Call for Nominations! 30 Essential Jewellery Designers
Know some awesome jewellery designers in the Vancouver area? We’re looking to produce a list of 30 Essential Jewellery Designers, similar to our 50 Essential Portrait Photographer series. Here’s the criteria for nomination:
- Looking for independents, although will also look at a shining talent from a studio.
- Nominees must be actively selling jewellery – so not just for personal use or for friends and family. If someone wants to buy the jewellery, it has to be available in a local store or online (Etsy is completely acceptable).
- Nominees must be living in the Metro Vancouver area.
- They must produce kick-ass, exquisite beautiful design. Talent must be killer (at least in your opinion).
- Designers must be able to submit professional-level photos to be accompanied with the articles.
- Totally acceptable to self-nominate. We want to hear why you’re so fab. Don’t be bashful!
Those selected will receive a profile on VancouverMom.ca, complete with photos of their work, as well as contact information – and the right to call themselves one of Vancouver’s 30 Essential Jewellery Designers.
To nominate, please comment below. Submit your name and contact information, along with the name and web site, as well as why you think the person should be included on the list.
Would you like to write for us? We welcome well-written guest submissions with a local interest slant. Share your tips, review local businesses and highlight hot trends for Vancouver moms. Get all the info on our Contributor Page!
Hello, my name is Karyn Hayden and I have been designing jewellery for over 7 years now.
As to why I feel I should be picked as one of the essential jewellery designers:
My designs are unique, as I use vintage glass beads in many of designs, which is also eco-friendly. My earwires are made by me, giving my jewellery a distinct and unique look.
When you purchase from me, you are supporting a local artisan. I am also a stay at home mom who mananages to create and run an etsy shop while caring for an active 4 year old.
Thank you for considering me.
Kind Regards, Karyn Hayden
Check out Jessica’s work at http://www.ecocessories.ca/ or @ecocessories
Lovely!
I am honoured to have been nominated by Alexis and would love to be included in this guide.
I have a jewelry recycling program for women where I take in old, broken, or unwanted jewelry. I use the beads and vintage components as inspiration in my new sterling silver designs.
I have had tremendous support in the Vancouver area both for my designs and my jewelry recycling program. This month I am being featured in Homemakers magazine and this past week had my jewelry included in a David Suzuki Fundraiser. I often hear that people can’t believe any part of my designs is recycled because they are all so beautiful and one of a kind!
Thank you for considering ecocessories.
Jessica
I second that nomination!
hello!
I’d like to nominate Marie + Kas of Frost Collections.
The jewelry that Marie and Kas create is incredibly gorgeous, totally unique, and fabulously handcrafted.
Please check out their etsy shop,
http://www.etsy.com/shop/frostcollections
Top notch jewelry + art and fabulous local vancouver gals. Thanks!
We’re really excited to be nominated for this list (thanks Lesley!) and for the opportunity to be chosen as one of the 30 essential jewelry designers in Vancouver.
Kas and I started Frost Collections together in February 2007 and have been selling online at both Etsy and DaWanda since our launch. You can also find our work at Favourite in North Vancouver, House of RTS in Squamish and Bella Boutique in Tofino.
Our work is inspired by nature and we love to incorporate photography into our jewelry. We use Precious Metal Clay to hand craft each piece, making them one of a kind and totally customizable.
We’d like people who buy our jewelry to feel as though they’re getting something that’s not only stylish and beautiful, but a keepsake they can treasure.
Kas and I will continue growing the creative process together – it’s been a great ride so far!
Thanks for your consideration.
Marie and Kas
Frost Collections
Also check out Alex Henderson at Henderson Dry Goods:
http://www.hendersondrygoods.com/#/Home/home_000
Hi,
I’m Kelsey the designer and owner of KV BIJOU.
I design and create the jewellery for KV BIJOU. My company although just a year old, has been seen on the pages of Allure, Flare, the New York Post, the New York Daily, the Vancouver Sun, on Fashion Television and Breakfast Television. With celebrity fans such as supermodel Sessilee Lopez, Bar Refaeli, the bachelorette Jillian Harris and many more.
KV BIJOU was also recently handpicked for the Country Music Award official Gift Lounge this past Sept 13, 2009.
My designs are unique, ocean and nature inspired. I have a home studio in Abbotsford where I work from and have various retailers throughout Canada. I’m excited to show everyone what I do in my second year with my company!
Thank you so much for your consideration.
http://www.kvbijou.com
~Kelsey
I love KV Bijou’s designs and second her nomination!
Kelsey recently announced that she is the exclusive jeweller of the Sundance Film Festival 2010 Gift lounge. Her pieces are available locally and she has developed a following internationally with a variety of celebrities and jewellery lovers.
http://www.luxe-design.com
they are simply AWESOME!
beautiful jewelry for moms and kids
Thanks to Angela for nominating us! We create personalized, keepsake Sterling Silver and 14 Karat Gold jewellery.
You can add kids’ names, and birthdates to Hearts, Stars, Circles and even little Crowns. Then add more meaningful charms like their birthstones, zodiac signs and beads, and complete the look with a nice long contemporary chain length. We also have sayings for adoption, twins, sisters and friendship.
http://www.luxe-design.com
I’d like to nominate Alex Henderson of Henderson Dry Goods.
Her jewelry is truly unique and stunning! Love it! She should be recognized for her great work.
Thanks
Hi Ben – guessing that you’re referrng to http://www.hendersondrygoods.com/ (including link for everyone’s benefit).
Branwen Kemp from North Vancouver!!!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/North-Vancouver-BC/chicadora-jewelry-by-Branwen-Kemp/60276978534#/pages/North-Vancouver-BC/chicadora-jewelry-by-Branwen-Kemp/60276978534?v=wall
I completely agree with this nomination, Branwen Kemp is a fantastic designer. Her pieces are special and unique, and she is great to work with when ordering a custom piece from her.
I really appreciate the time you took to nominate me. It is always nice to receive feedback from customers. Thank you
My jewelry is available at Favourite Gifts in Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver
As a designer of jewelry specifically for Moms, we are thrilled to be nominated for this list!
We have created many designs for celbrity parents from Katie Holmes to Gwen Stefani, but we love to see our designs walk by on local moms the best!
This is how to design your own:
http://www.luxe-design.com/SHOP_STERLING_SILVER_s/46.htm
And this is where to get some cool ideas: http://www.luxe-design.com/Ideas_for_Customization_s/92.htm
(scroll to the bottom to see our celebrity designs). We were selected to create one of a kind designs for a celebrity parent gift basket, as well as for the MTV Movie Awards.
Andrea at Luxe Design
Well, what a great opportunity for us to be featured on your site, thankyou!
I am fortunate to be a ‘stay home’ Mom of 2 young children with a passion for designing jewelry! I create one-of-a-kind unique pieces that are deemed limited originals.
With “BLUSH Designs Jewelry” you will find a collection that can be worn for all types of occasions: casual, conservative, fun, trendy, and elegant.
I have been designing for only 2 years now and and have sold my collection in more than 15 different local events and shows using a great natural and ‘organic’ display.
I have an exclusive line that I make for “Raspberry Kids”, an online lifestyle store for savy moms and children, and also collections in a local spa and up at “The Summerland Waterfront Resort”.
I am so grateful for all the fun and opportunities that I have had in these past few years and say thankyou for supporting a local artisan.
PS. I do produce kick-ass, exquisite beautiful designs! 😉
Hey Christine – don’t forget your URL!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/blushdesign
Oh ya, my website:
http://www.blushdesign.etsy.com
I’d like to second the nominations for Jessica at Ecocessories and also KV Bijou.
I was thrilled to have a donation at the David Suzuki Foundation with Ecocessories, and she does gorgeous work.
Two others not yet mentioned:
Kevin Hume’s stunning work
http://www.kevinhumedesigns.com
and byDaniaDesigns
http://www.bydania.com I love their interchangable pendants.
I’d like to nominate Kelsey of KV BIJOU. Her work is absolutely gorgeous… I have a couple items of hers on my Christmas wish list! 🙂
http://www.kvbijou.com
Hi there! I’d like to nominate Brooke Mosher of Brooklyn Designs (www.brooklyndesigns.ca). Her jewelry is modern, unique, and totally gorgeous! Plus it’s versatile – perfect for dressing up or dressing down! She has an online store, an Etsy store, and her jewelry is found in many boutiques around the Lower Mainland. Thanks!
Thanks for the nomination Laura! You’re a fantastic photographer and it’s been awesome working with you and reconnecting with you as well.
From Erica Miller:
I just checked out your blog this morning and noticed that you are looking for nominations for jewelry designers and I wanted to nominate Kate Dugas, found her on Twitter and love her designs, very earthy and funky!
Her website is: http://quenchdesigns.com/
I would like to nominate Mary Craig of Clutch Jewels. She is a true fashionista her designs are absolutely beautiful. Go to http://www.clutchdesigns.com
love the stuff from http://www.kvbijou.com
I love Gingerly! I’m not sure if anyone has nominated her yet, by Megan Wray of Gingerly is an amazing jeweler!
http://twitter.com/gingerly
http://www.gingerlydesigns.com/
🙂 thanks!
I second that! I love Gingerly Designs!
Amen! Gingerly is the best! Very wearable everyday (and dress up) pieces. Perfect for moms! Megan is always a pleasure to work with, I love lingering in her Maple Ridge Store because there is so much to look at!
Megan proves that jewelry doesn’t have to be pretentious or expensive. I always recommend her to my friends!
She absolutely should make your list of top jewelry designers!
http://www.gingerlydesigns.com
Trudy Wynans of Toodlebunny! Beautiful and original designs, and as a retailer of her jewels they are consistently one of my best sellers….plus she is a lovely person to boot!
Thanks so much for the nomination! Carol Hyslop of Favourite Gifts is a stellar retailer. Check out her store in the Lonsdale Quay or her website at http://www.favouritegifts.ca for Canadian handmade gifts including TOODLEBUNNY!
I totally agree with this nomination. Trudy (TOODLEBUNNY) is a fashion-forward creative designer who is incredibly passionate about her work and craftsmanship. She is also actively engaged in the local design community, making her an essential Vancouver jewellery designer.
I’d like to second the TOODLEBUNNY nomination. I bought my first necklace 2 years ago and now have 14 pieces of TOODLEBUNNY that I wear all the time. I just love it!!!
Hi,
I’m Sheila Vandermark the designer and owner of Naturally Unique Jewelry.
I would love to be included in this guide of the “30 Essential Jewellery Designer’s in Vancouver”.
I have been designing jewelry as a hobby since I was a young child. Over the past few years, I have been pursuing my dreams in designing my own line of jewelry.
“Naturally Unique Jewelry” is a collection of pieces designed from various metals, chains and beads for women with unique individual style.
You can find my unique collection of one of a kind pieces on my etsy site as well as in stores like “Something About Shoes”..in Langley, “Journey by Massage” in Fraser Lake.. and D.D.Booski in Fort Langley.
I am also working on a collection of pieces designed from donated odds and end jewelry that will be ready to buy in May . With 100% of proceeds going towards “kids with cancer”.
Thank you, for considering my collection in the ” 30 Essential Jewellery Designers of Vancouver”
http://www.naturaluniquejewelry.etsy.com
I want to nominate Jolie Mack-Lewis from Jolie Mack Jewellery Designs. Her designs are gorgeous, lots of sparkling Swarovski crystals in unique designs. She has awesome bridal packages as well.
http://www.joliemack.com
Oh Brooke, I just came across this nomination list this morning and I just submitted myself – I didn’t notice that you mentioned my biz! Thank you, thank you for thinking of me. You can expect a nod back from me! xo
I would like to nominate Susie Wickstead of Indigo Star. Her jewelry is absolutely gorgeous. I love her use of sterling silver or 14 karat gold fill, and CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements of various shapes, sizes, and colors; for that dazzling sparkle that brings radiance to every occasion.
I second that nomination!
I love Indigo Star Jewelry, I own dozens of pieces and I get so many compliments every time I wear them!
My goal is to teach ladies to be ladies again, to prove that a pretty pair of Swarovski chandeliers can be worn to the grocery store. My jewelery is designed to be worn with both your jeans and your little black dress, effortlessly.
JMD creates very limited pieces using fine materials and careful detail. Pride is put into every piece which is why the batches are small. The boutiques that carry JMD are chosen with the same degree of care and are among some of the most unique in the Lower Mainland.
Jolie Mack Designs has been actively creating and selling jewelery successfully for about 2 1/2 years, all the while learning that it’s tougher than it seems! Everything is done in-house: the designs, the marketing, the photography, the networking, the promotion, the passion.
I would love to just be nominated for this awesome list, to give JMD followers one more reason to keep coming back!
Thanks for the consideration and good luck to all of those great designers who land on this amazing list! What a boost it will be.
Jolie.
I also want to nominate Jolie Mack-Lewis from Jolie Mack Jewellery Designs. I have pieces from her collections and she is amazing, creative and such a professional. She made my daughter the most beautiful necklace that I’m still scared to put it on her!!!
Brooke Mosher from Brooklyn Designs is such an inspiration. Her jewelery is so lovely and when we are at the same shows, I can see how positively people respond to her work. She’s a great working Mommy and despite all of the distractions that family life can present, she has achieved immense success in this big talented pool of artisan jewelers. I’m comforted to have her as an ally and peer.
Jolie Mack.
http://www.brooklyndesigns.ca/
Hi Jolie, Brooke has already been nominated and published. You can check out Brooke’s interview here:
http://www.vancouvermom.ca/best-of/best-of/30-essential-vancouver-jewellery-designers-brooke-mosher-of-brooklyn-designs/
I would like to nominate Susie Wickstead of Indigo Star Creations. I have been a fan of her Swarovski creations since she started up her company. I own many pieces and love the way they can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. I always get a ton of compliments when I wear her jewelry. She is definitely deserving to be on your list!
I would like to nominate Joye from Joye Designs Stone Art Gallery located in Port Moody B.C.
Joye works with mother natures beautiful rocks and brings them to life with her gold and silver wire truely wonderful works of art!!
I would like to nominate Joye from Joye Designs Stone Art Gallery. Joye works with mother natures beautiful rocks and brings out there true beauty with her Gold and Silver wire. Joyes Gallery is nestled in Old Town Port Moody B.C.
Go Joye! Yes, she should be included, too! Amazing designs worthy of kings and queens!
Thanks Belva and Jolie
My passion for creating jewellery started when my children were born. I needed to find a career I could pursue out of the home while staying at home with the kids. Well that was 20 years ago and I still love creating with Mother Natures reslendent treasures. My studio is now in my gallery that also represents several talented jewellery designers that I have met over the years.
I also have a large collection of stones and I encourage customers to hand select their favorite, so they can help design their very own one of a kind Joye Design. My pendants are timeless so you have years of enjoyment without them ever going out of style.
I would like to nominate Barrie Edwards for her amazing talent. Not only has she mastered the art of silversmithing in so many dimensions, but has also taught hundreds of students to become enthusiastic jewellers. Barrie is also the creator of “http://www.Fraser Valley Beadshow.com taking place Mar 12,13, and 14 at the Coquitlam Executive Inn. You can learn how to make jewellery in one or more of her several classes then go crazy buying delectable jewellery findings. Kudos to you girl.
Hello!
I am nominating Jolie Mack Designs. Her pieces are stunning and timeless and capture Jolie Mack’s creativity.
http://joliemackdesigns.jimdo.com/
Thanks,
Krista
I can’t believe all these nominations have overlooked this cities best custom jewellery designers. I nominate, Era Design ( http://www.eradesign.ca ) located in Yaletown. Rosemary Bartram is far and away one the most versatile designers around, meeting all of her various customers tastes and budgets. Her website just gives a taste of many delights that can be found on display in her studio.
Era really deserves to be checked out.
I would like to nominate Karen Buder from Sugarlime Jewelry. Karen is a shining example of a home grown success story. Her jewelry juxtaposes an edge with a classic look. Her fashion forward jewelry is exquisitely designed and meticulously crafted. This sought after ever-evolving line can be found online at http://www.sugarlime.com, at her exclusive jewelry shows and at a variety of awesome local stores. Karen’s line has developed a notable international fan base and won me over from the beginning. My jewelry box is a shrine to Sugarlime and my once unpierced ears are now adorned with Karen’s sparkling jewels.
Sorry about the Type-O. Twitter is _sugarlime_ sorry everyone. Please check out Sugarlime’s twitter fan base (over 3,000 fans) at _sugarlime_ and their facebook sugarlime jewelry group. Enjoy the jewelry!
Submitted by email from Janine Corrado:
“My nomination is for Karen Buder of Sugarlime Jewelry. Karen is an exceptional designer and the stunning jewelry she creates can be seen on moms, sugarlime devotees from all over and an impressive list of A-list celebrities. Her jewelry is beautiful and makes you feel special and fashionable at the same time. Karen’s exquisite jewelry has caught the eye of celebs like Jennifer Aniston, Anne Hathaway and Kim Catrall to name a few – and Karen was chosen to design for the stars providing swag bags for the Emmys, Junos and the Toronto Film Festival, to name a few. Anyone who knows Karen and sugarlime is aware of her generosity, and that she is a one of a kind designer with a huge heart and awareness of the needs of our community. Many of Karen’s designs are donated to various charitable organizations. These qualities combined with her unique designs make Karen an essential jewelry designer.
The sugarlime website is http://www.sugarlime.com and if you visit it, you will see why she is so deserving of my nomination.”
I would love to nominate Zoe Olver aka Sleepy Moon Designs. She’s an incredibly innovative and gifted young Vancouver designer and also a mom. Here is her etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/sleepymoondesign
I would like to nominate Gilliauna Davis for this honor. Her jewelry is inspiring in its color and design and I’ve never seen such unique and colorful pieces as what she creates. She also does absolutely remarkable custom work.
She is located in the Vancouver area and you can find her online shop/website here – http://gilliauna.etsy.com
– Leal
Judi Patson of even design creates very innovative work! I’ve never seen anything like it.
Check it out at
http://www.evendesigninc.com/
If it’s not too late I’d love to be considered. I’ve been working under my own name, Colleen Baran, for the last few years but may be better recognised locally as See:Be.
Each piece is designed by me and individually handmade with care and attention to craftsmanship. Many pieces are made of recycled silver with focus on eco-friendly practices.
Jewellery has been exhibited in galleries and museums in 11 countries and been published in a few more. Recent publications include the books ‘500 Wedding Rings’ (Lark Books), ‘500 Plastic’ (also Lark Books) and ‘Kirtsy Takes a Bow’.
Recent press includes Italian Vogue!
http://www.colleenbaran.etsy.com
& http://www.colleenbaran.com
If it’s not too late, I’d love to be considered. I’ve been working under my own name, Colleen Baran, for the last few years but may be better recognised locally as See:Be.
Each piece of jewellery is individually handmade with care and attention to craftsmanship. Many pieces are made of recycled silver with focus on eco-friendly practices.
Work has been exhibited in galleries and museums in 11 countries and been published in a few more. Recently publications include the books ‘500 Wedding Rings’ (Lark Books), ‘500 Plastic’ (also Lark Books) and ‘Kirtsy Takes a Bow’.
Recent press includes Italian Vogue!
http://www.colleenbaran.etsy.com
& http://www.colleenbaran.com
I would love to nominate Phaulet,she is an Amazing designer,her jewellery is unique,and totally gorgeous!
She is a fantastic local designer.
http://www.phaulet.com
check out her etsy shop http://www.Phaulet.etsy.com
I just discovered another local gem! I definately have a few jewelry designers in vancouver that I love, a few of which you have mentioned, but my newest discovery is jen ellis of jen ellis designs. I purchased a long silver necklace that I get tons of compliments on. This newbie totally deserves to be recognized. Her website is jenellisdesigns.com and I think she has an etsy page too, but I`m not too sure what it is.
Thanks!
p.s I`d love to see a top 30 list for local cafes or restaurants!
This list is incomplete if it doesn’t recognize the designers at the Karl Stittgen boutique. stittgen.com