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About Us
Granville Island · Vancouver, BC
Made by Hand. Driven by Heart.
Behind every piece of fine jewellery is a human story—a quiet milestone, a love celebrated, or a family memory passed through generations.
At Zadel Jewellery Studio, we bring those stories into focus through thoughtful design, true bench craftsmanship, and deep artistic passion. Founded on Vancouver’s Granville Island by husband-and-wife duo Johan and Adele Van Tonder, our studio was built on a simple, enduring belief: creating bespoke jewellery should feel intimate, transparent, and completely personal.
Meet Johan & Adele
Master Craftsmanship Meets Creative Vision
Zadel is guided by the shared experience and passion of two artists who live and breathe their craft. Originally from South Africa before establishing roots in Vancouver, Johan and Adele bring more than 70 years of combined industry expertise to every commission.
“Recreating a family heirloom or finding the perfect engagement ring is a deeply personal decision, but it should never feel daunting. Our goal is to listen, guide, and create a space where every client feels heard and valued.”
Johan Van Tonder | Master Goldsmith
With over 50 years at the bench, Johan is a Master Goldsmith whose mastery covers all facets of fine jewellery making—from goldsmithing, gemology, and setting to full hand-production. A multiple-award winner for jewellery design, Johan’s meticulous focus on precision ensures that every piece leaving the bench is built to endure for generations.
Adele Van Tonder | Designer & Director of making dreams come true
With decades of 3D design expertise, Adele turns your personal stories into balanced, breathtaking fine jewellery. Renowned among clients for her warm spirit, direct honesty, and delightful wit, she guides every design journey with clarity, heart, and refreshing simplicity.
Together, their complementary skills mean every piece—from initial sketch to final polish—is handled entirely in-house with complete care.
Life in the Granville Island Studio
An Active Workshop, Not a Retail Case
Granville Island is defined by makers, artists, and ocean air—the ideal home for an independent fine jewellery studio.
When you visit Zadel, you aren’t walking into a high-pressure sales floor. You are stepping into a working workshop where real bench craft happens every day.
A Private, Calming Environment
Enjoy an unhurried consultation as we inspect loose gemstones under magnification and talk through your design ideas.
In-Studio or Virtual
Whether you visit us on Granville Island or join us via video consultation from across Canada and beyond, the experience is equally personal and guided.
Our Core
In-House Master Craftsmanship & Ethical Sourcing
Because Johan and Adele handle design and manufacturing directly on site, there are no intermediaries. Every piece is crafted using ethically sourced diamonds, gemstones, and refined precious metals.
Meaningful Heirloom Transformations
We specialize in sentiment preservation. Johan and Adele carefully extract family diamonds and melt down inherited gold to sculpt modern silhouettes so your family heritage lives on every day.
Clear & Honest Guidance
We work openly with you from day one—providing absolute clarity on stone options, metal durability, and budget allocation with zero sales pressure.
Open-Bench Craftsmanship
Step into our studio and meet our master jewellers. Watch our team craft your custom piece step-by-step—from hand-fabrication and precision stone setting to final polishing.
LUXlife Global Excellence · Two Time Honouree
Award-Winning & Community Loved
From national CJA Awards finalist to Granville Island community favourite, we’re proud of every moment.
Let’s Create Something Together
Whether you are planning a proposal, reimagining inherited family treasures, or celebrating a personal milestone, our studio doors are open.