Jewellery is an important part of any outfit. It’s the finishing touch that pulls a look together and can serve so many purposes, from simply being the perfect accessory, to serving as a family heirloom. For those of us who love jewellery, it can be very easy to get carried away, buying pieces we never wear, and for those who don’t own a lot of jewellery, the sheer number of options can be quite daunting. 

Of course, many of us have our go-to brands, names that may be well-known, and that we know we can trust to give us the quality jewellery that we’re looking for. But there are so many other brands that make incredible jewellery pieces as well. If you’re looking for a way to elevate and really personalize your jewellery collection, then buying from an emerging designer is often the way to go. Below are five emerging Canadian jewellery brands that are well worth checking out, as well as their top-selling pieces.

Sofia Zakia

Founding Year: 2016 Designer: Sofia Ajram

Proudly 2SLGBTQIA+ run, and inspired by mythology, mysticism and space, Sofia Zakia focuses on the storytelling aspect of jewellery. The E. E. Cummings quote “You are my sun, my moon, and all my stars…” is written on the inside of all of their boxes and exemplifies the magical feelings that their pieces carry. All of their jewellery is handmade in their Montreal studio, and all materials are ethically sourced.

Best-Seller: Rainbow Stardust Ring 

https://sofi azakia.com/products/rainbow-stardust-ring

Price: $825.00 The ring contains a diamond center stone with rainbow gradient side stones: emerald, light blue sapphire, blue sapphire, orange sapphire, tsavorite, amethyst, dark orange sapphire, yellow sapphire, and ruby.

2. Inner Wolf Jewelry 

Founding Year: 2015 Designer: Ashya Elizabeth

Indigenous-owned, all pieces from Inner Wolf Jewelry draw on designer Ashya Elizabeth’s Cree and Turkish ancestry, and more specifically, on the Indigenous ancestral and cultural teachings that were passed down to her by her mother, aunts, and elders. Each piece is hand-crafted using raw stones, as well as ethically sourced hair, quills, and feathers, which are used in their entirety to avoid waste, to create unique pieces. Everything is lead- and nickel-free, and she commonly uses aura quartz, cobalt quartz, rose quartz, labradorite, and opalite healing crystals in her creations.

Best-Seller: Bolo Choker

Price: $60.00 An original design that dates back to the founding of the brand, this choker puts a spin on the bolo tie. The necklace is hand-made with gold-plated metal and healing crystals.

3. Lisa Gozlan

Founding Year: 2019 Designers: Lisa and Ryan Gozlan

Helmed by husband-and-wife team Lisa and Ryan Gozlan, Lisa uses her experience as a personal stylist to design affordable fine jewellery, something that many of her clients would ask for, while Ryan uses his expertise as a fifth-generation jeweller to bring Lisa’s creations to life. They specialize in pieces that can be layered, believing that stackable rings, bracelets, and necklaces are an essential part of an outfit, but shouldn’t come at a substantial cost.

Best-Seller: Happy Face Bracelet 

https://www.lisagozlan.com/collections/happy-face-collection/products/ br030?variant=40117098414161

Price: $128.00 Designed with the intention of bringing a smile to the face of the wearer, the Happy Face Bracelet comes in many different styles and sizes, including kids’ sizes. This signature, best-selling bracelet can be worn alone, or in a stack.

4. Barebone 

Founding Year: 2022 Designer: Amber Hsu

The newest brand on this list, Barebone focuses on celebrating and uplifting everyone who wears their pieces. Their demi-fine jewellery is usually made in a minimalist design that is both timeless and unapologetically unique. All jewellery is made using recycled sterling silver as its base, and all orders are shipped using carbon-neutral shipping methods.

Best-Seller: Double Hoop Ear Cu- – Silver 

Price: $75.00 

Their ear cu- s are some of their most popular pieces, adding a bit of edge to an otherwise subtle look. Made using recycled materials, this ear cu- can play up an outfit without being too overstated.

5. Emery and Opal

Founding Year: 2017 Designers: Amanda and Ti- any Reis

Created by strong women on a mission to support and uplift other strong women, Emery and Opal creates beautiful and empowering jewellery. Inspired by nature, spiritual, and celestial themes, each piece of demi-fine jewellery is unique, size-inclusive, and meant to be personalized to the wearer. Additionally, Emery and Opal have made it their mission to give back to their community, supporting a different women’s charity every month.

Best-Seller: Birth Flower Necklace

Price: $64.00

Available in silver, gold, and rose gold, this waterproof, durable, and long-lasting necklace is stamped with the birth flower of your choice, making it perfect as a gift for a loved one, or even for yourself.

Lauren Schwartz | Contributing Writer