idar - since 1972

We at Idar have been making unique pieces of jewellery in Victoria since 1972.  We have developed a unique style based on European craftsmanship and a special blend of Nordic and West Coast design.  We pride ourselves on creating pieces that are not only beautiful but wearable.

We are continually researching old techniques and experimenting with new ones in order to create new and original pieces of jewellery.  We are also always looking for interesting stones to put in our pieces.  We are sure that you will find a piece you will absolutely love!

Workshop Staff

Idar

Idar's skill and craftsmanship for one-of-a-kind jewellery began at a very young age. A rock-collector as a child, he enjoyed collecting fossils and other unusual stones. At the age of 16, Idar began an apprenticeship with one of only two jewellery designers who were working in Vancouver at the time. Idar opened his first store in 1972 in Victoria when one-of-a-kind jewellery was a new concept.

Lance

Lance came to us from the culinary world, and he now applies his talents to our one of a kind castings. He is learning quickly, and his organizational skills are helping tremendously in making sure everything gets done in time.

David

David is our master of metals. His specialty is the intricate work done on our Arabesque rings, and Renaissance rings. He is a master Goldsmith, and a Fine Arts Graduate from the University of Alberta.

Paco

Paco is a self-taught artisan from Mexico. He is a very talented goldsmith with a lot of creativity and energy. He has been working independently in Mexico for almost fifteen years, and his expertise is having an impact here.

Devon

Devon is our newest goldsmith. A strong background in graphic arts led him into metalworking, and now with several years of experience, he has joined our team

Nikki

The Boss. Nikki keeps everybody on their toes, and ensures that everything that leaves the store is up to her exacting standards. She and Idar are the founders of the store, and she has been a vital part of the business ever since. She's also the only person who can tell me not to put her picture up.

Four Legged Staff

Lucy

Our senior canine staff member, she loves entertaining, and especially licking... a lot of licking. Lucy spends most of her time assisting Idar in the workshop. She is a purebred Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Lola

The Junior office associate, Lola is a purebred British Shorthair. She got her job strictly on looks, but is keeping it due to her endearing personality.

Simon

Another of the office cats, Simon is best known for his encouraging purr and loves to jump into the laps of people as they work to supervise and not incidentally, get some petting.

Furleigh

Furleigh is the senior cat on staff, and as such, delegates much of her work to others. A purebred Russian Blue, she is quite aware of how pretty she is. This has not made her popular with the other cats, but she has their respect.

Jock

Our junior canine staff member, Jock is an adorable addition to our store. He's a big goofy baby.

Merlin

Merlin is a very, very smart cat. Walking up and down ladders and finding all of the cat treats in the house are his specialties. He mostly helps out in the office, but occasionally will come out to help in the store

Andy

The baby in the office, he is quite shy. Quite the foodie, he's most often found snacking on crackers by the water cooler.

Kasimir

Kasimir is the younger of the two purebred Abyssinian cats that help out in the office. Always full of energy, he enjoys distracting people from their work, thus giving them a much needed break.

Zoe

Zoe is the elder of the Abys. She loves to join people as they work, although she doesn't really understand why this 'work' thing doesn't involve giving her undivided attention.

Chance

The big guy. Chance is our extremely laid back feline. A Maine Coon cat, his big personality matches his big size.