In a quiet corner of White Rock, a family-run business is transforming stories, dreams, and milestones into wearable art. For 50 years, International Gems by Dana Inc. has been designing more than just jewelry; they’ve been crafting legacies.
Started in Kelowna in the mid-1970s, International Gems is now helmed by second-generation jeweller Dana, with locations in both Kelowna and White Rock. But it’s not just about longevity—it’s about loyalty, precision, and passion passed down through generations. Dana’s son, Garrett, now works alongside him in White Rock, while Dana’s father and brother continue to operate the original store in Kelowna.
From the outside, it may seem like just another jewelry store—but step inside, and you’ll realize this is something else entirely.
“We are experts in custom designing and hand-making jewelry,” Dana explains. “There’s absolutely nothing we can’t do—from family crest rings to company emblems to even Super Bowl-style rings.”
The team works with clients to design one-of-a-kind pieces using precious stones like diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and rubies. Through detailed CAD renderings, clients can see exactly what their future piece will look like before it’s even made. Every design reflects the wearer’s personality and story, because at International Gems, getting to know the client always comes first.
That personalized approach sets them apart. “Most jewelry stores, the owners are never around,” Dana says. “When you walk into our shop, you’re talking to me. The buck stops here.”
Dana has built deep relationships with his clients over decades, getting to know their families, their styles, even their values. That kind of personal connection doesn’t just create trust—it creates art. “A bold personality might want a bold piece. A more reserved person may want something simple and elegant. It all starts with who they are.”
Among their most jaw-dropping creations? A $500,000 custom ring made with a flawless natural blue diamond, one of the rarest stones in the world. But whether it’s a showstopper or something more modest, every piece at International Gems is created with care, skill, and pride.
valued at $5,200.00, it is 14 karat white gold with over 1.00 carat of diamonds
It’s that same community-focused spirit that led Dana to support this year’s Rotary Pot of Gold Charity Golf Tournament. Encouraged by long-time clients and Rotary members Neil and Jeanette, Dana jumped at the chance to give back. Now in his second year as a sponsor, he’s donated a dazzling diamond ring, valued at over $5,000, as a prize for the ladies’ closest-to-the-pin contest.
This year’s tournament will take place on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at the scenic Mayfair Lakes Golf & Country Club in Richmond. Register today! Whether you’re swinging clubs or just soaking in the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone:
🎯 FOUR Hole-in-One contests—each offering a chance to win up to $50,000 in prizes (cash, a new car, and more)
🏆 Competitions for longest drive, straightest drive, and closest to the pin
🍴 Delicious food and refreshments are served throughout the course
🎉 A buffet dinner and awards banquet to close the day
💎 And yes, someone once won a $15,000 diamond ring—so it really can happen!
Can’t attend the tournament? There’s still a way to take part—the online auction from July 05 to July 27, 2025, lets anyone in the community bid on exciting items from the comfort of home.
“Rotary builds playgrounds, supports students, and runs community projects,” she adds. “I think it’s important to give back to the place where you live and work. New West has this unique small-town feel, and events like this help keep that spirit alive.”
“It’s about supporting community,” Dana says. “Rotary Clubs do amazing work, whether it’s school lunch programs or other initiatives, and I want to be part of that. As a small family business, community means everything.”
So, how can you learn more? Check out Dana’s creations on Instagram at @diamondsbydana, where he posts custom pieces almost daily. And while his website is currently being updated, you can find contact details easily online or reach him via email at igwr@telus.net.
Whether you’re dreaming of a once-in-a-lifetime ring, want to explore custom design, or just want to meet a jeweller who truly cares, International Gems by Dana is worth a visit.
Supporting local businesses means supporting the heart of our community!
Address: 1959 152nd street, Surrey, BC, Canada, British Columbia
Email: igwr@telus.net
Phone: +1 604-536-3622
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