A Love of Precious Gems

When Jim Pappas opened Danforth Jewellers in 2013, it was an easy choice – his father was a gem wholesaler so he'd been around jewellery all his life. “As a kid growing up, I loved the sparkly diamonds, and the intensity and vivid colours of sapphires, rubies and emeralds,” he confesses. “Once I saw the precious gems I fell in love with them.”

Later, Jim joined his parents John and Christina in running a watch and jewellery store a block west of where his store stands today. He learned a lot growing up in the family business. “My dad was always looking for cleaner, higher quality diamonds and better cuts,” says Jim. “He wasn’t the kind of person who would buy something just for the sake of profit. He wanted to sell better quality goods.”

Jim supplemented his apprenticeship in the family business with formal education, completing the gemology course at George Brown College in 2002. “It really brought up my knowledge of not only gems but also metallurgy and different alloys,” Jim explains. “I am like a university grad of gemstones.”

One thing I realize is that as an operator of a businesses, you can’t be everything to everyone. I will help a client even if they don’t make a purchase from me.- Jim Pappas, owner

Exquisite Jewellery and Expert Repairs

When you walk into Danforth Jewellers, you're likely to notice display cases running along each wall of the long, narrow store, housing exquisite jewellery such as diamond engagement and wedding rings, pearl necklaces and sterling bracelets. Jim adds that Danforth Jewellers is the number one dealer in Canada of Triantos, the best Greek manufacturer of crosses, which are popular for baptisms and engagements.

Jim carries finished pieces but also raw materials he can use to design something unique. “We can custom make anything,” he says, “but only in precious metals, of course.” One recent creation was a necklace with twin dragons – one half made with gold and the other half with white gold. “No job is too big or too small,” explains Jim. “We are incredibly fair in price and the work is nothing but excellent.”

Customers also trust Danforth Jewellers to repair their older treasured jewellery and watches. They do simple repairs like re-stringing pearl necklaces or replacing watch batteries, as well as very intricate work. “We have one of the best repair crews in Canada," boasts Jim, "with the ability to service pocket watches from the 1800s that have cylindrical movements, or use laser to bond loose stones back on to silver rings.”

Loyal Greektown Customers

Jim has worked in the same stretch of the Danforth since 1987, when he ran the original store with his parents. “People know me and trust me,” he says, adding that he loves this neighbourhood and his customers. “They are very well educated and very loyal and they appreciate the honesty. One thing I realize is that as an operator of a businesses, you can’t be everything to everyone. I will help a client even if they don’t make a purchase from me.”

The jewellery business is not an easy one. Jim has survived tough times, including a massive theft, but his passion for jewellery stays strong. “I never quit," he insists. "I love what I do.”