In the world of fashion, travel, automobiles and art, there are those who truly appreciate the skill and fine craftsmanship that goes into designing, creating and building the most exquisite, original and luxurious brands. In the world of jewellery, the same holds true, a fact Knar Jewellery has known since its inception over 35 years ago. With a highly curated collection of jewellery from a range of designers and luxury brands, Knar has built a reputation for carrying only the finest jewellery, watches and accessories by top names such as Rolex, Chopard, Hermes and Hearts on Fire diamonds, as well as a select group of European and North American designers.
Founded in 1978 in Guelph, Ont. by brothers Greg and Jeff Buzbuzian, Knar specializes in bringing the most innovative styles to their clientele, showcasing premier fine jewellery and timepieces in their stores in Guelph, Waterloo, Oakville and Toronto. Their expertise in knowing exactly what jewellery and accessories their clients will love is a direct reflection of their deep understanding of what luxury truly means. ““Luxury is attention to detail, originality, exclusivity and, above all else, quality,” explains Jeff. “We stand behind every piece of jewellery and behind every brand we carry. With a focus on exceeding our clients’ expectations, we only offer the most reputable and world-renowned brands and we continuously invest time searching for the most creative collections available today.”
Just as Ferrari and Rolls Royce are brands known the world over, there are luxury jewellery brands that are just as recognizable. “If you were to think of diamonds you would probably think Debeers and for luxury timepieces, Rolex would most certainly come to mind,” remarks Jeff. “But there are several brands that we offer that may not necessarily be known to everyone. That’s what makes our business so exciting. Our curated collections are not only exceptional but also represent a level of sophistication, quality and innovation that our clients have come to expect. We are proud to help our clients discover new brands in their search for uniqueness in finest jewels and accessories.”
“Luxury is attention to detail, originality, exclusivity and, above all else, quality.”
Of the carefully curated collection of luxury jewellery brands Knar carries, Greg and Jeff point out these six lines as ones that personify what luxury truly means:
Mikimoto: A Fusion of Quality and Design
Since 1893, when Kokichi Mikimoto succeeded in producing the world’s first cultured pearl, the house of Mikimoto has continued to design the most beautiful pearls. Carrying on Kokichi Mikimoto’s wish to “grace the necks of women everywhere in the world with pearls,” the company continues to be synonymous with value, quality, and beauty. Known for mastering techniques such as millegrain, openwork, and Keshi pearl beadwork, Mikimoto skillfully blends traditional Japanese metalworking craftsmanship with European manufacturing techniques to create the distinctive Mikimoto style.
Antonini: The Sophistication of Italian Design
Antonini is an Italian jewellery company that has been in business since 1919, having begun as a trading firm of unique diamonds and superb gemstones in Milan. Initially a favourite of the Italian aristocracy, Antonini today boasts top-quality craftsmanship and powerful design concepts. Over the years, Antonini has built a reputation for inventive designs and creativity and of blending modern femininity with timeless elegant jewellery. Winner of the “Diamond International Award,” the most coveted recognition in the gold sector, the Antonini collections include Milano, Istanbul, Anniversary, Barcellona, Alaska, Antartica, Panama, Barcellona New Mood, Australia, and Malibu. Each collection represents its own dynamic characters and attention to modern detail.
Hans D. Kreiger: A Passion for Beautiful Stones
A relatively new partnership has brought the stunning work of Hans D. Krueger to Knar Jewellery. Hans D. Krueger has engaged in the trade and processing of precious stones since 1720. The company’s style is recognizable in its use of fabulous natural gemstone colours. Classic yet modern and timeless in its beauty, the creations of Hans D Krieger focuses on selecting rough stones in pristine white or natural colours, like brown diamonds, and then cutting and polishing them until they gleam.
Comitti: The King of Clocks
Named after Italian precision instrument maker, Onorato Comitti, this clock making company is now known more for creating works of art than for making clocks. Dedicated to the pursuit of perfection and innovation, Comitti has achieved an unsurpassed reputation as one of the finest clockmakers in England.
Original Comitti barometers and clocks from the company’s early days are now sought-after and valuable antiques. Some of the Comitti styles created in the late 1800s continue to be made today, using many of the same techniques.
“The genius at the heart of this clock making company is housed in the Comitti Navigator,” explains Jeff. Based on the world’s first reliable marine chronometer, the Comitti Navigator clock is a tribute to John Harrison (1693-1776) whose groundbreaking invention enabled mariners to calculate longitude to accurately chart their position on the map. A commemorative edition of this dynamic and striking clock was created in 2012 for Buckingham Palace in celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
John Hardy: A Canadian Success Story
John Hardy jewellery was founded by Canadian designer and artist, John Hardy, in 1975. After visiting Bali where he was influenced by the island’s jewellery-making traditions, Hardy began working with local artisans to create bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces that are intricately crafted with unexpected materials. Today, John Hardy is known for its designs in sterling silver and for using traditional Balinese jewellery-making techniques and patterns to create modern pieces, including using oxidized (black) silver to create contrast and texture in strong rhythmic patterns. This technique can be found in collections such as Bamboo, Carved Chain, Dot, Kali, Naga, and Palu. ****We don’t’ have the best photos of this brand so maybe another brand – Hearts on Fire
Rolex: The Most Recognized Watches Worldwide
Jeff describes Rolex as the “Ferrari” of watches and admits that while known the world over, this luxury brand is worth the mention. This prestigious brand was first established in 1908 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis and since then, Rolex has been the leader of innovation in timekeeping. Rolex offers a multitude of exquisite lines, including the Rolex Daytona, DateJust, Yacht-master, Deepsea, Sea Dweller, Submariner, GMT-Master II, Explorer II, Explorer, Milgauss, Day-date II, Day-Date, Air-King, Perpetual, Date Watch, Lady-Perpetual, Lady-DateJust and Pearlmaster. Available in mens and ladies gold, steel, and two tone with optional diamonds and exotic materials such as Tahitian Mother of Pearl, Rolex timepieces are versatile enough in design to accommodate any taste.
From pearls to diamonds to semi-precious stones of the finest quality to some of the most innovative and creative designs in the world, Knar strives to curate collections that will dazzle and inspire those who appreciate the enduring qualities of luxury Jewellery and timepieces. From the most famous brands to ones that have been chosen simply for their exquisite craftsmanship, Knar invites you to discover all that the world of luxury jewellery has to offer.