Foothills residents are taking a shine to a jewelry store which calls Okotoks home. Austen Jewellers took gold for Best Jewelry Store in the Best of the Foothills Readers’ Choice awards. The store came to Okotoks from High River in 2013 — but not because of the flood. “We had bought this Okotoks shop in May to take over in August and then the flood happened in High River,” said founder Wayne Austen. “We were hoping to have two shops.” The opening in Okotoks was because the store, which started in 1991, always had strong support throughout the Foothills. “I think it’s because we carry a full line of everything and if we can’t find it, we can make it,” Austen said. “We are part of the Canadian Jewelry Group, 150 stores across Canada. We meet once a year, knock around some ideas and our buying power is better than 150 stores.” It’s been a family business since opening in 1991. Wayne’s daughter Elyse is the manager of the store. The Austens keep track of the latest trends. At present, yellow gold and unique-cut diamonds, such as oval and marquise, are popular. Of course, the old standby, watches, are still popular as analog just won’t go away. But digital has a presence with watches these days. “Watches are popular and we carry two brands of the smart watches,” he said. Austen Jewellers is about family and when you have been around for 26 years in the Foothills, you get to know plenty of families in the area. “I don’t think we have sold to three generations (of engagement rings) yet,” Austen said with a laugh. “But it’s getting close.” Austen Jewellers has been recognized in the Readers’ Choice awards in the past. “It’s awesome,” Austen said. “It reassures us that we are on the right track in serving the community.”
