Kaitaia jeweller chalks up 87 years

July 2018 marks 87 years of family ownership for Knights the Jewellers in Kaitaia and, with it, a third-generation member has stepped up to the helm.

Adeline Knight has taken the reins as managing director, recently purchasing 50 percent ownership of the store and now co-owning with her father Monty, the owner of Knights for the last 32 years.

Father and daughter have worked side-by-side at their Commerce St premises for the last 15 years with Adeline excelling in jewellery training and gaining certification as an Antwerp Diamond Broker. Over the years, she has developed skills as a designer and produces a range of jewellery under her own brand Adeline Knight Jewellery.

“It’s been a privilege to bring my own fresh jewellery design to the local industry while continuing the family legacy. I value our return customers, who we’ve got to know over the years and love meeting new faces,” says Adeline, who has worked in retail since leaving Kaitaia College in 1991.

Monty has owned and worked in retail outlets in Kaitaia’s main street for 58 years. This included the music and home appliance/video technology industry. His career included a stint at signwriting and art, which he now puts to good use in jewellery design, following a course at Jewellery Industry Fairs in Australia.

Says Monty: “It’s a great thrill to have Adeline invest in the family business, which we think is the oldest New Zealand jewellery store still in the same family hands. And if my health remains as good as it is now, in 13 years I’m expecting an invitation to the 100th Anniversary!”

Knights was established in 1931 by Keith Knight and his wife Alice. It was later taken over by Keith’s oldest son John, before Monty, the youngest son, purchased it in 1986.

Today, Monty remains the director and chairman of Knights the Jewellers and intends to work in the store several more years with Adeline eventually completing the succession plan for the company.

“She has two sons – my grandsons – so there is a possibility of a fourth generation taking an interest sometime. Who knows?” says Monty.

Photo: Adeline and Monty.