Whether you’re looking for the perfect ring to propose or a trinket to mark an anniversary, the right piece of jewellery can say a lot about how you feel about someone. If you’re looking to make it even more personal though, consider working with a custom jeweller to create a one of a kind piece that truly reflects your loved one. Here are a few of the many Calgary jewellers who can help you do just that.
AG Silver Boutique
Originally based in Mexico, the now Calgary-based boutique recently moved to the second floor of Bankers Hall. The family owned and operated business designs and handcrafts their jewellery in-house, creating contemporary rings, necklaces, earrings and more. As the store’s name suggests, they specialize in working with silver, but can do custom work in any metal. If you’re not interested in designing your own piece, you can also choose from one of their own collections – they only make one to three copies of each design, so you still leave with a unique piece.
315 8 Ave. S.W., 403-401-1474, agsilverboutique.com
Alberta Diamond Exchange
You won’t find any major name brand jewellery lines at this private diamond wholesaler, but there’s no shortage of beautiful diamond necklaces, bracelets, earrings, engagement rings and more from a number of manufacturers. They also carry custom pieces they’ve designed, previously owned watches and vintage pieces dating back to the 1920s. Choose from one of their new pieces in store, commission a custom piece or work with them to redesign an old piece of jewellery into something you’d want to wear again. Specializing in engagement rings and wedding bands, the store is connected to the largest diamond database in the world.
234, 366 Aspen Glen Landing S.W., 403-262-5212, abdiamond.ca
August Jewellers
David Coulthard is one of only a handful of master goldsmiths in the city, and has been designing and creating jewellery for several decades. Work directly with the experienced jewellery designer to create any variety of custom jewellery using diamonds and gemstones. Located in the historic Grain Exchange Building, his services are by appointment only.
204, 815 1 St. S.W., 403-263-2996, augustjewellers.com
Breslauer & Warren
Adorning Calgarians with beautiful jewellery for more than 35 years, Breslauer & Warren specializes in making eye-catching jewellery with Canadian diamonds. Men and women alike can work with the store’s on-staff goldsmith to create a custom diamond engagement or wedding ring, pendant, bracelet or earrings. If you want something really unique, consider going with coloured diamonds, which are available in hues ranging from black to yellow. There’s also a wide range of pieces from the store’s own designer brand to choose from.
141 6 Ave. S.W., 403-252-9048, breslauerwarren.com, @breslauerwarren
Brinkhaus Jewellers
Brinkhaus Jewellers has been practicing watchmaking, goldsmithing and gemmology for more than half a century. Their showroom, located in a more than 100 year old heritage building, features their own in-house jewellery lines created by their award-winning designers, as well as Swiss watches and jewellery lines such as Nouvelle Bague and Roberto Demeglio. Their custom work runs the gamut from engagement and bridal rings to gemstone work, and they also offer repair services.
823 6 Ave. S.W., 403-269-4800, brinkhaus.com
Calgary Jewellery Ltd.
If it’s custom jewellery you’re looking for, then a piece by Bernard Florence of Calgary Jewellery Ltd. might be just the thing. Work with him and the store’s team to create a custom ring, bracelet or pair of earrings, or choose from his own line, which is available in-store. You can also choose from jewellery lines such as Breuning, Charles Garnier and Claude Thibaueau, writing instruments, giftware and watches from Ulysse Nardin, Omega and more.
1201 17 Ave. S.W., 403-245-3131, calgaryjewellery.com, @calgaryjewellery
Carati
This store is owned by the Ng family, who also own Gems by Carati and the now-closed Henry’s Jewellers. The store carries popular lines like Noam Carver, Soho Jewelry and Ritani, but also does custom work for everything from rings to bracelets to necklaces with the help of their on-site goldsmith and two gemologists.
121, 315 8 Ave. S.W., 403-264-5557, carati.ca
Davidson & Co.
Local jewellery designer and goldsmith Ian Davidson has more than 30 years of experience creating custom rings, necklaces, earrings and accessories. In his showroom, you’ll find some of his own high end jewellery and ring designs, as well as gorgeous lines from Sarah Graham and Niessing. Open since 2010, Davidson & Co. will be moving to a new location in East Village this spring.
533 Riverfront Ave. S.E., 403-457-3307, davidsonjewels.com, @davidsonjewels
Designs by Manuel Jewellery
This jewellery studio is located in a converted 1912 house, and is home to the studio, showroom and workshop of Manuel Galvez. Inside, you’ll find beautiful pieces made by Galvez featuring gold, coloured gems and more, in wedding bands, engagement rings, necklaces and pendants. The jewellery designer and master goldsmith works with clients to create one of a kind pieces that truly suit their needs.
1106 6 Ave. S.W., 403-245-5225, designsbymanuel.com
The Goldsmiths
Open since 1969, this family business specializes in custom work, particularly engagement rings, and redesigning old pieces of jewellery. Almost all of the jewellery in-store are custom pieces they’ve made, and feature a range of different materials and gems. And here’s a bonus: all custom orders placed in January are 15 per cent off.
53 14 St. N.W., 403-270-7818, thegoldsmiths.ca
J. Vair Anderson Jewellers
At this jewellery store, you’ll find designer jewellery collections from around the world – think Wellendorff, Henrich & Denzel, and Stephen Webster – as well as Swiss watches from brands like Rolex, Tag Heuer and Omega. But if you’re looking for custom work, you might find yourself working with Ron Hanania, their Senior IGL gemologist, or one of their other designers to create a custom piece with diamonds, coloured gemstones or pearls. They can also re-design old jewellery. Repair services are available for watches and jewellery.
409 3 St. S.W., 403-266-1669, jvairanderson.com, @jvairanderson
Wong Ken’s
Gold, platinum, a range of gemstones – you can ask for any of it when you commission a piece from Wong Ken’s. This family owned and operated jewellery store specializes in creating beautiful custom rings, necklaces, earrings and more for men and women. Along with their custom pieces, you’ll find other jewellery lines and watches from brands like Tissot and Alpina. Jewellery and watch repairs are also available.
570, 10816 Macleod Tr. S.E., 403-271-9267, wongkens.com