I began my career in jewellery in 1969, at just seventeen years old, when I applied for a position at People’s Credit Jewellers in downtown Hamilton. I was offered the job, but because I was under the legal age to be bondable—a requirement at the time—my father had to come in and sign the paperwork. That small moment marked the beginning of a lifelong career.

I stayed with People’s for several years, learning the foundations of the trade and benefiting greatly from the knowledge and mentorship of older, experienced jewellers. In 1978, I moved on to Contemporary Jewellers, a small but ambitious company that would play a major role in my professional growth.

The owner gave me the opportunity to manage one of their stores, and over time I helped open and run several locations in the Ontario region—first at Appleby Mall in Burlington, and later a new store in Erin Mills, Mississauga. During these years, I gained hands-on experience in every aspect of the business, including repairs, custom work, and sales.

In 1985, my lifelong friend and future business partner, Carol, joined Contempra Jewellery. Together, we decided to take the next step and open our own company, C&D (Carol and Diane) Jewellery. We launched our first store on Main Street in Hamilton—a modest 300-square-foot space—and hired our first goldsmith, Nancy.

In 1989, we expanded with a second location at Mountain Plaza Mall. As the business grew, so did our bench, eventually employing three goldsmiths. We developed a full-service jewellery operation, specializing in repairs, pearl restringing, engraving, custom design, and estate jewellery. Our workshop became known as the C&D Jewellery Service Centre, serving both retail clients and the broader community.

Three years later, we opened an additional retail location in Mountain Plaza Mall, where we secured the Swarovski account and offered fine jewellery, crystal, and estate pieces. After decades in the business, we sold the company in 2019 and retired. 

Yet the love of jewellery never left me. I continue to work part-time, drawn by the creativity, craftsmanship, and the joy of helping people with pieces that hold meaning in their lives. Jewellery has never been just a career—it has been a lifelong passion.