, our restoration services offer extensive solutions for maintaining and revitalizing precious artifacts.
Our master craftsmen employ traditional, low-chemical refinishing methods that honor historical authenticity while breathing new life into treasured pieces.
From delicate furniture refinishing to intricate upholstery work, our skilled artisans provide thorough restoration services that include hand stripping, custom staining, and specialized finishing techniques.
Operating from our 5,000 square foot workshop in Nanaimo’s Old City Quarter, our team delivers comprehensive restoration solutions.
Their expertise extends to traditional gilding, caning, and even marble repairs – ensuring that every piece receives the attention it deserves.
What sets our restoration services apart is our commitment to superior craftsmanship combined with exceptional customer service.
Our knowledgeable staff offers complimentary estimates both online and in-store, providing expert guidance throughout the restoration process.
The use of high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail has earned us a sterling reputation in the community.
For those looking to preserve their family’s legacy, these restoration services prove invaluable.
Watch Repair Expertise
From family heirlooms to treasured timepieces, our expertise extends beyond restoration to specialized watch repair services. Our skilled craftsmen provide thorough care for your cherished timepieces during convenient business hours, Tuesday through Saturday.
Whether your watch needs a simple battery replacement or intricate mechanical work, our experts follow a meticulous process to guarantee peak performance.
Our extensive servicing approach includes:
- Initial assessment of your timepiece’s condition, including case integrity and band wear
- Careful disassembly and inspection of internal components, from crown to movement
- Precise adjustment of escapement mechanisms and thorough lubrication of moving parts
- Rigorous testing of all functions, including winding mechanisms and complications
Time may fly, but your watch doesn’t have to!
Our basic repair services cover everything from band replacements to stuck crown repairs, while our advanced servicing capabilities guarantee even the most complex timepieces tick perfectly. Your treasured timepiece is always in capable hands.
Professional Engraving Options
Through the artistry of traditional hand engraving and precision of modern laser technology, our professional engraving services transform ordinary items into personalized treasures.
Whether you’re commemorating a special milestone or adding a personal touch to a cherished gift, our skilled artisans combine time-honored techniques with cutting-edge equipment to deliver exceptional results. With over 45 years of experience, we have perfected our craft to meet the highest industry standards.
Our versatile engraving services accommodate a wide range of materials, from precious metals and glass to wood and acrylic.
Using both traditional gravers and state-of-the-art laser technology, we guarantee each piece receives the perfect treatment for its composition and intended design.
Our master engraves bring expertise to intricate hand engravings, while our advanced laser system delivers precise, consistent results for larger batches and complex patterns.
Quality is paramount in our workshop, where we meticulously maintain our tools and equipment.
We take pride in offering quick turnaround times without compromising on craftsmanship, guaranteeing your personalized pieces will stand the test of time.
From delicate jewelry inscriptions to bold commemorative plaques, we bring your vision to life with meticulous attention to detail.
Investment in Precious Metals
As investors seek to diversify their portfolios and hedge against economic uncertainty, precious metals offer a compelling avenue for wealth preservation and potential growth. Precious metals serve as a strategy to protect wealth, with options ranging from physical bullion to ETFs and mining stocks. Economic factors like interest rate changes significantly influence precious metal prices and market behavior.
Four essential strategies to consider for precious metals investment:
- Start with a modest 5-15% portfolio allocation in precious metals, focusing initially on gold and silver before exploring platinum or palladium.
- Consider physical metals for long-term holdings, accounting for secure storage solutions and insurance costs.
- Research ETF options for easier trading and management.
- Consult with qualified financial advisors who understand precious metals dynamics.
Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting your journey into precious metals, various investment opportunities exist to suit different risk tolerances and investment goals.
Remember to maintain a long-term perspective and stay informed about market trends while building your precious metals portfolio.
Local Artisan Craftsmanship
In the heart of Nanaimo, skilled goldsmiths and jewelry artisans bring decades of expertise to their craft. Nanaimo Jewellers boasts over 45 years of experience, combining time-honored techniques with contemporary design aesthetics to create stunning pieces that captivate the imagination.
Their expertise extends to professional engraving, gemstone selection, and insurance claim handling, making them a true one-stop shop for all things jewelry.
Located conveniently in Nanaimo, these artisans work with premium-grade materials and cutting-edge techniques while maintaining the warmth of traditional craftsmanship.
Whether you’re seeking to create a unique engagement ring, restore a family treasure, or simply need a reliable repair service, Nanaimo’s goldsmith community stands ready to transform your jewelry dreams into reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take to Become a Certified Master Goldsmith?
Becoming a certified Master Goldsmith requires years of dedicated practice and continuous learning.
The journey involves formal education through degree programs and apprenticeships to build a solid foundation in jewelry making, followed by extensive hands-on experience in the field.
Achievement of Master Goldsmith certification represents one of the highest levels of expertise in the jewelry-making profession.
What Insurance Coverage Do You Provide for Items Left in Storage?
All items in storage are insured while in our care.
Our coverage protects against theft, damage, and natural disasters within our storage facilities.
We maintain thorough documentation and security protocols to ensure proper safeguarding of your valuables throughout their time in storage.
Please contact us for specific details about coverage limits and terms.
Can You Create Jewelry Using Customer-Supplied Gold or Gemstones?
We welcome customer-supplied gold and gemstones for custom jewelry creation.
Each item undergoes quality assessment before beginning the design process.
Whether repurposing family heirlooms or creating new pieces, we work with clients to create jewelry that preserves the sentimental value of their materials.
Do You Offer Virtual Consultations for Customers Outside Nanaimo?
Currently, we specialize in in-person consultations at our Nanaimo location, where we can best examine materials and discuss design details face-to-face.
While we don’t offer virtual consultations at this time, we welcome clients from outside Nanaimo to visit our store. Many clients find the journey worthwhile for our personalized service and expertise.
Feel free to call us to schedule an appointment.
Conclusion
At Terry Matheson’s workshop in Nanaimo, each piece of jewelry tells a story that transcends generations. For over 45 years, our commitment to master goldsmith excellence has transformed precious metals and gemstones into timeless treasures, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail and passionate dedication to the art. From restoring cherished family heirlooms to creating contemporary masterpieces, our blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation ensures that every piece becomes a lasting symbol of life’s most precious moments.
Whether you’re drawn to the delicate artistry of custom design, seeking expert restoration for beloved pieces, or investing in future heirlooms, our decades of experience and unwavering commitment to quality stand ready to serve you. Here in the heart of Vancouver Island, we don’t just craft jewelry – we create enduring legacies that will be treasured for generations to come.
Visit us at Northridge Village Center to experience the distinguished difference of true master craftsmanship. Your story deserves nothing less than excellence, and that’s our promise to you, today and always.