Our Story

Discover the history about the exclusive namesake boutique, the dream, the vision, and the relationships built along the way with the finest designers in the world.

Making a Dream Come True: Richard van der Dys started his career in the jewelry industry nearly 30 years ago. He has literally been in the jewelry industry in every facet, from the commercial side to carrying the finest jewelry and watch designers in the world. Being involved in the design and manufacturing side of this beautiful and very rare industry has been a true life experience, especially growing up with his family in the oil and gas industry in Venezuela. From that point forward, he has written his own sparkling story surrounded by the beauty, rarity, and sophistication that can only be found in the world of fine jewelry. After almost 30 years, he has realized that it is not all about having a big superstore with hundreds of designers and having to sacrifice the best customer service, and ideal reflected at his exclusive namesake boutique, Vander Dys Fine Jewelers.

He instantly fell in love with the relationships of the very finest designers in the world and how their clients became great friends (like family), by learning about them, their families, their likes and dislikes, it was not just about a sale ‒ it was about the experience from beginning to end; every piece was special. Customers are now able to enjoy a private, upscale concierge experience at Vander Dys Fine Jewelers where Richard and his team take care to make each experience special.

Richard has built his career on always finding a way to take the customer experience to the next level. He has clients that have been shopping with him for two decades‒ because, they say, he’s more than a jeweler; he’s a friend. His story began in New York City, as a part of the H. Stern family. It’s there that he learned to see the beauty in designer and haute pieces, a passion that he carries into his own private collection today.

“From the moment I came to The Woodlands as a part of the Donoho’s Jewellers team, I knew that I had found my home. I raised my family here, and I absolutely love the people,” Richard said of his decision to open his own business in The Woodlands. “I’m always here for my customers‒ whether you bought a piece 20 years ago, or last week. Our main focus is always on providing a product that will sparkle and shine for generations.”

As a family owned and operated business, the Vander Dys Fine Jewelers team is micro‒focused on providing the height of luxury and opulence for each person that visits their exquisite showroom. Vince Cuellar and Carolina Ingram join Richard in creating opulence every day, and combined the team has 65 years of experience in the jewelry industry. Preconceived notions about the retail experience are thrown into the wind, as they embrace a truly personalized approach.

“It’s all about the one-on-one experience,” Vince said. “Whether you’re shopping on your own or want a fun girls’ day out, we’re not here to push particular pieces, we’re here to bring you an experience you’ll never forget. We’re more than just sales people‒ we want to help educate our customers about what it is that they’re buying.”

For Carolina, it’s all about having fun. Her passion for custom designed pieces shines through as she describes the colors and silhouettes of the different pieces in the showroom. From the gleaming Vander Dys Custom Collection and Vander Dys Estate Jewelry and Watch Collection, to Exclusive designers including Robert Procop, Piero Milano, Sloan Street, Mariani, J.B. Star and Charles Krypell, among others, beauty and exuberance fills each moment spent at Vander Dys Fine Jewelers.

“Finding something unique is part of the experience,” Carolina explained. “We’ve built Vander Dys Fine Jewelers from the ground up, and customer service is the foundation of our business. It’s all about the people we serve‒ and we have a good time doing it!”

All experts in their field, there is no request too small or large for Vander Dys Fine Jewelers. They pride themselves on being able to provide anything at any time, and elevating each request beyond your wildest expectations. From personal concierge delivery to arranging a special anniversary or event dinner, the experience doesn’t end when you leave the showroom.

“We love to create events for our clients,” Richard said. “The experience we provide is very internationally-inspired. We love putting together private viewings and shopping experiences. You don’t have to be a celebrity to shop like one.”

Their passion for jewelry paired with the genuine love of customer service sets the stage for the truly unique, personal experience that only Vander Dys Fine Jewelers can offer. With a penchant for making every moment special and the expertise to help you find a piece that you’ll treasure for the rest of your life, they are able to bring any wish to life. The team at Vander Dys Fine Jewelers are here to prove that dreams do come true.