As a young boy, Idar became enamored with the world of rock and stone, collecting fossils and other unusual artifacts. Growing up in Vancouver he would often coax his mother to take him to Henry Birks and Sons to look at the brightly lit objects on display. His passion for stones led to his first job as a polishing boy in a local jewellery store, and at 18 he began his apprenticeship as a goldsmith.  In 1972, Idar and his family moved to Victoria where he opened his first shop, Idar Goldsmiths. A five-year stint in Beverly Hills led to more work with major brand name jewellers, but in 1982 Idar moved back to the city to develop his own line of jewellery. Modern sensibilities are blended with Nordic, West Coast, and ancient Celtic designs to create jewellery that is both fresh and classic.