There are a few major Lismore businesses still to declare their intentions to reopen following the megaflood of 28 February 2022. The Lismore Cinema and Lincraft fall into the little or no communication side while the Gollan Hotel has movement with no clear indication as to what the future will be.

The Lismore Jewel Centre, a long-established Lismore family business owned by the Pinkertons and serving locals since 1988 has just announced its intentions. Their Molesworth Street store will not reopen which has led to the reinvention of the business. One of the small silver linings of the natural disaster for many local businesses.

Fifteen months on from the flood, Gary and Mariska Pinkerton are still battling with their insurance company. The delays in settling the insurance claim led to no work for themselves or their staff so with little money coming in the door a tough decision to permanently close the physical showroom in Molesworth Street was made and to say goodbye to their long-serving staff.

"That was a very difficult decision for us to make," Mariska told the Lismore App, "We had paid our staff over the flood period while we were talking to the insurance company but had to pay them out once we realised reopening was going to take much longer than expected. We still have one staff member working remotely on a casual basis."

"Our suppliers have been very supportive offering us 12 months deferred payment but they can only hang on for so long. There is a domino effect when a jewellery shop stops trading."

The reimagining of the Jewel Centre has led to a focus on 'bespoke jewellery'.

"That is the most important part of our business," Mariska explained, "People use jewellery stores for four reasons, one is new and unique, two they want us to remake their old jewellery, three they want to value the jewellery they have and four they want to repair what they have."

The Jewel Centre want to help the community with the new and unique side of jewellery. So, rather than browsing a store to pick a set of earrings or a ring, you can make an appointment to discuss your needs that will lead to you leaving with a unique or bespoke piece of jewellery.

"It could start with a simple stone, like a diamond or emerald, and then the customer describes the type of setting they would like which we draw. Once that is settled, we have a state-of-the-art program that creates a 3D video of the finished product so you see it before it is made."

"Sometimes, there is some uncertainty with bespoke jewellery because you have to imagine how the end product will look but not through our program."

"We can have the video made in two days and the jewellery within a week but preferably two weeks is best."

"The best news is the first step is a free consultation. Customers won't pay for the 3D image."

Gary and Mariska will still have a presence in the CBD as they are looking for a small office space to meet clients and discuss their needs. This will be done via appointments which can be made on the phone (02) 6621 5501, their Facebook page or their website, which is being rebuilt now.

"It's like a home shopping service with our customers for a private viewing," Mariska said, "Our website will have bridal and engagement designs that people can watch in 3D."

While the new CBD shop is being sourced, Gary and Mariska are happy to meet you at your home.

The reinvention has also led to a slight name change, "Jewel Centre Bespoke Jewellery North Coast"

Of course, if you still want the full showroom experience, Pinkerton's Hourglass Jewellers store in Casino is open and trading as usual at 126 Barker Street.

As the saying goes, "In order to rise from its own ashes, a Phoenix first must burn" or in our case flood.