Just two years after relocating to Guam, Velani Jewelry has secured a Top 3 ranking in Pika’s Best of Guam 2024 for “Best Jewelry Store.” The local business has served over 5,000 customers, offering waterproof and hypoallergenic jewelry specially designed to suit Guam’s tropical climate and active island lifestyle.
Founded by Velani Junkert, who holds dual MBAs in Retail and Leadership and certifications in business coaching and personal development, Velani Jewelry blends elegant design with practicality. Leveraging her Brazilian heritage and fluency in Portuguese, Junkert oversees design, logistics, and community outreach, while her husband Shane, a retired Navy Senior Chief and combat veteran, manages the company’s technical and operational functions.
“We created Velani Jewelry because Guam needed everyday pieces made for our tropical weather and island lifestyle — jewelry that’s both beautiful and practical,” Junkert said. “It’s not fine jewelry, and it’s not fashion jewelry — it’s long-lasting hypoallergenic jewelry that feels elevated but fits real life.”
Jewelry Built for Guam’s Climate
Velani Jewelry specializes in 18K gold-filled pieces sourced from Brazil and sterling silver imported from Italy. The collections are crafted to resist tarnish in humid conditions and designed for lightweight comfort, making them ideal for those with sensitive skin and an active lifestyle.
Innovative Mobile Retail Model
Instead of a traditional storefront, Velani Jewelry operates weekly pop-up shops across Guam. The flagship pop-up takes place every Wednesday at the Chamorro Village Night Market in Hagåtña, with additional weekly events at Jeff’s Pirates Cove in Ipan – Talo’fo’fo’ on Sundays. The brand also appears at popular island venues such as Agana Shopping Center, Guam Premier Outlets, and seasonal festivals like Mango, Coconut, and Banana Fest, increasing accessibility island-wide.
Strong Online Presence and Loyal Customers
Velani Jewelry’s online store boasts a 4.97-star rating on Shopify and consistently perfect 5-star Google reviews. The company reports a 30% return customer rate, with many first encountering the brand at local markets before continuing to shop online. Military communities, local influencers, and word-of-mouth referrals have also helped build a loyal customer base.
“People are surprised our pieces can feel this elegant, hold up this well, and still be affordable,” Junkert said. “They expect luxury to come with a big price tag — but we created Velani to challenge that.”
Community Commitment and Growth
Operating through pop-ups enables Velani Jewelry to reinvest in product innovation, packaging, logistics, and event participation. The company’s website, VelaniJewelry.com, offers updates on pop-up locations and an online store for waterproof and hypoallergenic jewelry designed specifically for Guam.
“This island gave us a chance, and we’ve done everything we can to show up, listen, and grow with Guam,” Junkert emphasized.
Among its notable achievements, Velani Jewelry is a Top 3 finalist in Pika’s Best of Guam 2024, has fulfilled over 5,000 orders locally and globally, and is recognized as an Exceptional Merchant on Google. The company has been featured by KUAM News and Guam Pacific Daily News, further cementing its reputation in the island community.
