The team behind West Kelowna’s jewellery store
Our team of jewellery experts is here to help you find the perfect fit.
Continuing the family legacy
Our family has grown since J.K. and Marianne Schmidt first opened the doors to JK Schmidt Jewellers store in 1972. But, with two generations of Schmidt still hard at work, our West Kelowna jewellery store has become our community’s trusted jeweller.
Lee Ann
Owner and Manager
Lee Ann is the second generation of Schmidt family jewellers. After moving to the Okanagan in 1980 with her husband Troy, Lee Ann stepped up to help her in-laws, Joe and Marianne, at the jewellery store. Now at the helm of the family business, Lee Ann strives to create memorable experiences for her customers.
With a special place in her heart for redesigning heirloom pieces and a knack for custom designs, Lee Ann still thinks about the beautiful grapevine and gemstone-inspired piece she helped create several years ago. But the best part of her day, Lee Ann says, is interacting with everyone who sets foot inside the family shop, and answering questions about watches, gemstones and everything in between.
Krista
Online Manager
Krista has been behind the counter at JK Schmidt Jewellers since her first Christmas wrapping gifts when she was 12. Now the online manager overseeing social media and events, Krista loves spending as much time as she can laser soldering and connecting with the staff and customers.
Krista believes that every customer should always feel comfortable and confident, and she is thankful for the loyal customers who have been with the Schmidt family for nearly five decades. When she isn’t on social media, soldering or dreaming about a diamond Riviera necklace and tennis bracelet, Krista enjoys hiking, cooking and kayaking on Okanagan Lake.
Jennifer
Financial Manager
If there’s a piece you love in our collection, chances are it was hand-picked by Jennifer. The third generation of Schmidt family jewellers, Jennifer joined the team more than 20 years ago and is now in charge of bookkeeping, ordering merchandise and helping out on the sales floor.
Honoured to continue the family business alongside her mother and sisters, Jennifer believes every piece of jewellery and every customer has a unique story. Born and raised in the Okanagan, Jennifer spends her free time hiking with her dogs or fishing in the mountains with her family.
I believe that every customer should always feel comfortable and confident, and I’m thankful for the loyal customers who have been with the Schmidt family for nearly five decades.
Krista Schmidt
Stephanie
Laser Solder Technician
Need a prized heirloom or favourite piece repaired? You’re in good hands with Stephanie Weller. A third-generation Schmidt, Stephanie has spent her life in the family business. Now skilled in laser soldering, Stephanie works directly with the in-house goldsmith in the repair department to bring new life to treasured pieces.
Always eager to learn and grow, Stephanie treats every piece that enters the JK Schmidt Jewellers repair department as if it were her cherished engagement ring—a three-stone design representing her husband and children. When she isn’t soldering, you’ll find Stephanie at local wine tastings or sampling farm fresh food.
Luc
Coming soon.
Jackie
Assistant Manager
Jackie loves nothing more than when customers leave the store with a smile. A diamond expert who joined the JK Schmidt Jewellers team in 2007, Jackie excels at helping people restore sentimental jewellery and find the perfect gift for that special someone.
Whether she’s working directly with customers or helping to manage inventory, Jackie is always ready to help with a friendly smile. If she’s not giving customers an unforgettable experience, Jackie’s sipping wine across the Okanagan Valley or daydreaming about a gorgeous multi-coloured sapphire band.
Brittney
Sales Associate
When Brittney saw the opportunity to work with jewellery in her hometown, she knew she had to take it. A former bartender turned jewellery sales associate, Brittney joined the JK Schmidt Jewellers team in 2023. Today, Brittney creates enchanting custom pieces with clients, takes in repairs and works with stunning timepieces.
With her eyes set on a white gold pink spinel dinner ring, Brittney quickly took to her new career. Brittney always looks forward to spending her days with the talented team at JK Schmidt. Outside of the store, you’ll see Brittney enjoying Okanagan wine tours and hanging out with her dog, Diesel.
Betty Ann
Sales Associate
When Betty Ann retired and decided to look for a part-time job that she enjoyed, she knew immediately where she wanted to work. Betty Ann joined the team in 2017 and enjoys helping customers find the right piece.
On days that she isn’t learning more about the brands featured in JK Schmidt’s lineup or dreaming about her first pair of diamond earrings, Betty Ann loves to enjoy the Okanagan summer sun on the beach or the trail. But for Betty Ann, some of the best days are when she knows that customers left the store happy.
Barb
Sales Associate
Barb loves seeing a customer’s face light up the first time they try on their custom jewellery. Before joining the JK Schmidt Jewellers team in 2019, Barb was a loyal customer who chose JK for its reputation for repairs and custom designs, and its knowledgeable and outgoing staff.
A lover of diamonds and sunny days on the beach in Peachland, Barb’s friendly demeanour helps customers have fun discovering the pieces that make their hearts sing. Outside of JK Schmidt, you’ll find Barb sipping coffee in the shade and enjoying a good book.
Beatrice
Sales Associate
Beatrice chose to retire into the jewellery business because working at a winery might get her into too much trouble. Since joining the team in 2021, Beatrice has strived to get to know customers to better guide them through the world of diamonds, gemstones, watches and gold.
For Beatrice, nothing is more special than sharing a customer’s excitement and happiness through life’s milestones. After a day dedicated to honesty, kindness and integrity in the shop, Beatrice likes to unwind with a glass of wine with her coworkers.
Shannon-Tara
Sales Associate
Shannon-Tara believes there’s nothing quite as special as a ring that says, “You are my forever.” Whether it’s custom-designed or a timeless piece from one of the largest selections of jewellery in western Canada, Shannon-Tara uses her eye for style to help everyone find the perfect gift for every occasion.
Shannon-Tara joined the team in 2012 and never looked back. Working directly on the sales floor and with the team in the repair department, Shannon-Tara says personalized customer service is what sets JK Schmidt apart. Outside of the jewellery world, Shannon-Tara works as a birth doula supporting families in the community.
