About Us – Meet The Design Team

Years of Experience
design experts
Happy Customers
types of metal

the founder

In 1963, Ken Crawford started a Crawford Castings business. In 1950, Ken began making jewellery at Peerless Jewellers. Ken Crawford built one of the biggest jewellery companies in Canada, which sells to bulk jewellers nationwide. 

At just 21 years old, Dave inherited the business gene and began working for his parents at Crawford Castings. After nearly 5 years, he decided to pursue his passion for creating custom jewelry from start to finish.

He established his own business venture called “Personal Illusions,” which specializes in finishing custom jewelry pieces. The name “Personal Illusions” reflects the custom and personalized nature of every piece and the creative design process that brings each piece to life.

Dave Crawford

Owner- Head Jeweller and Metal Casting Expert

Dave Crawford’s passion for jewellery making stems from the family business he was born into, formerly known as Crawford Castings. In 1987, Dave was inspired to open his own side business, which was where Personal Illusions was born.

Larry Coburn

Jeweller, Master Engraver and Finishing Expert

Larry Coburn has worked in the gold business for 53 years. In 1969, he started making jewellery, where he worked for Burke’s Jewellers.

Samantha Crawford

Operational and Marketing Communications Support

Daughter to Dave Crawford, Samantha fulfils the role of daily operational responsibilities and assists with marketing, communications, and strategies.

The most reliable diamond grading and gem identification organisation in the world is one of our affiliates. We guarantee the honesty and precision of every study it publishes thanks to its distinctive impartiality and experience.

Since 1918, we have provided a single source for information on this vibrant and diverse industry to consumers, government, media and businesses. 

The CJA is the national trade association for the Canadian jewellery industry, comprising of retailers, suppliers, and providers of goods and services.

GIA reports represent the highest standard of reliability, consistency, and integrity. Providing you with an additional level of assurance. With Report Check, you can quickly and conveniently confirm that the information on your report matches what is archived in the GIA report database.

IGI Diamond Reports accurately assess a diamond’s cut, color, clarity and carat weight according to strict international standards.

IGI screens every diamond using state of the art technologies to determine naturally mined, laboratory grown or simulant origin, and returns the parcels to you in tamperproof sealed bags.

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