BEST IN THE WORLD: Suzanne and Tim Foster, owners of T. Foster & Co. Fine Jewelry Design, are shown in the venue of The GemGeneve Jewelry and Gem Show in Switzerland. “This premium trade event showcases the finest vendors of diamonds, colored gems, and pearls in the world, and it is attended by the major jewelry designers and manufacturers in the world,” explain the Fosters, who will attend the annual event this spring.

By Jean Stratton

What is your choice?

A ring featuring a design of understated, yet sparkling elegance?

A bold and dramatic necklace, showcasing vibrant color and flair?

A classic strand of exquisite South Sea pearls?

All of these — and much more — can be found at T. Foster & Co. Fine Jewelry Design in Yardley, Pa. And what is even more striking is that they are all original, unique designs by owners Tim and Suzanne Foster.

Located at 7 West Afton Avenue since 2018, the company has actually been offering the finest jewelry designs since 1982, when the Fosters opened for business.

Timeless Jewelry

In addition, as longtime residents of Yardley, the Fosters have been very involved in the community, including restoring six historic homes, and fundraising for various projects. Tim currently serves on the town’s Historic Review Board.

The husband and wife team are designers with a passion for creating timeless jewelry pieces. Gemological Institute of America (GIA) graduate gemologist and GIA diamond specialist Suzanne Foster and Senior ASA appraiser, designer, and diamond specialist Tim Foster combine their expertise to provide clients with unique, exceptional creations.

Both knew from a young age that jewelry design was to be their chosen life’s work.

“I started working with jewelry when I was 14,” recalls Tim. “I studied gemology and jewelry design at GIA, and by the time I was 25, I had my own business.”

Adds Suzanne, “I met Tim when I was 18, and he was already involved in the jewelry business. That was my first exposure to jewelry and jewelry design. I must say I was an instant fan, and was excited to be able to use my creative streak in this new medium and adventure.”

T. Foster & Co. is set apart in many ways, but, in particular, in that all the pieces in the showroom are their own designs. “We are a branded jewelry store with only our original designs that we create with our own team of expert craftspeople,” points out Suzanne. “We are not buying lines of jewelry from other manufacturers like most jewelry chains and independent jewelers.

“In addition, as in-store owners and designers, we have the ability to work directly with our clients to create new designs specifically for them and to reimagine heirloom and sentimental jewelry into new pieces that can be treasured over again.”

ELEGANT AND INVITING: This private showroom at T. Foster & Co. Fine Jewelry Design in Yardley, Pa., engages clients with its elegant decor and beautiful displays. Chandeliers, parquet floors, and a welcoming atmosphere set the tone for the array of jewelry designs of owners Tim and Suzanne Foster. “Our showroom reflects the high quality that is here,” says Marketing Director Jennie Loftus. “A person who is looking for something special can find it here, and they will also find integrity, honesty, and warmth. Everything is first class.”

Creative Process

“We have a lot of technical knowledge, but it is a creative process with our team,” adds Tim. “We design the jewelry, and then everything is made by our team. Each person has a specialty, cutting, setting, engraving, etc. They are experts in the field, and the quality of the workmanship is superb.”

This teamwork has produced award-winning results over and over again. The Fosters have been honored by the American Gem Trade Association as “Spectrum Award Winners for Excellence in Jewelry Design and Jewelry Manufacturing” in 2016, 2020, 2021, and 2022.”

With 800 entries competing for the awards, this is an exceedingly important appreciation of their work.

“Recognition of design excellence and quality workmanship from our peers is the highest honor,” says Tim. “Our designs are crafted in gold and platinum using only the finest gemstones, diamonds, and pearls. With a commitment to sustainability, all our designs are made from responsibly-sourced materials.”

Also, he points out, when they go to the jewelry trade events in Geneva, Switzerland and Tucson, Ariz. Finding the highest quality stones is both crucial and a challenge. They want to find the very best for their clients.

“When you are buying stones, it can be like finding a needle in a haystack to find the very best quality. You need experience and expertise to recognize it. Color intensity is an important indication of quality, and the very best stone cutters will buy the best quality stones.”

Changes in Taste

Indeed, everything at T. Foster & Co. is about quality and always has been.

That includes identifying and embodying changes in jewelry tastes over the years. This can be an intriguing part of the business, observes Suzanne.

“There have been huge changes in jewelry tastes and design over the years, and that is what makes this industry so exciting. The biggest noticeable change is when the popularity of the precious metal color changes from mostly preferring white gold/platinum over yellow gold and then back again to favor yellow gold. We’ve seen this shift a few times in the last 42 years with yellow gold beginning to rise in popularity now after quire a long hiatus.

“The trends typically start with the younger generation’s metal choice for engagement and wedding jewelry and morphs out from there. Within this very visible difference, there are always new trends based on popular culture and innovation in jewelry design and manufacturing techniques. Always, though, our designs are classic with a flair. It’s something special for each individual.”

Refined Elegance

Adds Tim, “In the 1980s and ’90s, very elaborate pieces were popular. Now, it’s more understated, refined elegance.”

Another change over time focuses on individual clients, point out the Fosters. “Today, a lot of successful women are buying expensive jewelry for themselves, as a sign of their success and accomplishment. Jewelry has been so popular over time because it is an affirmation of who you are, a reward for your achievement and hard work, and this is something women are especially discovering now.”

Of course, it can also be a wonderful gift to commemorate a loving relationship, or to mark an engagement, wedding, or anniversary, says Suzanne. “The gift of jewelry, whether it is received or self-purchased, is an affirmation and reward for personal achievement and /or taking good care of others, and it brings joy to people.”

“Jewelry always makes people happy,” agrees Tim. “It commemorates special events, including engagements and weddings, and also birthdays, Mother’s Day, graduations, etc. And it is very personal. You can express yourself as an individual with a special piece of jewelry.”

“Also, there can be a story with a piece of jewelry, whether it’s an heirloom passed down through the generations, or a new piece with special meaning,” points out Suzanne.

In fact, another important aspect of T. Foster & Co.’s business is reconfiguring older pieces that may have been handed down in the family as heirlooms.

Family Crest

“People may have inherited an older piece and want it to have a more modern up-to-date look, but still want the sentiment it reflects,” explains Suzanne.

These pieces can include everything, from rings and earrings to bracelets and necklaces. Sometimes, an item may have a family crest or special engraving, as well.

Whatever their choices, clients will find an array of opportunities at T. Foster & Co.

As the song says, “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend!” And over the years, and over the decades, that has not changed. “Diamonds are always the most popular,” reports Suzanne. “But of course, we also have the finest quality beautiful colored gemstones; sapphires, emeralds, rubies. Our stones are from all over the world.

“And pearls. They never go out of style. South Sea pearls are particularly popular. Clients like the larger sizes, and black, golden, and white are all favored, she adds.

“Another thing about our jewelry is that you can wear it every day, not just to parties or galas. Our designs go with anything. You can wear them all the time, and our clients appreciate this.”

“Client For Life”

And once they become a client, they are “a client for life,” she emphasizes. “We have so many clients of longstanding over the years, and many are from Princeton and the area, as well as Bucks County.”

The showroom’s decor and setting is conducive to offering the jewelry connoisseur a special experience, including enclaves for private selection and individual attention. “We create a total immersion with your jewelry purchase, custom work, or redesign,” points out Suzanne. ‘We’re not just a jewelry store, we are a fun and dynamic experience waiting to happen!”

And, of course, their original designs are a principal part of that experience. It can be a magical process — from the initial drawing of the design to the manufacture and the completion, says Tim.

“The celebration of the finished product can be thrilling. Clients are so excited. It is wonderful to bring them so much joy and happiness.”

Most clients visit by appointment, but walk-ins are also welcome. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Currently a special sale, offering a 50 percent discount on selected items and 10 percent off on others, is available through Saturday, March 15.

For further information, call (215) 493-6100. Visit the website at tfosterjewelers.com.