Part of the joy of the holiday season is finding a gift for your loved one that reflects their personality and style. In a time of cookie cutter goods, it is heartening to know that there are local jewellery artisans who work with clients to custom design jewellery that will be cherished for a lifetime. Let’s explore gift ideas from three local businesses.
Laura Tedesco Jewellery
Jewellery design is truly a family affair at Laura Tedesco Jewellery in Hamilton. Tedesco grew up observing her father, Dino Tedesco, busy at his craft in the family jewellery business, Venetian Jewellers. Carrying on the tradition of designing jewellery for the past 19 years, she is joined by her husband, John Eleftheriou, a CAD designer, and Dino, who consults and helps out.
Using gold, platinum and precious and semi-precious gemstones, Tedesco designs and produces one-of-a-kind fine jewellery – including engagement rings – and enjoys restyling heirloom pieces to give them a second life.
One of her designs, a 14k two-tone ring featuring a 5.55 ct. cushion cut blue-green natural sapphire, won the Canadian Jeweller of Excellence Award in the Coloured Gemstone Category in 2018. The ring features natural untreated pink, orange, red and yellow coloured sapphire and 64 pavé set round brilliant diamonds.
For the holidays Tedesco is excited to help clients design a personalized piece for a loved one. “Tell us your gift ideas or let us help guide you in order to make a memorable gift for under the tree!” she says. “Within our Locke Street Studio is a beautifully and meticulously curated retail section, which we maintain and stock with the latest trends and ready-to-wear items.”
Holiday season hits: Tedesco recommends bold gold, mixing metals (both yellow and white gold), diamond tennis necklaces, and mixed matched shaped diamonds.
The Diamond Boutique
Also keeping creativity in the family are sisters Julia and Sandra Karan, who operate The Diamond Boutique in Stoney Creek. Specializing in custom engagement rings and jewellery design, the boutique works with gold, sterling silver, stainless steel, bridal and special occasion jewellery, gemstones, and of course, diamonds!
Working with clients to create pieces that capture their unique vision brings the sisters happiness and pride. “Every piece of jewellery starts with an idea, a thought or a creative vision,” Julia says. “We love everything from the big projects, like engagement rings, to seeing someone light up because they just found that perfect ring or bracelet! That’s what jewellery is all about – telling a story, adding to your personal style, and giving added beauty that gives you confidence.”
Holiday season hits: Karan recommends gold stacking rings, diamond earrings (huggies and studs), sterling silver, and sterling silver and gold bracelets.
Avalon Fine Jewellery
Blending vintage and modern, Avalon Fine Jewellery has been in business in downtown Oakville for the past 36 years. The shop specializes in custom jewellery design, as well as repair and refurbishment of vintage and newer pieces.
According to Avalon Owner Lucy Paunkoff, the full-service fine jewellery store offers estate jewellery (both vintage and more modern designs), as well as artisan jewellery created by Canadian and American artists. One of the unique services at Avalon is to take clients’ heirloom jewellery pieces and remake them into a new creation they will want to wear for years to come, and not just on rare occasions.
“We made four beautiful pendants for our clients’ granddaughters from an art deco watch bracelet that was set with diamonds in platinum,” Paunkoff says. “The watch being overly formal provided the foundation for the pendants that can now be worn daily.”
Holiday season hits: Paunkoff reports that pearls, necklaces, bracelets and earrings are in, and so are gold hoops of every shape and size, particularly the full-bodied ones. Also popular are vintage treasures from Avalon’s estate collection.
With amazing jewellery artisans in our midst and stores that sell such lovely items, it’s now up to you to shop around for that perfect gift!
Local Links
BURLINGTON
Art Gallery Burlington
agb.life/shop/category/jewellery
Classic Jewellery
classicjewellery.ca
Modern Love Jewellery
modernlovejewellery.com
DUNDAS
HV Creative Jewellery
hvcreativejewellery.com
WATERDOWN
Lebe Jewellers
lebejewellers.ca
HAMILTON
Laura Tedesco Jewellery Design
lauratedesco.com
The Diamond Boutique
thediamondboutique.ca
OAKVILLE
Bluboho
bluboho.com
Avalon Fine Jewellery
avalonfinejewellery.com
Oakville Jewellery
oakvillejewellery.ca
