30 Essential Vancouver Jewellery Designers: Megan Wray of Gingerly

Bethany Schiedel nominated Megan Wray of Gingerly for our 30 Essential Vancouver Jewellery Designer list: “I love Gingerly! Megan Wray of Gingerly is an amazing jeweller!”

Why did you get into jewellery design?

My great grandfather was an amazing silver smith/jewellery designer. Since I was very young, I’ve been in love with his work and I think in some way, it was always there in the back of my mind that it was in my blood. I have always made jewellery from a very young age and even used to go door-to-door selling it. About seven years ago before I started the company, I was going to head back to school for communications but on a whim thought, why not sink this school money into starting up a jewellery design company? So I did – and the rest is history!

Tell us a bit about your company.

Gingerly was started by me in March of 2004. Initially, I was just online with a few one-of-a-kind pieces made from vintage or found beads. I had a few online sales, but really wanted to grow. So in 2006, I did the The Vancouver Gift Show (a wholesale show) to target stores from all over BC and Canada. It was a great success. In the three days of the show I picked up 10 stores. I was so excited about the interest in my work and it spurred me to grown even bigger. I started doing more designer shows around Vancouver like Portobello West, Spend on Trend and the like.

As far as the ethos of my company: I love bold and simple things. I also wanted to make jewellery that was affordable and accessible to everyone. I find that it reaches to many age groups, but especially women in the 24 to 35 age range.

Everything is made by me, by hand in my retail store in Maple Ridge. I opened the store in March of 2008. I not only carry a large selection of my jewellery in my boutique but also showcase other BC and Canadian designers of jewellery and accessories.

How would you characterize your style?

Like I mentioned earlier, I love bold and simple jewellery. I love it when you’re wearing something and people are like “where did you get that!?!?” That’s something I try to achieve with my work. I also love mid-century modern decor – my house is full of it. So I would say that era influences my design and colour choices as well.

Who are your clients?

I find that Gingerly appeals to a lot of different age ranges, but if I had to pick one I would say young professional women and moms. I have a lot of moms that come into my store. I think women in the 24 to 35 age range are looking for statement pieces that are affordable and fashionable.

What do you think moms should know about your jewellery?

Firstly, that its not over complicated; it’s affordable and best of all is very versatile. I wear a lot of my pieces (even the colourful ones!) with a great variety of outfits. This makes it easy wear Gingerly jewelry, which I think Moms really appreciate if they are short of time, but want to look fabulous and fashionable.

Where can people buy your jewellery?

People can buy my jewellery online, in my retail store Gingerly at 11869 227th St in Maple Ridge, or at select retail stores across BC. See site for details.