New Destination Store for Rangiora

Jewellery is the perfect ‘I love you’ gift, and with Christmas fast approaching, there is no better time to visit Marion & Co Jewellery, Rangiora’s newest destination store, which opened in early November.

Words: Jo Bailey Images: Essence Magazine

Owned by renowned jeweller, Marion McKellow, the store’s beautiful, yet understated, industrial fitout, allows the stunning range of hand-made Sterling Silver, semi-precious stone set and pearl jewellery to shine.

Marion personally selects the store’s classic and contemporary jewellery from all around the world, with a focus on high quality, ethically sourced pieces. “COVID-19 has made it impossible for me to travel, so I have relied on the global suppliers and artisans I have built relationships with over the last 25 years to source and make the beautiful pieces for Marion & Co Jewellery. We’ve had nine new shipments arrive and they have done great job, the quality is phenomenal.”

She says there is a misconception that the words ‘high quality’ and ‘expensive’ go hand-inhand when it comes to jewellery. “We have lots of beautiful pieces in our Christmas gift cabinet that start from around $40. We don’t want people to walk past and think they can’t afford to come in. Every purchase made instore until 2pm on 24 December also gives shoppers the chance to win a luxury hamper, valued at $800.”

Word is spreading about the store’s beautiful jewellery, and North Canterbury tastes are varied, says Marion. “We always sell a lot of earrings, pendants and pearls, but the heavier handmade pieces are proving very popular here, and our big stone rings are selling like wildfire.”

There is even a small selection of stunning clipon earrings, with clasps so comfortable, you hardly know you are wearing them.

Marion & Co Jewellery is the latest creative venture for Marion, who six years ago, had planned to retire when she sold her flagship Merivale store and moved to North Canterbury to renovate a lovely old farmhouse.

“My passion for jewellery and work never died, and about 18 months ago I started to think about opening in Rangiora. Then I found the perfect shop.”

Nestled in an original building in the heart of High Street, the fitout’s interior brickwork, exposed black beams, statement mirror and raw steel cabinetry are a nod to the building’s history, and Marion’s long-held vision to create an industrial theme.

Every detail has been carefully thought out, right down to the security grills which were made by a local ironsmith to match the original stained glass windows.

Marion can’t quite believe it all came together in just eight weeks. “An amazing team of local tradespeople worked so well together and put in many hours. The jewellery display stands and packaging were made by the only factory in Melbourne that was open due to COVID-19, and air-freighted over. It is amazing we finished on time.”

Marion & Co Jewellery fits seamlessly among some of Rangiora’s other destination stores, and has been warmly welcomed by the North Canterbury community, she says. “There were seven flower deliveries the day we opened and five of those were from other businesses. We are so pleased to be in Rangiora.”