Dedication, drive, and family. These have been the cornerstones of our business since we opened our doors in 1964. Growing from a humble boutique in Vancouver’s west-end to a Canadian leader in jewellery and insurance replacement, we have never lost sight of our commitment to intimate, personal service and unique relationships with each and every one of our customers.
Where Harling’s Jewellery Began
Native Vancouverite Mel Battensby and Harling’s original proprietor earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of British Columbia while selling rings and watches part-time on campus. That part-time job eventually evolved into a passion for jewellery, and once Mel graduated, he decided to open his own jewelry shop with the help of his mother. On the corner of 41st and Cambie streets in Vancouver, the Harling’s journey began.
During the decade that followed its inception, Harling’s expanded. Mel and his wife, Pat opened a new location on Granville Street in Vancouver in 1972 and decided to upgrade the services offered. Using his knowledge of insurance, Mel added jewelry replacement and insurance options as a provided service in both stores. From there, it wasn’t long before Harling’s reputation became synonymous with integrity and customer service while at the same time, becoming an industry leader in the Canadian jewellery and replacement insurance industry.
A New Generation of Canadian Jewelry Expertise
During the 1980s, as Harling’s continued to expand, Mel encouraged new employees to further their jewelry knowledge by taking a certified course from the Gemological Institute of America. All these changes paid off, and it wasn’t long before Mel’s son, Chris Battensby, decided to join the family business and carry forward the same passion and service as his father.
Since 1990, when Chris decided to join Harling’s, his fresh outlook facilitated continual growth and change. By 1998, the expansion of insurance replacement services and international market purchasing prompted the need to open a second Harling’s location in Surrey, BC.
Five Decades Later, Our Values Remain the Same
Mel and Pat Battensby have retired, yet Chris still leads the company, offering creative new ideas and innovation. Chris’s growth mindset and dedication led to the opening of our 3rd store in 2003, and the introduction of our newest concept, the “private viewing gallery”, introduced in 2006. Guests of the gallery are invited to sip and savour the gems on display with a complimentary wine pour and personal service. Today, after five decades as a family-owned and operated business, we have never lost touch with our modest beginnings or our dedication to quality, trust, and exceptional service. Now that we have amalgamated our Surrey and Victoria locations with our Vancouver location, we focus on delivering the Harling’s Experience. Our spacious Vancouver location offers our guests the room to breathe, enjoy a drink, and browse our expansive selection of jewelry while maintaining the service of a small boutique.
We have learned a lot over the years, and we are confident that our business success has relied on these key values: Integrity, Trust and courteous service. And, as recognized industry leaders of fine jewelry and jewelry insurance replacement, we have never lost touch with our roots. Although our business model has expanded over the years, Harling’s is dedicated to offering an intimate, family-owned boutique experience to all our customers.
What is the Harling's Difference?
At Harling’s, we want all our customers to feel like family. That’s why our whole team is dedicated to putting you first, answering your questions, and providing you with the highest quality and service around. Here’s what each customer can expect when they visit Harling’s:
- We are fully committed to providing the highest level of professionalism and expertise
- Our clients can expect expert advice when selecting our beautiful diamonds and hand-crafted, Canadian jewellery
- Our clients, associates, and partners are valuable to us and we treat them with the utmost respect and trust
- Our company thrives on teamwork and we promote entrepreneurship, creativity, education and community involvement within our business model
To experience first-hand the Harling’s Jewellers Difference, we invite you to book an appointment now.