DavidRose Jewelry’s first anniversary of business in its light, bright aqua and white-walled waterside boutique was this past weekend. And as a ‘go to’ jeweller for young couples who are getting engaged, it seems right that they should celebrate their own first 12 months.

It’s been a big year for the young couple, who design the fine jewellery on display in the store as well as custom design pieces for clients. David Zuill and Avrel Rose Fernandes got married themselves this summer. And while that event, along with Ms Fernandes’ move to Bermuda from Toronto has had its stressful moments, they said opening and running the St George’s shop has been smooth sailing.

They chose St George’s to locate their store because: “It is the essence of Bermuda. A lot of our clientele are tourists — and tourists want to be in this environment.”

DavidRose is not the only new business to open up in the old town.

“There’s a lot of young blood in St George’s,” said Ms Fernandes.

Other recent newcomers are Gregory Nelmes’ home furnishings store and Sweet Saaks Bakery where you can buy pastries and other baked goods. And St George’s business people have an events committee to help bring people to the town. “It’s just being inventive, because people do pick and choose where to spend their money. And it’s all about target markets — ours is 25 years old plus, with disposable income,” she said.

“And we are getting that younger crowd — we will do their engagement ring, wedding bands, the ‘push’ present, anniversaries — the rites of passage.” Of those, engagement rings are the predominant pieces they sell.

With one year behind them, they say the feedback has been “great”.

“The year and everything has been amazing — it’s been a huge year for both of us.

“Social media has been the key to our success. We have had clients in Somerset who have taken a screen shot from our website of what they want!” she said. And for gift-giving and engagement rings: “It makes it easy for the men.”

The two met at York University in Toronto. “I was studying design there,” said Ms Fernandes, who explained she is the third generation of jewellers in her family. “On our vacations, we went to mines, not Disney World,” she said.

“David saw the talent and the opportunity. He said: ‘People in Bermuda would love your designs.’”

DavidRose, which has become known for custom-made pieces in delicate, clean designs ranging from traditional to modern, featuring diamonds in every shape and size, unusual and beautifully coloured gem stones and precious metals including white, yellow and rose gold, as well as platinum and silver, initially had a website and a strong social media presence before opening their store on the waterfront on Water Street.

Since DavidRose began in 2009 via social media and their website, they have evolved with an international clientele from Canada, the US and Bermuda, as well as the Middle East and India.

Now they have their boutique, choosing that engagement ring has become part of the experience and ritual, with Champagne to sip while viewing the sizes and cuts of diamonds or precious gems and selecting the setting for it, all while gazing out at their ‘wall of water’ view, a panorama that changes constantly.

The jewellers understand the purchase is a major one for a young couple — and choosing the right ring is also a celebration in its own right.

“Customer service is imperative,” said Mr Zuill. While customers can spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a multi-carat diamond ring, many of their pieces have surprisingly low prices. A cushion cut gem surrounded by black sapphires came in at just under $2,000, for example.

“And our first sizing is free,” said Mr Zuill. The collections also feature other pieces including earrings, cocktail rings and ‘statement pieces’ — dramatic designs that stand out. There is also plenty to choose from for everyday pieces — including contemporary-styled stackable rings, stretchy bracelets strung with precious metal beads and precious metal bangles. “All my bangles are oval,” said Ms Fernandes, explaining the shape will sit around the wrist much more comfortably than a round one.

There is also a jewellery collection for babies and children, as well as an elegant man’s collection.

All of DavidRose’s diamonds have been certified by the Kimberley Process, which ensures the sale of a gem is not funding armed conflicts.

With their jewellery workshop in Toronto and silver pieces created in Italy, there’s also some travelling involved in running the business.

But home is St George’s. “We live as well as work here. There’s a special place in our hearts for St George’s.”

For more information, go to the website www.davidrose.bm or e-mail info@davidrose.bm.