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The Kennett Story

Kennett Crafted Jewels is a jewellery boutique with over 140+ years experience spanning four generations. From 1880 the story of Kennett has been embedded in the story of Christchurch.

1880s

Kennett first opened up in the 1880's.

1889

Over the next 8 years, Robert Kennett worked hard and secured one of the largest repairing trades in Canterbury.

1900s

Kennett were certified watch makers & repairers as well as jewellery makers.

 

Mr Kennett himself was also an optician which was not unusual as fitting a new glass to a watch was no different to fitting a lens into spectacles.

1910

Robert would bring his son Ronald into work as he began to learn the family business.

1920

In the 1920's they had a rebranding of the store front.

1920s

1929

Kennett was very well known for their skills and were often featured in the Newspaper with various ads and articles.

1930

Kennett was a popular choice and released many styles of engagement rings, watches, wedding rings and more.

1930s

1930s

1938

Tony then became an apprentice in jewellery and watchmaking to continue on the family business.

1938

1960s

Throughout the 1960's & 1970's, Kennett were creating trophies alongside their jewellery ventures as well as selling new ranges of watches and more.

1980

In the 1980's, Kennett had an update and redesigned the interior of the shop.

1981

In 1981 - Tony received his belated trade certificate in watch making.

1989

In 1989 there was a much anticipated storewide sale on all of the stock, making room for new designs and brands to be brought into the store.

1990s

By the 1990's, Kennett had been open for 110 years and was into its third family generation of owners.

1992

Kennett had many top end brands available in their store through the 1990's.

1993

And in 1993 they celebrated 113 years as a family owned and run business.

2000s

A drawing of the Kennett shop in the 2000's.

2003

In 2003 - the next generation, Anne Kennett, received her diploma in Gemmology and her Practical Diamond Grading certificate.

2003

Practical Diamond Grading Certificate Anne Kennett

2004

In 2004 - Anne became part of running the business and was the fourth generation since opening.

2004

2005

Throughout the years, they have managed to keep updating their styles of jewellery and moving with the times which people are often surprised by, assuming they have stuck to vintage pieces because they have been around for so long.

2010

The devastating Christchurch earthquake meant the store had to be demolished.

2011

In 2011 they reopened in Colombo Street, Sydenham, and Anne Kennett as the fourth generation, renamed the store Kennett Crafted Jewels.

2018

Kennett has always moved with the times and over the years has redesigned the layout, interior and exterior spaces to suit what was needed.

2018 saw a return back to High Street.

2018 - Now

New High Street interior