Meet the sisters making the next generation of family heirlooms
Stephanie and Lindsay Appotive are the second generation taking charge of the wellloved local fine jewellery stores Howard Fine Jewellers and True Bijoux. Located a few steps from Parliament Hill, these two local gems shine brightly. The sisters embrace the 55-year legacy as Ottawa’s most trusted jeweller. A family business that expresses a deep appreciation for its client relationships, and a love of fine craftsmanship and design, makes the perfect recipe for creating beautiful jewellery.
Opened in 1967, Howard is now well established in its flagship store at the historic corner of Bank and Sparks. Beyond the luxurious showroom, you will find a world-class, on-site custom jewellery factory, gemmological laboratory, authorized Rolex service centre, jewellery repair and restoration department.
Strolling by the store’s grand building, you might think that Howard only caters to a certain price point and above, but nothing could be further from the truth. The sisters love to say that “nothing is ever too small or too big for us.”
“We want to be a part of our clients’ jewellery journey, and that really means we are here for everything — whether someone needs a broken chain fixed, a ring to be cleaned and checked (a complimentary service) or help to select a magnificent celebration piece,” says Stephanie.
“We have many conversations about why a design found online may not be the right choice for an everyday piece,” Stephanie says. “We love working from a client’s inspiration, and we rely on our master jewellers’ skills to translate that inspiration into a piece made with the highest structural integrity, ensuring each piece can shine for generations.”
An expert in the field, Howard also has diamond and gemstone brokers in-house with special access to an international diamond bourse with every imaginable combination. Meet one-on-one with an expert who can advise and collaborate with you to create your dream piece with competitive pricing.
Adding to their repertoire in 2006, the family opened True Bijoux to reach more jewellery lovers in a more eclectic way. Lindsay presides over the carefully curated wonderland of vintage pre-owned, affordable engagement rings and a large collection of unique jewellery. “I love creating magic,” she says.
Now, well into their 70s, the sister’s parents — Howard and Sharron — love to come to work whenever they can. “We’re very grateful because not everybody gets to work side by side with their parents,” Lindsay says. They’ve also had the fortune of working with their uncle David and aunt Sharon.
Stephanie remembers father sitting in his office at his computer with his grandson in his lap. “I remember my father teaching my sister and me when we were little, so it was the sweetest moment to see history repeating itself right before my eyes.”
Aside from getting to work together every day, the sisters’ favourite thing is their bond with their clients. Jewellery holds a special meaning, often marking a milestone. “We have the privilege of being invited into these very personal celebrations,” says Stephanie.
The sisters acknowledge that it might be a little intimidating coming into Howard. Sometimes the added security gets mistaken for formality. Stephanie emphasizes that all are welcome, and if you come in, you’ll see how warm everyone really is. “Just come as you are. It’s our home; we want to invite you in,” she says. The store is even dog-friendly.
To see what it’s all about for yourself, pop over to the Sparks Street stores. Or, look at the selection of jewellery from the comfort of your home by visiting Howard and True Bijoux online and staying up to date with their Instagram or Facebook profiles.