A multi award-winning jewellery store specialising in precious hand designed pieces is embracing the Christmas spirit after a heartbreaking robbery.
A staple in Buderim for eight years, the store offers an extensive range of unique and branded retail jewellery from its gallery store.
It also offers a collection of stunning engagement and wedding rings – but at this time of year it’s a Christmas window display that glistens brightly for all to see.
To Hold and To Have is back open after an alleged break-in during the early hours of December 5.
The ‘Grinch-like’ incident caused thousands of dollars’ worth of losses and damages as thieves stole jewellery and display stands, smashed cupboards, glass and the front door.
During the 3am rampage, furniture, computers and electrical goods were also damaged and strewn across the floor.
Owner Jo Saxelby-Balisky told Sunshine Coast News the “devastating” incident had set them back at the store’s busiest time of year.
However, she has thanked the community, tradies and all those who have come to the store’s aid in the past few weeks to clean up the damage.
“We are open but we are still consumed with the paperwork side of it,” she said.
“We had to do a full stocktake, which took about three days, to figure out what was taken and now we have to evidence it to police.
“We are about two weeks behind in our orders and last week is usually our biggest week of the year because it’s just before school holidays starts.”
Ms Saxelby-Balisky said she arrived on scene while the alleged robbery was taking place and was able to provide key details to the police.
Sadly, it was an all-too-familiar scene for Ms Saxelby-Balisky after a terrifying daylight robbery in May, 2021.
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Despite the setback, the To Hold and To Have team has worked hard to reopen and bring an annual Christmas window display to life.
Ms Saxelby-Balisky first purchased a ceramic Christmas house while living and working in Canada where she established and wholesaled a fashion jewellery label.
“I brought back from Canada with me a beautiful ceramic Christmas house and I’ve added to the collection since we’ve been here,” she said.
“We dress up the windows with the ceramic Christmas village each year.
“It’s so magical and lots of grandparents and parents bring children to see our Santa Village.”
To Hold and To Have will remain open during the Christmas and New Year period to make up for lost time after the break in.
Ms Saxelby-Balisky said the store would be closed on the public holiday, but open between December 28 to 31.
To Hold and To Have is at 98 King Street, Buderim, and open from 9.30am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, and 9.30am to 12.30pm on Saturdays.
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