Premier is Kelowna’s upscale pawn shop: part retail, part financial institution and completely unique. Founded in 1995 by Ernst & Martin Strasser we have been owner operated from the beginning. This provides our clients with stability and expertise that is uncommon in today’s transitory world.  We are also decade long members of the Better Business Bureau (A+ rated) and National Pawn Association

We pride ourselves on having the best trained staff in the region.  As the only local store of our type with an accredited diamond grader, GIA trained appraisal staff and more we are pleased to set the industry standard.

Martin Strasser,  Graduate Diamonds & Accredited Jewellery Professional Certificates from the Gemological Institute of America  Diamond Certified, Jewellery Sales &Advanced Jewellery Sales Certificates from the Diamond Council of America  Premier’s General Manager, Martin Strasser, served on the executive board of the B.C. Pawnbrokers Association. As a recognized pawnshop spokesman he has been interviewed by local newspaper, television and radio stations many times. Martin has been consulted by Kelowna RCMP and City Hall on issues relating to refining, improving or strengthening municipal bylaws relating to the pawn and secondhand industry

Eryn Bayes,   Diamonds & Diamond Grading, Accredited Jewellery Professional Certificates from the Gemological Institute of America,  Diamond Certified & Jewellery Sales Certificates from the Diamond Council of America  Graduate Sales Associate Certificate from the Jewellers Education Foundation of the American Gem Society  Eryn joined us in 2003. She brought her previous retail and administration skills to our operation and has assisted us in streamlining many aspects of our business procedures. Given her organizational prowess she oversees our online listings and website database.    Eryn received her Graduate Sales Associate from the American Gem Society in 2006 and her  G.I.A. Accredited Jewellery Professional certificate in 2012.  2014 marked another achievement when she obtained her Diamond Certification from the Diamond Council of America – well done!  She’s currently taking diamond grading through the G.I.A

Kyle Paulson,  Accredited Jewellery Professional Certificate from the Gemological Institute of America,  Diamond Certified & Jewellery Sales from the Diamond Council of America  Kyle joined our team in late 2012 and is excited to be learning the trade.  An active learner with great professional pride Kyle just completed his Diamond Certification through the Diamond Council of America.  He enjoys Kelowna’s outdoor lifestyle including mountain biking and riding his motorcycle.

Dave Choy,  Jewellery Sales from the Diamond Council of America  Dave brings 20 years of retail sales experience to our store.  He joined us early in 2015 and is taking his first classes from the Diamond Council of America.  He’s an avid golfer on his off-time and frequently debates with our other staff on who plays a better game. 

Tyler Johnson,  Jewellery Sales from the Diamond Council of America  Tyler is our latest hire in April of 2016.   While new to the jewellery trade Tyler has shown great aptitude for it. He completed his Diamond Council of America training in less than 2 months and is eagerly working towards his Diamond certification.  Well done