The invited guests started streaming in early. Anticipation among Stittgen Fine Jewelry’s top clients was high, as this was new for the jeweller with a 70-year history in West Vancouver. The event was the launch party for a new line from Italy: FOPE.
Established in Vicenza in 1929, FOPE creates flexible and expandable bracelets, rings, and necklaces. Their patented mechanism is 18K gold inside and out and provides unparalleled comfort—the bracelets, for example, can be stretched on and off the wrists without fiddling with clasps.
The launch party drew a large crowd, with guests enjoying fine wines and hors d’oeuvres while trying on special pieces flown in from Vicenza just for the occasion. While these feature items were the stars of the evening, Stittgen’s wide array of custom handcrafted pieces meant there was no shortage of other exquisite jewelry on display.
The relationship with FOPE began over a year ago when Stittgen Fine Jewelry’s owners met with FOPE leadership at an international jewelry show in Vicenza, Italy. Impressed by the quality of the craftsmanship and the soundness of their business plans, Stittgen
decided to carry the FOPE line at their boutique in West Vancouver—now the only location in Vancouver and the North Shore to stock FOPE inventory.
Stittgen Fine Jewelry has been at its current Bellevue Avenue location since 2003. Interestingly, when Karl Stittgen emigrated from Germany, he opened his workshop in the 1950s just a block away on Marine Drive.
From this workshop, Karl Stittgen and Toni Cavelti, another local luminary, launched their successful careers. Today, the store is known for handcrafted custom jewelry that stays true to Karl Stittgen’s vision of timeless design brought to life with uncompromising quality craftsmanship.
This is made possible by their Master Goldsmiths, one of whom is right on the premises and available to consult with as you work with the team to bring your vision to life. It is one of the few stores left with an on-site goldsmith alongside a sizable inventory of ready-to-wear pieces.
Stittgen has also maintained a strong commitment to the community over the years, contributing to Lions Gate Hospital and the Hospice & Palliative Project, the Kay Meek Arts Centre, the Dr. Peter Centre, the Odlum Brown VanOpen, and various local schools and charities.
You can experience their exceptional customer service at 1457 Bellevue Avenue in West Vancouver or visit www.stittgen.com.
