Velani Jewelry, a jewelry store in Guam, has quickly become one of the island’s best. Just two years after moving to Guam, the store earned a Top 3 ranking for “Best Jewelry Store” in Pika’s Best of Guam 2024. Since opening, Velani Jewelry has served more than 5,000 customers. The store specializes in waterproof and hypoallergenic jewelry designed for everyday life in Guam’s tropical climate.
Velani Junkert, the founder, holds two MBAs—one in Retail and another in Leadership. She is also certified in business coaching and personal development. Velani leads the design, logistics, and community outreach for the company. She uses her Brazilian background and fluency in Portuguese to manage relationships with suppliers. Her husband, Shane, a retired Navy Senior Chief and combat veteran, handles the technical, operational, and strategic parts of the business.
“We started Velani Jewelry because Guam needed jewelry made for its tropical weather and island lifestyle,” said Velani Junkert. “Our pieces are not fine jewelry, nor just fashion jewelry. They are long-lasting, hypoallergenic pieces that look elegant but are made for real life.”
Jewelry Made for Guam’s Climate
Velani Jewelry offers pieces made from 18K gold-filled material sourced from Brazil and sterling silver imported from Italy. The jewelry is designed to resist tarnishing in humid, tropical conditions. It is lightweight and suitable for active lifestyles and sensitive skin.
Pop-Up Shops Bring Jewelry Across the Island
Instead of a regular store, Velani Jewelry sells through weekly pop-up events across Guam. The main pop-up is at Chamorro Village Night Market in Hagåtña on Wednesdays. Another popular location is Jeff’s Pirates Cove in Ipan – Talo’fo’fo on Sundays. This mobile model helps the brand reach customers in Hagåtña and other parts of the island. Additional pop-ups happen at places like Agana Shopping Center, Guam Premier Outlets, Mighty Purple Café, Crowne Plaza, and seasonal festivals such as Mango, Coconut, and Banana Fest.
Strong Online Sales and Loyal Customers
Velani Jewelry’s online store has fulfilled thousands of orders. It holds a near-perfect 4.97-star rating on Shopify. Across multiple locations, Google reviews are consistently 5-star. About 30% of customers return to buy more.
Many customers first find Velani Jewelry at a local market before shopping online later. The brand also grows through military community groups, local influencers, and word-of-mouth recommendations.
“People are surprised that our jewelry feels this elegant, lasts so well, and is still affordable,” Junkert said. “Many expect luxury to cost a lot, but we wanted to change that.”
Commitment to Innovation and Community
By using pop-up shops instead of a traditional store, Velani Jewelry can invest more in creating new products, better packaging, improved logistics, and community events. Their website, VelaniJewelry.com, shares information about pop-ups and allows customers to shop online for waterproof, hypoallergenic jewelry anywhere on Guam.
“This island gave us a chance,” Junkert said. “We have worked hard to show up, listen, and grow with Guam.”
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