August Jewellers: quality, hand-made jewellery to last a lifetime

August Jewellers’ Con Steenkamp can bring your vision to life, creating stunning pieces of one-of-a-kind jewellery that will last a lifetime.

“I find the idea a little exciting; to make something out of nothing,” says Con, as to what it was that drew him to the jewellery trade.

“To start with a bit of gold, melt it down and form something out of it, create something out of nothing… Being able to speak to a customer, draw something, put down stones on clay and then just make that dream, that's basically it.”

A master jeweller with more than 35 years of experience, Con can design and create custom jewellery, repurpose or repair cherished pieces, basically anything — and all from his workshop in the heart of the Orange CBD.

“Everything except engraving, because that's completely another line of work,” adds Con. “But I can make basically anything, so rings, brooches, pendants… I’ve made little figurines, animal figurines… any jewellery you see in a shop, I can make.

Con has been working as a jeweller in Orange for the past eight years, but it was only last month that he and his wife Carin took the leap and opened their own storefront.

August Jewellers is located in the Centrepoint Arcade, where you can watch Con at work creating each masterpiece through the store’s front window.

“People come in with an idea or they've got old jewellery at home that they don’t wear anymore and they bring that in and I design something out of that,” says Con, who takes great pride in the pieces he makes for people.

“I like giving quality to people, so I spend time on my work,” he says. “Nowadays you don't get manufacturing jewellers anymore and most of what you see in shops is all cast.

“But a hand-made ring will last much longer than a cast ring. A casting, the claws can break off and things like that, but handmade rings don't, they last a lifetime.”

And for those people who don’t like the idea of sending their jewellery to Sydney or Melbourne for repair, at August Jewellers it never leaves the premises.

“If you want me to make something or repair something, it doesn't go out of the shop. It doesn't go to other cities. Everything is made here,” says Con.

August Jewellers is a diamond and gem dealer providing custom-made jewellery remodelling and repairs right here in Orange.

Call them for an appointment today on 6318 7271, email augustjwls@tpg.com.au, or visit August Jewellers at Shop 7 Centrepoint Arcade 224-232 Summer Street Orange.