About Us
"Raw Pearls of Hyde Park in Adelaide specializes in selling individual Pearls and unique jewellery settings. Raw Pearls takes pride in presenting a large showcase of White, Golden and Tahitian South Sea Pearls together with the highest grade of Freshwater Pearls available on the market.
The aim of Raw Pearls is to cater to individual need, whether that need is met with current Jewellery pieces on display or tailored to a specific design to suit individual taste and budget. Our Master Jeweller's either make or assemble the Jewellery items offered for sale while the President of the National Council of Jewellery Valuers (NCJV) provides an independent and unbiased valuation on all items offered for sale. Raw Pearl philosophy is aimed at providing a unique and memorable experience unlike any other Jewellery store in Adelaide.
Raw Pearls informs the public through Wine Cheese and Pearl Appreciation sessions conducted at various times throughout the year at their Hyde Park store. The concept underlying this education experience is an exciting venture that espouses the view that an informed public will be in the position to question and keep up with current market analysis within the industry.
Raw Pearls leads the way by inviting members of the public to register online in our education forum where resident and visiting moderators from different perspectives of the Jewellery industry will respond to queries regarding value factors and general information about Pearls. Once again, if the consumer is better informed about the very nature of what a pearl is, they will be better armed to ask the right questions no matter where they end up finalizing a purchase.
I look forward to greeting you personally when you visit our concept store in Hyde Park."
- Dyann Smith
Introducing Paul Phillips...
Paul joins the team at Raw Pearls as General Manager. Paul has a long association with the Jewellery industry, a second generation Jewellery retailer who was inspired by his father Alex. Paul has 28 years experience in the Jewellery industry initially as an apprentice Jeweller and student of Gemmology, exploring the complex world of coloured gemstones and Pearls and later as a Jewellery retailer.
Paul developed and crafted his retail skills with Adelaide's more well known specialty Jewellery stores - Chez Jewels, Burgess, Sheppard's and various Zamel's outlets before becoming a director in 1990 of Erichsen Jewellers - formerly Wendts at Marion shopping complex. During Paul's time with Erichsen Jewellers he achieved no less that 6 of Westfield's' highest state awards for Retail Excellence, and was runner up in the National Jewellery and Gift Category. In 1998 Paul was recognized for his achievements within the Jewellery Industry and was presented with an honorary letter for Retail Service from the then Premier Mr. John Olsen.
Erichsen Jewellery store was sold in 2003 and Paul re-joined the Zamel family company initially as National Manager for the quality and control of the Diamond distribution department, and subsequently assisting with special projects incorporating design and refurbishment of new stores across Australia. In 2007 Paul's role developed further as he became the Jewellery buyer for 75 stores across Australia, incorporated product selection and placement for specific event catalogues on a regular basis.
Paul's commitment to the Jewellery industry includes having been a committee member of the SA Branch of the Australian Jewellers Association prior to becoming the SA President for a period of 2 years. Paul is also a member of the Small Retailers Association. Paul brings a wealth of experience coupled with excellence in customer care and a genuine approach to quality service.
Paul shares my commitment to provide the consumer with up-to-date knowledge while offering quality products for sale. Sound product knowledge coupled with high grade jewellery items in the Raw Pearls store assists the staff as they inform our customers.
In Memory of Grahame Brown
My mentor Professor Grahame Brown (25.5.36 - 15.1.08) was a master of Pearls.
Grahames support and encouragment has inspired Dyann Smith to place Raw Pearls among the best in the business. Raw Pearls salutes Grahame for his passion and enthusiasm for educating people who wanted to learn about the beauty of the only gem that is grown inside a living organism.
