I love independents jewellers for their manufacturing. But my dealings with Wishart take a…read moredifferent turn. My necklace (or gold chain) I used to wear around a lot broke a few months ago. The hook broke and I couldn't wear it anymore. My girlfriend at the time wasn't too upset. She thought the chain made me look like a wog. (And, to her credit, it kind of did.) But it was a gift from my godfather for my baptism, and I've always liked it. So, after splitting with that girl, I thought it was as good a time as any to get my old gold chain fixed. I'd mainly been putting it off for expense. I didn't think it would cost TOO much, but I couldn't be sure. Finally, biting the figurative bullet, I went for it. It turns out, it wasn't even really broken. Something had just come a little loose, and I'd wedged it the wrong way. I still don't really understand the particulars of the situation. All I know is the brilliant staff at Wishart gave it one look, gave it a few prods, returned it to me on the spot, and charged nothing. I will be returning.

Wishart Jewellers have been based at Glenelg since 1953 and are now operating as a second and third…read moregeneration family business. Owned and operated by Grant Wishart this Glenelg icon is THE place to go if you're looking for someone to design and make that special piece of jewellery. Specialising in the design and manufacture of engagment rings, wedding rings, earrings and pendants, they also carry a wide range of well known brands. If you're looking for anything from the Pandora range, a Skagen watch, an Ikecho strand of pearls or some pieces from the Georgini range, call in and see them. Because Wishart Jewellers are a manufacturing jeweller they have trained craftsmen on site and they make your items on the premises. They will also take care of sizing your rings and can repair your damaged or broken items. If you're in the market for that new special piece, call in or give them a buzz on the phone to make an appointment. Trust me, these guys know their business.

Family businesses warm me to the cockles, especially when it's so obvious that the whole family…read moreloves their business and loves what they do. Volker and Marianne Sprinkmeier have run their shop for 35 years, and both their daughters have inherited the love of crafting gold and silver. When you go into the shop, you see them working on strange machines at the back of the shop, from where they greet you with smiles. Every piece in the shop is unique - nothing is mass produced or reproduced. They make many pieces by customer request, and are happy to use your own designs or work with you to make a design that best suits you. This would be a beautiful way to have your wedding rings made, or a piece for a special occasion. They also do remodellings, and can make pieces from your own gold, so if you have a special piece that you want to turn into something else, you can keep the original material. Daughters Katrin and Michaela both design and make their own jewelry, which is quite different in style from each other's work as well as from their parents. There is so much to look at in this shop. Because of how it is made, most of the pieces have an almost medieval feel, which is so unique and interesting. They use a wide range of different stone and gems in their base materials, and it seems they could make anything you or they can conceive of.

When I first passed The Goldsmithery I took it just for a jewellery shop. Always on the prowl for…read morenice and cheap jewellery stores (should I ever them in the future) I stopped inside. It took me a few minutes of browsing and a short reflection on the store's title to realise how much more than a jewellery shop this place was. The stock ranges from unique to bizarre. It's refreshing and great to know that every piece belongs to itself. There aren't really any copies here, and certainly no mass-productions. I feel I should mention that just because the products aren't static, doesn't mean they're all strange and unusual. This is still stuff you'd want to wear or own. This isn't some sort of strange Gothic store or anything (though there are SOME goods that might make you think that). All told, this is a great shop and one I can guarantee I'll be returning to when I'm in need of a good birthday/anniversary present.

All things Moroccan and Middle Eastern are sold here and everything in between. It's a nice…read morelocation being close to the beach and being able to walk up and peruse through all the trinkets. I especially like the giant metal lanterns with the decorative holes punched into it to allow tea light candles to glow through. Lots of candles to choose from and other colourful leadlight decorations to hold tea light candles. There's also statues of Buddas, wooden decorations, dolls, kaftans, etc. There is a massive red glass chandelier which looks very impressive hanging at the front of the shop above the centre isle of decorations. Jewellery adorns the two side glass cabinets which look like decorative mirroe frames, very interesting idea. Great for decking out your courtyard, balcony or any smaller space in or around your home in this exotic theme, for which this shop can definitely contribute to your designs.

Alternative U (also known as Mystic Moon at Tea Tree Plaza) is a unique store which specialises in…read morevery elegant and 'mystical' styles of fashion. There are items from clothes, to jewellery, to mosaics and dream catchers. Everything in this store looks like you will find it in a tarot card readers home, and frankly, some of the items are very beautiful and intriguing. I have many a time walked into this store and found a unique little summer dress which I have simply adored - and always for a fantastic price too. So if you're looking for something a little bit more unique, then have a look at Alternative U, because the store is really quite good. I love the alternative side of fashion, no matter what "genre" it fits in - so mystical sorcerer who reads palms? Why not that style?