Steveston Insider - August 2023

Peculiar Leather & Jewelry Artworks is one of Steveston’s newest shops, owned and operated by Efrain Perdomo. This multi-talented artisan is a goldsmith, leathersmith and diamond polisher. The business opened in June 2023 on Second Avenue below Britannia Brewing Company.

Originally from Punta del Este, Uruguay, Efrain studied at Escuela Bellas Artes in Montevideo and has continued developing techniques reflecting his passion for the arts. His work has been exhibited in Brazil, Canada, Italy, Spain, and Uruguay art galleries.

Efrain makes each unique and striking piece from raw materials, semi, and precious stones.

He became interested in jewellery making at age 16 when his brother taught him to solder wires. He says, “It all started from there, and it’s all I have ever known. Metal and stones have been my lifelong passion.”

After moving to Brazil, he worked alongside international master goldsmiths H. Stern and Roditti Jewellers. He immigrated to Canada with his wife, Carolina, and their five children in 1997. They settled in Yellowknife, where Efrain designed and made one-of-a-kind pieces for Tiffany’s New York under the subsidiary Laurelton’s Diamonds; this opportunity enhanced his love for precious stones. While in Yellowknife, he opened his first Canadian studio and gallery.

Peculiar Leather & Jewelry Artworks is where Efrain developed his signature sand sculpture’ technique used in his sterling silver creations.

Efrain and his family moved to White Rock in 2018, where Peculiar won the Community Votes White Rock 2022 award for best jeweller and jewellery store.

He had always liked Steveston and wanted to set up shop here but couldn’t find a storefront to lease. He says, “I worked on my patience by visiting the village once a week to find the perfect spot.”

His dream of relocating to the village became a reality this year, and he has created a welcoming space. You will see beautiful jewellery housed in glass display cases as you enter the shop. Necklaces, rings, earrings, and bracelets are showcased alongside unfinished stones and gems, which Efrain cuts and polishes.

Some of the stones and gems Efrain works with include abalone, amber, amethyst, ammolite, ammonite (fossilized snail), citrine, emeralds, goldstone, labradorite, lapis lazuli, moonstone, pearls, rose quartz, rubies and turquoise.

Efrain’s creativity is limitless. Each piece is carefully crafted and polished to explore the beauty of a stone to create the right shape, colour, and texture.

He may purchase a stone without an immediate plan, but the muse will always appear. In addition to selling pieces on display, Efrain is happy to work with clients on commissions.

Also displayed are paintings by artists Marilyn Hurst, Chris MacClure and Carolina Licon. Works featuring wildlife and B.C. landscapes are lovely additions to the gallery.

He works with leather from water buffalos, crocodiles, lizards and cows to make belts, wallets, and beautiful bags inset with stones and metal.

It’s good to come and visit and see my work.

The back of the store is the creative space where you can watch Efrain working at his leather, gem cutting, polishing and shining stations. He also offers jewellery and leathersmith classes to those who share his passion for creating beautiful pieces from natural materials.

His loyal White Rock customers continue to visit the Steveston store. People purchase his creations for anniversaries, birthdays, holiday gifts, or as a gift for themselves or a lucky recipient.

Not many people can claim to have worked in one profession since they were 16. Efrain says, “I love being my own boss. This is work combined with something I really enjoy. It’s my passion - I love it.”

Peculiar Leather & Jewelry Artworks is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Peculiar Leather & Jewelry Art Works

140-12240 Second Avenue

Richmond BC V7E 3L8

Phone 250-534-9020

Story by Sarah Gordon. (August 2023) PALLA MEDIA