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Stepping into Van Yperen Jewellers on West 10th Avenue is like delving into the busy but orderly mind of an eternally inspired artist. All manner of jewelry and objects d鈥檃rt populate the shop, while artisans can be spied hand-forging pieces to life behind a large glass window panel.
It鈥檚 been this way for 50 years, since Willy Van Yperen 鈥� a jewelry designer who headlined two solo shows at the 麻豆传媒映画Art Gallery 鈥� established Van Yperen Jewellers to serve the needs of Vancouverites seeking one-of-a-kind pieces that stand the test of time.
鈥淗ere, we really chase the art,鈥� says current owner Rob Van Yperen, Willy鈥檚 son. Inspiration for jewelry is everywhere, according to Van Yperen: in nature, on the roads 鈥� even in displays at hardware stores. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 me, and my dad was the same thing. I don鈥檛 know if I could do it another way.鈥�
One quality that Van Yperen says sets his store apart, is its firm stance on what it means to be one-of-a-kind. 鈥淲hen you get something from us, it is definitely one-of-a kind. Even if I make another ring that鈥檚 supposed to be the same, like an award ring, on purpose I do not keep track of dimensions or anything like that,鈥� says Van Yperen.
This is especially poignant in the case of wedding bands. 鈥淭o me, having been married for 40 years, I think, 鈥業f you鈥檙e going to get married and you鈥檙e going to commit and you鈥檙e going to build a life together, why not build something that nobody else has?鈥欌��
Many of Van Yperen鈥檚 customers ask him to dismantle cherished heirloom jewelry and reassemble it into something new and equally meaningful. 鈥淚鈥檝e built a lot of things in my career, and I think I can safely say, 鈥楽omething I鈥檝e made will last a thousand years,鈥欌�� says Van Yperen. 鈥淲hat a job I鈥檝e got!鈥�
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