Canada may not be well known for jewellery manufacturing, says Nicholas Rosset, President at Savoy’s Jewellers. “But we have some very good companies making jewellery start to finish within our country, mostly in southern Ontario, but also in Quebec.”
“Savoy’s has always prioritized Canadian-made jewellery since it tends to be of higher quality and value,” he says.
Canada is rich in a variety of gemstones, from amethyst to ammolite, garnet and more.
Recently, Savoy’s started offering finished gold jewellery that was originally mined in Canada too.
“As a result of the Trump trade war, we have decided to further prioritize Canadian jewellery, gemstones, and tools,” he says.
Spotlight on Canadian diamonds
Since the late 1990s, Canadian diamonds have been a popular choice for diamond buyers.
“While they are graded on the same scale as diamonds from elsewhere in the world, Canadian diamonds tend to be higher quality on average,” says Rosset.
The big diamond mines here are located in the Yukon and Northwest Territories, with smaller operations in Ontario and Quebec.
“Diamonds from other countries get mixed together through the cutting, polishing, and wholesale stages, whereas Canadian diamonds are tracked through every step of their journey and are accompanied by a certificate that indicates each stone’s origin. There is also a serial number that is laser-engraved on the side of the diamond,” he says.
Buying Canadian diamonds ensures they have been mined ethically, and they support Canadian companies.
“The regulations around mining in Canada are much stricter than other regions of the world, which ensures minimal environmental impact,” says Rosset.
The mining companies also use mostly Canadian employees, especially indigenous Canadians. They also hire experts from around the world to teach Canadians the trade of cutting and polishing diamonds, to further the skills offered domestically.
Custom jewellery
Savoy’s Jewellers also offers custom jewellery, a unique service that is popular with customers.
“We make a lot in-house,” says Rosset. “The most popular custom work is bridal, like engagement rings and wedding bands. But we really specialize in transforming jewellery that is out of style or broken/worn out to make special pieces that have been given a new life.”
The store has goldsmiths on site who can provide virtually any jewellery-related service—from simple repairs and alterations to full custom one-of-a-kind creations.
Customers might not normally give too much thought to where their jewellery comes from.
“Just like any product or service, when you choose to spend your money as local as possible, that money recycles through our economy and supports our community,” says Rosset. “Savoy’s Jewellers is proud to employ 25 people in Sault Ste. Marie; we also support many local charities and events. Our customers have been great to us over the years and it’s our pleasure to be able to give back too.”
Savoy’s Jewellers is a homegrown business, Canadian-owned and operated, and much of their inventory is made in Canada. Their in-house custom pieces are the pinnacle of supporting local.
To consult with a certified jeweller, visit Savoy’s Jewellers. You can also follow them on Facebook or Instagram.