Harling's Jewellers - Our People - Vancouver Location
Chris Battensby - Owner
Vancouver - In 1990 Chris became the second generation of his family to run Harling's Jewellers, following in the footsteps of his father, Mel. Since then, Chris has been the driving force behind the Harling's family and brand – building our insurance replacement services, increasing our buying in international markets, opening two new locations and introducing a radical new store design and concept we like to call the "upstairs boutique." Chris is well known in the jewellery business for his passion, his love of fine jewellery and his genuine rapport with every one of our clients.
Peter Smith - Diamond Broker
Vancouver - Peter came to Harling's Jewellers in 1997, looking for a new career with a company of integrity that would both challenge him and be something he truly enjoyed. He found all of that within the Harling's family, and he's been a vital part of our company ever since. In 1999, Peter received his diamond grading certification through the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). As a Diamond Broker, Peter takes great pride in working closely with his clients to ensure they are totally satisfied with the entire process and any jewellery they purchase. Away from the office, Peter is an avid golfer and hockey player who loves to travel.
Dino Iarrera - Diamond Broker
Vancouver - Dino is a diamond broker with both diamond and coloured-stone grading certification from the Gemmology Institute of America (GIA). Fourteen years ago, he moved from Montreal to Vancouver to further his career in the jewellery business and spend more time in our beaches and parks with his chocolate lab. Dino says he's never regretted his decision to leave Montreal for even a second and we feel exactly the same way about our decision to invite him to join the Harling's family.
Geoff Dominy - Gemmologist / Appraiser F.G.A. (With Distinction)
Vancouver - Geoff is an independent Gemmologist based in Vancouver, British Columbia. In addition to his work on the Canadian Antiques Roadshow, Geoff is an avid traveller and has spent the last couple of years, travelling throughout the British Isles and Europe, buying and selling antique jewellery and researching the various antique jewellery markets.
He is also a Fellow of the Gemmological Association and Gem Testing Laboratory of Great Britain with Distinction, which is one of the highest gemmological designations in the world.
Throughout the 1990's, Geoff developed and taught the "Gemmology" program at both Red River Community College and The University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, worked for the Canadian Institute of Gemmology, was President and Founder of the Jewellery Appraisers Association of Canada and was asked to be a contributing author for the 5th & 6th Editions of Robert Webster's "Gems" which even today is considered one of the most authoritative textbooks in Gemmology. In addition to numerous speaking engagements, Geoff also teaches the "Jewellery Appraisal" program at Vancouver Community College. Most recently, Geoff worked as Managing Director for Ashbury House Ltd. which was an independent jewellery auction house inVancouver.
Rachel MacNally - Jewellery Design Consultant AG (CIG)
Vancouver - Rachel was inspired to go into the jewellery business when, as a child in the South of England, she would accompany her grandfather into his jewellery workshop to watch him work. It wasn't until years later, after earning a degree in Psychology at the University of Ottawa and starting a career in hospitality and tourism, that she decided to pursue her accreditation in Gemmology from the Canadian Institute of Gemmology. The promising future of Canada's new role in the diamond industry renewed Rachel's interest in the jewellery business. Her love of working with people and her love of jewellery made it the right decision for her and for Harling's.
Kelly Hassen - Jewellery Design Consultant
Vancouver - Born in Vancouver, Kelly started her multi-faceted career in fine jewellery over 8 years ago. Always drawn to the beauty of gemstones and intuitive design, she truly enjoys the custom jewellery experience with her clients. She loves working with her birthstone, (diamond, of course) beautiful certified GIA and AGS, EGL graded stones, Hearts & Arrows, Adura and many of the finest dealers in Canada, including Polar Bear Canadian Diamonds. If you are looking for custom design, Kelly will work to create your vision with our team of goldsmiths and dynamic network of suppliers. Painting is her latest creative expression, as well as music and dance. World travel is always on her mind, searching out ancient cultures, local art and relaxing beaches.
Paolo Diligenti – Jewellery Design Consultant
Vancouver - Paolo brings very unique skills to his role at Harling's with his experience working as an insurance adjuster. He is intimately familiar with every aspect of the insurance replacement business and knows just how to guide all of his clients through delicate process of jewellery replacement.
Breanne Avender - Jewellery Design Consultant F.G.A. F.C.Gm.A.
Vancouver - Breanne Avender is originally from Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. After working in the jewellery industry there for 5 years, Breanne discovered that she loves everything jewellery-related. She decided to take the next step and get her Gemology diplomas. Breanne is now a Gemologist with Canadian and International certification. She is a Fellow of the Canadian Gemological Association and a Fellow of the Gemological Association of Great Britain. Breanne combines her gemology expertise with a background in fine arts to create beautiful custom pieces for her clients.
Ryan Miller - Finance
Vancouver - Ryan has called Harling’s home since he met Chris Battensby and discovered the jewellery business in 1999. With his background in management and finance from the hotel and restaurant industry, he was immediately drawn to the Harling’s way of elegant customer service in this fun and fast paced environment. While keeping a firm hand on the finances of the company he has been delighted by an added bonus, the opportunity to learn from the extensive gem and jewellery knowledge of the talented members of the Harling’s team. Outside the office his teenagers keep him active and they manage to get in some quality time in the back-country, exploring, hiking and fly fishing.
Wayne Yeasting - Jewellery Design Consultant
Vancouver - Wayne has been with the Harling's family longer than anyone. Wayne's career at Harling's started in 1981, making him one of the most knowledgeable and experienced people in the jewellery business. Wayne truly knows everybody in the business and everyone knows Wayne.
Ron Kwan - Jewellery Design Consultant F.C.Gm.A.
Vancouver - Ron is a fresh face to the world of fancy jewellery and to Harling’s. His initial interest in jewellery started with watches at a young age. After living in Japan for a while, Ron decided that while he loved watches, his true passion was for jewellery. In the fall of 2005, he enrolled in the Canadian Gemmological Association Diploma Program at Vancouver Community College. After two intense but enjoyable years, Rob earned his Fellowship from the Canadian Gemmological Association. Soon after he joined the Harling's family and he continues to progress as a gemmologist with us. A native East Vancouverite, Ron enjoys the outdoors, especially paddling, fishing and rock climbing, good movies, playing his guitar and roaming around town taking pictures.
Stanley Tsang - Master Goldsmith
Vancouver - Stanley Tsang has been gripped by the intrinsic beauty of jewellery since his early childhood. He studied and practiced the design and manufacturing of precious metals in Hong Kong from the ages of 15 to 27, and then immigrated to Canada. A dedicated artist and innovator, he enjoys the entire process from meeting with clients to sketching ideas to carving the wax and finally to the finished product. Stan has been creating his beautiful work for Harling’s clients for over 25 years.





