(pictured: Anita DeLong with her gorgeous creations.)
The beautiful community of Summerland is renowned for it’s pristine beaches, award-winning wineries, golfing, sailing, and scrumptious fruit stands. But this little slice of Okanagan heaven has an even more exceptional reason to visit: the world class handcrafted jewellery and accessories boutique, DeLong Studio.
Located in the quiet lakeside Trout Creek area on the southern end of Summerland, proprietors Anita and John DeLong and co-working hostess Sue run this unique boutique that can only be summed up in one word: stunning.
Each winter, the DeLongs travel to visit their silversmiths. John cuts the stones and designs with Anita. They collaborate with these silversmiths to create their final pieces.
In addition to their own work, the Delongs support many gifted small designers. They know each artist personally: their story, their vision and their style. With the discerning eyes of experienced artists, they hand-select each designer and piece. From the delicate and ethereal, to show-stopping numbers, they’ve found something for everyone.
“We are buying the best in the world,” says Anita. “We work alongside these artists, and every season brings something new and exciting.”
One of the Delong’s greatest joys is seeing people’s reactions when they find that ‘perfect something’.
“When a customer looks into the mirror wearing a piece that looks great on them, they truly have an ‘A-ha’ moment. For us, that is very rewarding to see,” explains Anita. “Many people are mass marketed out. They want an individual, personalized experience. That’s our specialty.”
Visiting DeLong Studio is like going on an inspiring world journey through art and design. No one pushes a sale on anything; it’s about helping people find that special ‘something’ that makes them feel good.
~ Sarah Willard