Extra-special gifts to buy? Here are some Canadian jewelry makers you should know
Pieces infused with thoughtful materials, meaning and care
Gifting a special piece of jewelry for the holidays is nothing new. We've been oohing and ahhing over sparkly things since we were wee. But what has changed for 2017 is that it is becoming easier to find pieces that have an extra meaning behind them, making them something a little more memorable, as well as giving the giftee bonus points for each pieces' conversation starter appeal.
Hear are four Canadian jewelry lines to gift this season that will truly knock their socks off.
Gemine Design
Fusing old with new, Gemine, from Canadian Michelle Good, was created in 2016. Good works with old, perhaps damaged, necklaces, earrings and more to bring new life into each piece. Inspired by a quote from an elderly couple when asked how they made their 65-year marriage work - the wife replied, "We were born in a time where if something were broken, we would fix it, not just throw it away."- Good's aim is to create bold pieces that she sends out in seasonal selections. Expect a California boho glam range from her for Spring 2018, or you can contact her to rework a piece that has sentimental value now, at geminedesigns@gmail.com.
Pranga & Co.
Based in Whitby, Ontario, Pranga & Co. is a cufflink line for the environmentally conscious. Founder Daniel Feuer uses ethically sourced materials, from wood, leather and precious stones, to create his one-of-a-kind pieces. With a patent pending design, which features interchangeable ankers, men can have fun with jewelry in a whole new way.
Pranga & Co. Gold Cufflink and Mineral Water Anker, $35 each, prangaco.com
Rocking Vibe
Made with the chakras in mind, Rocking Vibe's wellness baubles look chic as they spread good energy. Each piece serves a purpose, like the Equilibrium necklace that acts as a diffuser for essential oils, or the Grace necklace, which features a rose quartz and clear quartz drop pendant, meant to invoke your past moments of grace and promote harmony. Launched in 2015 by Liana Louzon, the line also includes easily giftable Soul Sparkle bracelets that place a gem on the pulse point of your wrist to connect with your heartbeat and help you feel empowered and focused on your intentions for the day. Plus, each piece comes in a wish pyramid inspired by Louzon's grandmother.
Rocking Vibe Soul Sparkle bracelet, $24, rockingvibe.com
Carnabys Bespoke Jewellery
Now housed in an airy space in Liberty Village, Carnabys may be newly-opened, but the family-run brand boasts over 20 years experience in the jewelry trade. After working in the diamond import business for years, Geoffrey Black noticed a hole in the market: affordable, luxurious custom pieces. After catering to unnamed celebs for years (he will not name names out of respect for said clients), Black saw an opportunity to bring custom pieces to the masses, while also creating simple, yet elegant necklaces, earrings, rings and more that could fit into anyone's style. Carnabys uses proprietary software to bring customers' customized designs to life on screen. Go for the Carnabys collection baubles stay for the opportunity to create a custom engagement ring just like Meghan Markle's.
Carnabys Spiral Ring, price upon request, carnabys.ca
Sarah Abaza
From Cairo to Toronto, Sarah Abaza has created a new meaning for luxurious pieces with soul. Each Egypt-inspired piece comes with a story, whether it be the shape (think a serpent, a royal symbol that is said to symbolize power and magic, or the crescent moon, which brings good fortune to mothers and their offspring), as well as gemstones (like a brilliant turquoise which is often placed in tombs to help aid ones journey to the afterworld, or rose quartz, which is said to help slow the aging process). Made in Canada, each piece is a worthy investment. And if you're looking for something truly one-of-a-kind, Abaza will also work to create a bespoke piece just for you or your giftee.
Sarah Abaza Star Ring, $2,142, sarahabaza.com