Bermuda’s historic Dockyard is in line to get added sparkle this summer.

For New York-based Diamonds International, the Caribbean’s largest gems retailer, is poised to set up shop in the former Royal Navy base’s restored North Basin building 9 — bringing a jobs boost to the island.

The firm yesterday advertised for up to 20 staff for sales roles in the new venture, in partnership with Jan Card of upmarket gift shop Vera P Card in St George’s.

Joanna Cranfield, business development manager at Wedco, said: “They are a huge diamond and watch retailer. They are very prominent in the cruise ship ports of the Caribbean.

“We are looking forward to having them in Dockyard. They have teamed up with a local business, which is part of what we required and we’re hoping it will bring a boost to Dockyard.”

The new venture, which will include a branch of Vera P Card, will be spread over two floors of the building, which is also the headquarters of America’s Cup Team Oracle USA.

Ms Cranfield said: “It’s a wonderful historical building and one we looking to get a revenue-generating business into because we have spent a significant sum on renovating it.

“It’s a nice boost to the area and we’re looking forward to it.

“They have already started with the planning department and we hope it will be up and running for May.”

Mr Card yesterday declined to comment on the new venture.

Diamonds International was founded more than 20 years ago with a single store in St Thomas and now operates from more than 125 locations, including Mexico and Alaska, as well as the Caribbean.

The advert in yesterday’s edition of The Royal Gazette said: “We are partnering with a Bermuda firm to create a new kind and quality of jewellery store in Bermuda and we are looking for Bermuda residents to participate.”

The firm added that, in addition to a mine-to-display case gemstone operation, they offer a range of timepieces and accessories as well.

The advert said: “We believe our most valuable assets will be our Bermuda-based staff.

“We provide extensive training opportunities to add value to their careers.”

Diamonds International said that in-store training for individual brands was carried out, while watch training is carried out in the factories that make them and jewellery and gemstones training is carried out at the firm’s headquarters.

The advert added: “There is also the potential for successful candidates to be posted to other locations and to grow into the company.

“We value hard work, adaptability, and teamwork. We recognise our employees’ achievements and reward those who demonstrate success with greater opportunities.”

The Bermuda jobs, all retail, will have “modest” salary components with a commission-based bonus.

The company will hold a jobs fair on Thursday, March 24 between 11am and 2pm at the Church Street courtyard of law firm Appleby, next to the Anglican Cathedral.