Need an expert gemologist? Call Glen Johnson at Gem Zoo Ltd in Tauranga
At Gem Zoo Ltd every jewellery piece can have a cherished tale waiting to be uncovered. Glen Johnson, the owner and gemologist at Gem Zoo Ltd, brings decades of expertise and a genuine passion and respect for the jewellery pieces he deals with. With an in-depth of knowledge of gemstones and precious metals, and a zest for preserving history if possible, he is dedicated to providing professional as well as empathetic and caring antique and estate jewellery services to customers across Tauranga and beyond.
Gem Zoo Ltd offers a range of services including:
• Estate/Antique Jewellery - Buying and selling estate and antique jewellery, and providing restoration and repair services.
• Jewellery Valuations - Accurate valuations for insurance, inheritance, or selling purposes.
• The Buy/Sell Process - Gem Zoo Ltd tries to ensure every piece's integrity is preserved and its history respected, whether you are selling, restoring or just wanting advice and information.
Gallery/Shop - A selection of antique jewellery pieces is available to buy which you can view in the gallery and contact Glen if you are interested to know more.
Find out more about Glen Johnson
Glen Johnson, the director and owner of Gem Zoo Ltd, started the business in 1999 after moving from Auckland to Tauranga. Previous to this he worked as a senior valuer at Gemlab. Glen was awarded a Diploma in Gemology and Diamonds from the Gemological Institute of America, and has decades of experience.
"I have a huge passion for jewellery and love nothing more than finding out the history of the piece, and providing that knowledge to my clients. I really appreciate each piece of jewellery as a unique item which often has family and sentimental value. Empathy and authenticity are both values and strengths for me. "
"As well as being passionate about antique jewellery, I love music, and play guitar and sing with my partner who is a drummer and singer. I also appreciate art and I carved Pounamu for about 6 years."
Personalised service and treating your jewellery with respect and care
Each piece of antique or vintage jewellery has its own history and every customer their own story. Whether it's gifted or inherited jewellery, or you've bought an antique piece, you've come to Glen for a reason. You may want a straightforward valuation for insurance purposes, or you may want to find out whether an inherited jewellery collection is of any value. Sometimes you may want to find out more about the history of a piece or want to see if a cherished item can be repaired or repurposed into another piece of jewellery. Glen looks forward to meeting you and assisting in any way he can with your antique or vintage jewellery. Glen will always go the extra mile for the love of jewellery.
Call to make a time to meet with Glen today.
Meet Janine Mowat
Janine started her career in 1986, aged 16, at Daniel's Jewellers in Dunedin. At the time she was Dunedin's first female apprentice. During her apprenticeship she did several rounds of the NZ Skills competitions that were open to 22 year olds and under in various trades. One her second attempt, she won silver in the nationals, and in her third and final time before she turned 22, she won the nationals and was eligible to participate in the International Skills competitions in Amsterdam in 1991.
"Since then, I've worked in Greymouth on the West Coast and Balclutha in the south before being drawn back to Dunedin where I was born and bred. Since 1995 I have had a studio at home and work from there in a beautiful creative space. Inspiration can come from anywhere. I'll see a shape that appeals, be it in nature or man-made, and that's enough to spark an idea. I consider myself lucky to be able to make pieces for people that will endure decades - it is such a privilege."
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At Gem Zoo Ltd, Glen will give you well-informed and knowledgeable advice about your jewellery, ensuring you can make informed decisions about your cherished pieces.
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Glen loves jewellery and its rich history, and loves nothing more to reveal both the value and story behind each of your unique pieces.
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You can trust Gem Zoo Ltd to provide swift valuations and assessments, within the same day if possible.