"Exquisite Gold & Gems Inc. was launched in 1986 on my dining room table with a $2,000 investment and a few pieces of jewelry to sell," says Chuck Sandford, who owns the business with his wife Christine.
     At the time, Chuck was also working full time as an electronics technician with the Ministry of Health.  But about six months later, he left his government job and moved to Toronto where his future wife was living (they married two years later).  During the day he worked as an electronics technician and at night, attended George Brown College to be a goldsmith.
     During his spare time, Chuck continued to build up his home based business Exquisite Gold & Gems Inc. both in Toronto and Thunder Bay.
     "I flew back here every six weeks to sell jewellery."
     "In September 1991, the Sandford moved to Thunder Bay and decided it was time to go full time retail with Exquisite Gold & Gems and opened a store in Westfort.  In 1994, they moved to their location down the street to 133 E. Frederica Street.  In 2001, Exquisite Gold & Gems moved once again, this time to Arthur Street Market Place (formerly know as Thunder Bay Mall).  Seven full/part time employees are on staff including a jewelry design team, gemologist and goldsmith.
     Chuck, a Graduate Gemologist G.G. G.I.A. from the world-renowned Gemological Institute of America, is the only practicing Gemologist from the institute in Thunder Bay.  Chuck is also the only Accredited Jewellery Appraiser (C.J.I.) from the  Canadian Jewellers Institute, between Winnipeg and Toronto.
     Exquisite Gold & Gems specializes in custom manufacturing jewelry for customers throughout North America.  The store as a complete repair and manufacturing department that does jewelry remounts, on-site jewelry and watch repairs, engraving, and jewelry equipment repairs.
     "We do a lot of gold chain repairs and ring sizing.  When I make a repair, you can't see I've been there."
     The store has on of the largest selection of gold chains, pendants, and charms in Thunder Bay, as well as a great selection of watches, bands, watch batteries, an infamous Eggshell Collectibles, and Crystal Impressions, and is a Northern Ontario distributor of jewelry tool, equipment and related materials and supplies to other jewelry stores.
     Chuck relaxes by spending time with their two young children (ages 12 and 14), camping, boating, scuba diving, and golfing.  An accomplished musician, Chuck sings and plays drums for various differnt bands. 
     An active community volunteer, he has been a member of the Service, Tourism and Retail Committee of Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the McKellar Neighbourhood Policing Centre, and Chairman of the Chief of Police's Advisory Committee.