Todd Wright, fifth-generation owner of Wrights Jewellers in Medicine Hat, showcases a collection of the store's jewellery boxes which date back as far as the 1890s.--NEWS PHOTO KENDALL KING
kking@medicinehatnews.com
A Wrights Jewellers ring box, dated 1898, gives meaning to just how long the family-owned business has existed in Medicine Hat.
Inside the small black box, its leather frayed from time, is a cream-coloured lining which reads ‘A. M. Wright,’ and below ‘Medicine Hat, N. W. T.,’ standing for Northwest Territories.
At the time Wrights Jewellers first opened its doors, Alberta was not yet a province and Medicine Hat not yet a city.
“We’ve been here for three centuries of service,” current owner Todd Wright told the News while sharing his excitement for the business’ 125th anniversary. “We’ve been here for the 1800s, the 1900s and the 2000s. And that’s really big.”
A fifth-generation owner, Wright was taught the trade of goldsmithing by his father Gary and grandfather Clifford, who had also been taught by their predecessors Bert and founder A.M.
“(Our family members) came out with the railroad and they were primarily watchmakers and optometrists,” said Wright. “Jewelry was part of what they did, but very small.”
Over the years, as the business was passed between generations, jewelry became the focus of operations and optometry was phased out.
Now, Wright says, the business is known primarily for its goldsmithing services, like jewelry repair and customization, as well as for clock and watch adjustments.
He feels it is also known for offering customers an enjoyable shopping experience, with staff attuned to each customer’s unique needs and committed to providing quality service.
“I think when you come into Wright’s, customers are offered reassurance,” said Wright. “If someone comes in with something that’s quite expensive, or something they had handed down to them and it’s sentimental (and they hesitate) to leave it here, I say ‘Well, the name on the front (of the store) is all I’ve got to go by, and if we’ve been around for over 100 years, it’s probably pretty safe here.’
“And (with that reassurance) I’m hoping the customer is feeling trust. I’m hoping when I’m doing something like that, that they can’t believe I’m actually going to take the time to do that, and that I’m solving a problem for them (because) I’m extending life in a watch, or in a ring, or in a piece of jewelry by recreating it (and therefore) keeping their family legacy going. It’s generational jewelry and it’s a generational jeweller.”
Between all aspects of business, Wright says problem-solving and building customer relations are his favourites, and he thanks customers who have trusted in his family throughout their many years in business.
“There’s not enough ‘thank-yous’ that I can give the community for its years of support, all through the thick and thin,” he said. “The whole community as a whole is the reason for our well being.”
Wright invites community members to share in the milestone anniversary celebration by visiting Wright Jewellers’ Strachan Road location.
