BILL CHOW JEWELLERS

Only a few businesses in Kerrisdale have remained in operation since 1950 when Bill Chow established his company Bill Chow Jewellers.

Bill was born in Cumberland, B.C. Upon returning home from serving in the Second World War, he was given a government grant to attend school to become a watchmaker.

Elaine Lew and Hank

The shop was initially located where Shopper’s Drug Mart now resides. Bill lived in the back of the jewellery shop, and his wife Lily joined him in 1958 after they married. Two years later, they bought a house locally. The shop moved to its present location on West 41st Avenue in the mid-1960s; the building was torn down and rebuilt in 1990.

Bill’s daughter Elaine Lew has lived in Kerrisdale her entire life. She attended Quilchena Elementary and Point Grey Secondary. On weekends Elaine worked alongside her father. She recalls Saturday as being the busiest shopping day. Her mother began working in the shop in 1975 when her children were in high school. Elaine studied business management at Langara College and began her retail career in 1988; when she and her husband Hank got married, Bill retired, and they took over the family business. Hank was naturally mechanical as a former car mechanic, so the career change was a good match.

Bill passed away at age 90 in 2013. He enjoyed attending the Kerrisdale Seniors Centre for many years and loved dancing. He was awarded the Queen’s Silver Jubilee medal for his dedication, respect, and love for others.

Bill and Lily were married for 54 years, and she worked in the shop until 2019. She is now 98 years old and still lives in the family home. Customers appreciated the family element; they miss Lily and often ask after her. Elaine says, “She would sit in a chair and serve people.”

Stepping inside the jewellery shop is a reminder of simpler times.

A photo of Bill sits on the counter; it captures him proudly standing outside the shop in 1950. To this day, customers will come into the store and recount stories about her father, which Elaine enjoys hearing. They cannot fathom that a business has been operating for 73 years.

Customer service and personal attention are paramount, and Elaine and Hank take time to listen to their customers. Elaine laughs when she mentions that some people call Hank “Bill.”

“There was less competition before online shopping took off,” says Elaine.

Bill Chow Jewellers carries sterling silver and Italian karat gold jewellery. The store has a good selection of hoop and stud earrings, pearls, and religious jewellery. Services offered include changing watch batteries, resizing rings and jewellery repairs.

You will also find First Nations hand-carved rings, earrings and pendants created by First Nations artists Travis and Graham Henry from Vancouver Island. They also carry First Nations tea towels, potholders, scarves, ties, and socks, which some customers like to purchase as gifts when they travel.

Estate jewellery sales are another part of the business. Elaine mentions, “People will inherit jewellery and bring it to us to sell. We take some pieces on consignment, or if it’s of interest, we may buy it outright. We send jewellery with gems out to a gemologist for appraisal.”

The store sells new watches and has some old automatic and wind-up watches from estate sales, including Seiko and Omega. Elaine says, “The Omega Seamaster is highly sought-after by collectors.”

Positive feedback includes mentions of how friendly and helpful the staff are and how confident clients feel leaving their treasures in good hands. Others are impressed with the store’s very affordable and quality products. As an added special touch, Elaine will gift wrap customers’ purchases.

Meeting customers and hearing about their lives and stories makes 35 years in business worthwhile. Elaine says, “Some clients have moved away from Kerrisdale but still come back to support us.”

Bill Chow Jewellers, 2241 W 41st Avenue Vancouver, V6M 2A3

Phone 604-266-5933

Story by Sarah Gordon, February 2023