Goldfields celebrates 21st anniversary

Goldfields Jewellers is something of an institution in Queenstown.
It’s celebrating its 21st anniversary under the ownership of long-term locals Trond and Anna Johansson, the only Queenstown CBD retail store and onsite workshop with a working jeweller.
Not many will remember that Goldfields already had an impressive 20-year history in the Queenstown Mall when the Johanssons took over. Dave and Judith Cleghorn previously owned and ran the business, concentrating on the visitor market and selling opals and pounamu pieces.
With Master Jeweller Trond at the helm, the new-look Goldfields installed a jewellers’ workshop and introduced diamonds, other coloured gemstones and pearls. The emphasis switched to custom-made jewellery such as engagement and wedding rings. Other services such as repairs and valuations were welcomed by the local community.
Within a short space of time, Trond’s reputation and attention to detail saw him build up an impressive clientele of loyal locals and visitors.
“You’d be surprised by the number of people who come to Queenstown to propose, deciding to commission a locally-made engagement or wedding ring to celebrate the occasion,” he says. “It’s a huge part of our business creating bespoke designs that stay in their family for years.”
After Peter Jackson filmed the Lord of the Rings movies in Queenstown, film locations were a ‘must do’ for visitors and with the movies came the merchandise. Even 20 years on, a full range of well-made LoR jewellery still attracts many fans and buyers.
In 2005, with their Mall building being redeveloped, Goldfields moved into an iconic central Queenstown location, on the bright and sunny corner of O’Connells Mall, and now they’ve come full circle, back in the Queenstown Mall opposite their original premises.
Trends come and go
When the Johanssons first took over Goldfields, the Princess Cut diamond for engagement rings was very much in vogue. As trends go, Trond says nothing beats the simple elegance of a beautiful solitaire diamond ring. But these days, anything goes, which is what Trond loves about what he does.
“Every day is different, you never know what thoughts and dreams the next client has,” he says. “Because of the internet, people are more aware of overseas trends but sometimes we’re put to the test with ‘dream designs’ our customers bring in, such as delicate dress rings not designed to be worn every day. But with some discussion and a few tweaks we reach a happy outcome.
“I keep up to date by talking to my European colleagues, reading the latest jewellery magazines and it helps that our daughter Grete is living in Europe studying jewellery design.
“Much of my time is also spent repurposing heritage jewellery pieces into more modern interpretations.”
The store also has the full range of Karen Walker jewellery, pieces for men, pearl, opal and pounamu ranges, jewellery for teenagers and children plus a wide range of earrings, necklaces, bracelets and charms.
Meet the staff
The Goldfields staff of Anja Bergsieker, Nicola Adamson and Dani Anderson are the warm and welcoming faces of the business.
Anja especially is a familiar face, having started work in 2004 as a retail assistant with no jewellery sales experience.
The ‘de facto’ shop manager who refuses to take the title, she’s a valuable and well-liked member of the team, described by Trond as his “walking, talking computer”.
From a small village in Germany, Anja and her husband Frank came to New Zealand for the experience and to improve their English, and like many others never went home.
“I enjoy the interaction with our customers; it’s a great feeling when you deliver a great experience, the customer leaves happy and it makes the boss happy too!”
She’s shown her creative side too with the design and making of many of the shop display materials and the ‘mountain range’ design on the doors of the new front window display cabinet was all her doing.
Long-term local Nicola joined the team post-Covid as a bit of a favour to Trond and Anna, with retail staff so hard to find. She’s decided they’re a “fun lot” to work with and will continue for the foreseeable future. And newest member Dani brings a youthful touch to the team. Her carrot cake baking skills are also fully appreciated.