Our Story

Westende Jewellers is a family owned and run business which has been operating for over 50 years in Central Christchurch.  Originally purchased by Roger & Margaret Kelso in 1967, the business was a pawn brokers and costume style jewellery shop which Roger had visited routinely in his role as a Police Detective.  From the beginning Roger began learning and training in fine jewellery to transform the store, and Westende Jewellers quickly became renowned for its Antique, Estate and Fine Jewellery.

Initially located at 207 Manchester Street, Westende Jewellers then moved in the early 1980’s to the corner of Manchester and Worcester Street.  This is the site that most will remember – particularly when it became one of the worldwide iconic images of the Christchurch September 2010 earthquake.  After several more re-locations as a result of the earthquakes, they moved to 421 Colombo Street in Sydenham and have been there since 2011.  The larger contemporary store has been well received by existing and new customers with Sydenham now a thriving and bustling area with great parking.

Sadly Roger passed away in 2014 so now the store is in the very capable hands of his son Andrew, who spent many years working alongside his father.  The Westende Jewellers team is a collaboration of friendly and talented people who all have a fantastic skillset and a complete fascination with jewellery, old and new.