Owner Jim Omori has been in the Winnipeg Jewellery industry for over 25 years. He has enjoyed helping hundreds of couples find their perfect engagement and wedding rings. Jim also specializes in buying diamonds and custom jewelry design.
Jim Omori is an award-winning jewellery designer with over 40 years of experience, based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Throughout his career, Jim has worked as the general manager for some of the most well-known design houses and jewellery manufacturers. In 2015, Jim started Omori Diamonds with his son, Chris Omori, to bridge the gap between generations. Omori Diamonds combines the time-tested art of personalized custom design with an innovative business model, providing clients with the finest quality diamonds and gems without the typical retail cost markups.
Background
How Did You Get Started in the Jewellery Industry?
I originally graduated from Red River College with a diploma in business. Soon after, I applied for a job posting in the newspaper for one of the major jewellery retailers in Canada and began as a management trainee. This was a great introduction to the jewellery world and helped me develop my skills in working with clients. However, the most exciting part of my development came a few years later when I was transferred to the West Coast as a district manager. There, I worked alongside some of Canada’s best jewellery designers, who mentored me and taught me the skills I use today. This really helped to develop my passion for design and the finest gems.
How Was Omori Diamonds Founded?
After a long career in the jewellery industry, I planned on retiring in 2015, intending to work from a small office where I could see a few referral clients a week or so. However, after discussing these plans with my family, my son, who grew up around the jewellery trade, was able to start a website and social media presence—and soon after opening up, the business literally exploded into a full-time job for both of us! At this point, I don’t think we have ever been so busy working on all custom design projects! It’s been very inspiring and rewarding.
Who Have Been Key Influences and Mentors in Your Career?
I have been very fortunate to learn something from every person I have had the pleasure of working with. My most formative years were living in Vancouver, where I was able to work with some of Canada’s top jewellery designers and jewellers. In the latter part of the 2010s, I began working alongside internationally trained CAD (computer-aided design) specialists. This has helped me take my passion for design to a whole new level.
Another essential aspect is that I have worked with the same goldsmith since originally opening Omori Jewellers in 1988. Working together with him has been incredibly valuable, as he has taught me so much about how to create jewellery pieces with integrity that are built to last. Our careers have spanned from the days of doing everything by hand to the modern era of computer design and 3D printing. This journey has been key in my development as a designer and manufacturer.
Craftsmanship and Design Philosophy
What’s Your Philosophy on Jewellery Design?
When it comes to design, there are two essential key elements. The first is getting a feel for the client’s style or sometimes helping them uncover their authentic tastes when it comes to jewellery design. This part often involves having a discussion and having them send me pictures of designs they have seen that they like and even designs that they don’t like. This helps me narrow down the style that is right for them.
The other aspect of jewellery design, which is very important, has to do with the practicality and durability of the design. Many delicate and elegant jewellery pieces people see online may look good in photos, however, they may not be practical for one’s lifestyle or made in ways that are not meant to last. During the design process, I always like to get a feel for the client’s lifestyle and the activities they enjoy so that we can tailor the piece so that it is practical. We are also very focused on crafting pieces that will be durable so that they will last a lifetime. Sometimes, this involves creating bands slightly thicker but stronger than you might see on the typical retail, mass-produced rings.
Why Is Custom Design Important to You and Omori Diamonds?
I have always loved the process of working with clients to create a piece of jewellery that reflects their personality. When it comes to engagement rings and wedding rings, which are our specialty, we are able to provide that extra level of authenticity that is simply not possible at a typical retail or online store, which tends to focus on mass-produced rings. This way of doing things also allows us to have total control over the quality of our product, bringing our clients some of the finest pieces of jewellery imaginable.
What’s the Design Process at Omori Diamonds?
Good question! To start off, we usually have a conversation with our clients in person, over the phone, or through email. During this time, we ask our clients to send us some images of designs they like so that we can get a feel for their style. It also helps if the client provides us with details concerning their budget and stone preferences (whether they like diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, etc.). This can help us start coming up with some ideas.
At this point, we arrange a meeting, which is usually in person if the client is in Winnipeg or online if they live outside of the city. During this meeting, we can go over some designs in detail and discuss different options for stones.
We will then use the insights gained from the discussion to start creating a more unique design. For this stage, we will often begin creating computer-aided (CAD) images for the client to view and suggest changes. After this stage is complete, we will then be able to move forward with finalizing the design by having the ring cast in precious metal, at which point our master goldsmith will set the diamonds and gems. Once that is complete, we contact our client to come and receive their masterpiece! If they live outside the city, we can also arrange for insured shipping.
What Other Key Elements Define Omori Diamond’s Craftsmanship?
We are very proud that our rings are made to last and be passed down as heirlooms. I have worked with the same goldsmith for my entire manufacturing career, and he knows exactly what I want in terms of quality standards. This has been valuable in creating pieces that maintain their integrity and beauty. The result is that we often have many of my clients who I designed pieces for decades ago, referring their children and grandchildren. When they stop by, they often bring in their family heirlooms, which still look as bright and new as ever. This is the best testament to the quality for which Omori has become known!
Ethical Sourcing
How Does Omori Diamonds Ensure Ethical Sourcing of Diamonds and Materials?
We only work with the most reputable diamond and gem dealers who adhere strictly to the Kimberley Process, which was put in place by the UN to remove conflict diamonds from the global supply chain. We also belong to a large network of reputable sources, which allows us to examine various suppliers based on their reputation and references. This allows us to uphold our commitment to ethical sourcing at all times.
What Challenges Are Associated With Ethical Practices in the Jewellery Industry?
It can be difficult for consumers to know what they are buying, especially if they are purchasing jewellery online. This has become even more complex in the world of lab-created vs. natural stones. We ensure that our diamonds come with authentic grading reports from the most reputable gemological institutions. This allows each diamond to be tracked by a laser engraving, a number it is assigned to, and a certificate with its quality measurements.
Customer Experience
How Does Omori Diamonds Provide Personalized Service to Customers?
One of the things that our clients really seem to love is that we do not have a traditional retail store but rather meet with them in the intimate setting of our comfortable office space. This allows us to work with our clients one-on-one, guiding them through the process of choosing their perfect diamonds or gems and helping them design the perfect custom engagement ring or wedding band.
Do You Have Any Memorable Customer Stories?
There are too many to count! We have received so many great proposal stories and photos that line our walls. A few in particular have been very special. We had one client who worked as a Mountie with his partner. For his proposal, he surprised her when she was leaving work, with all of the police cars lined up with him waiting to present the ring. Their engagement video and other photos wearing the classic red uniform have been a favourite among our family and clients.
We also had another couple who got engaged right in front of our store! This was a great honour, and we had the privilege of snapping their photo during the proposal. This is another one that has made our wall of fame.
How Does Customer Feedback Influence the Designs at Omori Diamonds?
Since each piece is created custom for each client, we prioritize our clients’ ideas and feedback in everything we do! This means listening carefully to the client’s style preferences and taking into account their ideas when creating an initial design. We also show our clients various design images, and at times, 3D-printed models in order to allow them to suggest changes to the design. This allows for a totally personalized experience.
Trends and Insights
What Are the Current Trends in Engagement Rings and Fine Jewellery?
Specializing in custom engagement rings, we get a very good look at the current trends and popular designs based on our client’s requests. We have recently noticed a rise in the popularity of radiant cut diamonds, especially set-in solitaire or simple hidden halo designs. In the past few years, there has also been an increase in the popularity of various asymmetrical engagement ring designs and rings where the centre stone is set east to west along the finger. Another thing we have noticed is the rise in popularity of natural diamonds. Lab-created diamonds have been trendy for the past few years; however, we have seen a swing back toward natural stones lately.
What Are Your Predictions for Future Jewellery Trends?
It’s always difficult to tell since trends can start and take off at any time, especially on Instagram and other social media. However, I suspect we will continue to see a growing interest in radiant cut and oval diamonds. Yellow gold is also increasingly the metal of choice for engagement rings and wedding bands, so I think that will be a trend that continues.
What Tips Do You Have for Customers Choosing Custom Jewellery?
The most important thing is to consider what styles you like and also the styles you don’t like. Searching online can be very helpful in this regard. The more we can get an idea of our client’s style preferences, the easier it will be for us to design a truly personalized piece.
Community and Legacy
How Is Omori Diamonds Involved in the Winnipeg Community?
My family was born in Winnipeg and has lived here for most of our lives, and the city means a lot to us. A number of years ago, I created an inner-city youth baseball program through the Manitoba Baseball Association, and we continue to donate to several charities, especially the Big Brothers and Sisters of Winnipeg and the Japanese Cultural Association of Manitoba.
What Legacy Does Jim Hope To Leave in the Jewellery Industry?
It’s been so rewarding having many lifelong clients who now have brought their children and even grandchildren to create their own pieces. That, in its own way, is a big part of our legacy, as these pieces will be around for generations to come. It’s also been very rewarding creating this new style of hybrid business together with my son. Hopefully, this can help inspire others who wish to create their own family businesses!
In closing, I can’t express enough how much I enjoy coming to my job every day and helping clients. My passion lies with design and gemstones, and as I have always said, I enjoy these as much as coaching Baseball!
Final Thoughts
What Advice Do You Have for Aspiring Jewellery Designers?
Nothing beats a competent mentor. For me, the most important thing was getting involved in the trade and working for a good design house or jewellery shop with a dedicated designer who I could learn directly from. At the same time, I imagine there are some great resources online and on YouTube, so I would also recommend that young people looking into getting into jewellery design take advantage of all of the resources available to them.
What Are the Plans for Omori Diamonds?
We are very fortunate that our business has grown significantly over the past few years. We are now getting referrals from previous clients so we look forward to meeting our client’s friends and family over the next while and working on more exciting and unique design projects.
Do You Have Any Final Thoughts or Takeaways From This Interview?
The most important realization we have come to throughout our journey with Omori Diamonds is that in terms of business, small is the new big! Although the rise of online jewellery shopping managed to disrupt the retail industry, it has also made space for a return of the artisan, craftsperson, and designer. With our unique business, we can provide custom service while offering excellent prices due to our low overhead. This should be encouraging news for anyone concerned with the market and the world. Despite all of the consumerism and mass-produced, box store shopping, small family businesses passionate about their craft can do better than ever!