From Floor Hockey to Fine Gold: My Family Jewellery Journey

Jewellery has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. My parents built their lives around it — working in some of Edmonton’s most recognized jewellery stores over the years, including Ben Moss, Peoples, and the legendary Jason’s Goldsmiths. My mom, somehow, managed to bring my dad — a born writer and avid hunter — into the world of gemstones and gold. Together, they poured their energy into the trade, eventually helping to create one of the largest jewellery stores in Edmonton at the time.

The 1980s weren’t easy years for business in Edmonton, especially with the economy being what it was, but my parents pushed through while others were folding. They built their store on relationships — friendships, loyalty, and genuine care for their customers and staff. Even during the toughest stretches, there was always laughter and a strong sense of togetherness in that place.

As a kid, some of my fondest memories come from those times. The store was enormous — so much so that my younger brother and I could set up impromptu floor hockey games in the stockroom on Saturdays, using those little mini sticks, when we came in with Mom and Dad. We’d shoot the homemade tapeball around while jewellery repairs piled up and Christmas orders shimmered in their boxes. I’d watch the goldsmith at his bench, completely transfixed by the precision and patience, and then go to the next bench and try to copy whatever they were doing.

During the slower moments, my dad and the staff had their own way of passing the time. They’d line up in front of a rug‑covered wall post, sharpened goldsmith files in hand, and take turns tossing them like darts. Everyone cheered when one stuck cleanly into the rug. It probably wouldn’t pass any modern health-and-safety test, but back then it was harmless fun, and it really captures the spirit of the place — busy, creative, and full of life. There were always friends and family stopping by, too, turning the store into more of a gathering place than a workplace. Those moments, filled with laughter and the steady hum of the polishing motors, are what made that time so special.

At Christmas, the store felt almost magical. Business was always booming, and even with a full staff, my parents could barely keep up. My brother, sister and I would dress up and help deliver custom designs and repaired pieces to clients who couldn’t make it in before the holiday rush. Seeing their faces light up as they opened their boxes gave me my first real lesson in what jewellery can mean to people — it wasn’t just about gold or gemstones, but the memories and love they represented.

My dad dreamed of me becoming a hockey player — though, to be fair, I wasn’t a bad skater — and one of our goldsmiths insisted I should become a doctor. But deep down, I knew exactly what I wanted to be. I wanted to be a goldsmith. That spark led me to work in jewellery stores across Western Canada, learning from every craftsman and retailer I met. By the time my father passed away, I was already settled in Calgary, building my own path and starting what would eventually become Ferguson Custom Jewellery.

When my mom decided to move on from the Edmonton store, I knew it was the end of an era — but also the start of a new one. She had carried the business through so many storms, and her resilience continues to inspire me today.

Now, after more than two decades designing and creating jewellery in Calgary, I still feel that same pull that drew me to the bench as a kid. The tools are different — 3D design software and precision casting systems have replaced some of the old methods — but the heart of the craft hasn’t changed. It’s still about skill, patience, detail, and above all, connection. Every ring, pendant, or bracelet tells someone’s story, and being trusted to bring that story to life never loses its magic.

The jewellery world has evolved, no doubt — technology, trends, and social media have transformed how we design and connect with clients — but blending the old with the new keeps things exciting. My goal has always been to carry forward what my parents built: quality craftsmanship, honesty, and the belief that jewellery means something deeper than sparkle.

Looking back, it’s amazing how those early memories — from sweeping floors and helping at the counter, to throwing goldsmith’s files at the wall during slow afternoons — shaped everything I do today. The lessons, laughter, and love from those years still guide me every time I sit down at my bench and start creating something new.

Sean Ferguson