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Sometimes my work offers special gifts.
This week I had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with Jacek (pronounced Jack for people like you and me) and Bozena, of JB Jewellers.
Our conversation was wide-ranging, but I particularly want to tell you their story.
Jacek lived in Bielsko-Biala, which was the administrative, economic, academic and cultural centre for the Polish border region.
He told me that this was the uniting of two towns such as Albury/Wodonga.
Poland had been under the control of Russia since World War II and would be until 1993, when the troops were withdrawn.
In 1976, Jacek met Bozena; however, her parents were opposed to a relationship for their young, 18-year-old daughter.
In 1981, his studies complete, Jacek left the country to travel around Europe and eventually found work in Australia – Adelaide to be precise.
It must have been something of a shock to the system; when he boarded the plane, the temperature was minus 20℃ and when he arrived in Adelaide, it was 40℃.
He is a highly qualified jeweller, and later that year was offered a position at Thomas Jewellers, which was opening a new store in Shepparton.
He travelled to Shepp, to make sure it wasn’t a ‘one horse town’ and, happy with what he saw, accepted the position.
Bozena had been looking for him, for some time, when in 1983 she received a Christmas card – to which she happily replied.
She was, at that time, finishing her studies to become a qualified jeweller, and was still single.
Jacek returned to Poland and they were married in 1984.
They have three daughters, and for the first years of their marriage, their priority was their family.
Jacek also worked at F.C. Johns and sometimes from home.
In 2004, they opened their beautiful store at 265 Maude St (between High and Rowe Sts, eastern side of Maude St.)
Well-qualified jewellers
Jacek holds the following – Master Jeweller Diploma, Advanced Diamond Grading Diploma, Diploma of Gemmology, and Jewellery Valuers Diploma.
Bozena holds to the highest standards of hand engraving and design.
She speaks of jewellery representing love and joy, and each is clearly visible in her designs for special engagement rings.
They will create whatever their customers request – custom-made, unique and beautiful. They both enjoy restoring well-loved items from days gone by. And they love a challenge.
A perfect match
It occurred to me that here was the perfect match of love, respect and artistic skills; that here were two people born to be together and born to create beauty.
Their welcome to me was warm, and trust developed quickly.
Our conversation could have continued for a very long time. We were just getting started.
With a great deal of confidence, I invite you to call in to JB Jewellers, say ‘hello’ and have a good look around. I know you’ll be welcome.
They think of their customers as friends, which probably explains why they won the Service Excellence Award in 2009 and have been finalists 10 times.
I also had the pleasure of meeting two Italian Greyhounds – dainty, elegant, friendly, and very well-mannered.
Jacek tells me they were popular in Italy in the Middle Ages and that’s where their breed originated.
I thank Bozena and Jacek for their time, their warm welcome and their story.
I enjoyed myself very much and I believe I spotted a birthday gift for a granddaughter.
Take care and may it be easy, my friends
Marnie
Email: towntalk@sheppnews.com.au
Phone, text or call 0409 317 187.