Honouring Female Entrepreneurs, Designers, and Jewellers
March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognise and celebrate the remarkable contributions of women in various industries—including Canadian jewellery. Across the country, women-led businesses are shaping the industry through innovation, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurial excellence. From national brands to independent designers and family-owned businesses, these women bring passion, skill, and vision to their craft.
The Canadian jewellery industry is not only thriving because of these female leaders but also evolving—thanks to their commitment to mentorship, community engagement, and the next generation of jewellers.
This month, we celebrate Hillberg & Berk, Paris Jewellers, Dioro Jewellers, Oshawa Jewellers, Bijouterie Paré, Jewels 4 Ever, Sanaz Doost, DM Fine Jewellery, and Dana’s Goldsmithing—businesses that demonstrate the highest standards of craftsmanship, creativity, and leadership.
Hillberg & Berk: Jewellery with a Mission
Founded in Regina, Saskatchewan, Hillberg & Berk has become one of Canada’s most recognised jewellery brands. Rachel Mielke launched the company in 2007 with a vision to create jewellery that empowers women. Best known for its signature Sparkle Ball™ earrings, Hillberg & Berk seamlessly blends luxury with social impact, supporting various women’s initiatives across Canada.
Beyond retail success, the brand has been commissioned to design pieces for Queen Elizabeth II, cementing its reputation for high-quality craftsmanship. Through its commitment to philanthropy, innovation, and female empowerment, Hillberg & Berk continues to be a leader in Canada’s jewellery market.
Paris Jewellers: A Family Legacy Led by Women
Founded by sisters Chau and Trang Lui, Paris Jewellers started as a small family business in Alberta and has since expanded to over 20 locations nationwide. Built on a foundation of resilience and craftsmanship, the company is known for its commitment to meaningful, handcrafted jewellery.
Paris Jewellers focuses on celebrating special moments, whether through engagement rings, custom pieces, or collaborations with inspiring women. The Lui sisters’ leadership in the jewellery industry is an inspiration to female entrepreneurs, demonstrating the power of hard work, creativity, and a strong connection with customers.
Jewels 4 Ever: Anita’s Dedication to Community and Future Generations
For Anita, founder of Jewels 4 Ever, jewellery is more than a business—it is a lifelong commitment to craftsmanship, community, and the future of Canadian entrepreneurship. As a leader in the industry, Anita has spent years ensuring that her work not only meets the highest standards of quality but also gives back to the people and industry that have supported her journey.
Beyond her business success, Anita is passionate about mentorship and education, actively supporting the next generation of jewellers and small business owners. She understands the challenges that emerging entrepreneurs face and is committed to helping young jewellers develop their skills, refine their craft, and build sustainable businesses.
Her support extends to the wider Canadian business landscape, where she is an advocate for local entrepreneurship and community-driven initiatives. By fostering growth and opportunity within the industry, Anita ensures that the future of Canadian jewellery remains strong, innovative, and deeply connected to its roots.
Sanaz Doost: Elevating Canadian Jewellery Design
A rising star in Canadian jewellery, Sanaz Doost is a designer known for her sophisticated and innovative creations. Her collections blend modern aesthetics with timeless elegance, making her a favourite among jewellery enthusiasts seeking unique, high-quality pieces.
Sanaz’s work is characterised by clean lines, contemporary designs, and exceptional craftsmanship. As an independent designer, she is redefining luxury jewellery by offering pieces that are both bold and refined, demonstrating the artistry and creativity of Canadian women in jewellery design.
DM Fine Jewellery: The Vision of Dana McLaven
Dana McLaven, the founder of DM Fine Jewellery, has built a brand known for precision, elegance, and craftsmanship. With a strong background in fine jewellery design and custom creations, Dana brings a bespoke approach to her work, ensuring that every piece is as unique as the client who wears it.
DM Fine Jewellery is recognised for its exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail, with Dana personally overseeing every step of the design and creation process. Her work highlights the importance of quality and artistry in fine jewellery, setting a high standard within the industry.
Dana’s Goldsmithing: A Commitment to Craftsmanship
Located in Whitby, Ontario, Dana’s Goldsmithing has become a well-known name in custom jewellery design. Founded by Dana Smith, the business is built on a passion for craftsmanship and client-focused service.
Dana’s Goldsmithing specialises in custom engagement rings, redesigns, and repairs, with an emphasis on creating meaningful pieces that last a lifetime. Dana’s leadership and commitment to excellence have helped establish the company as a trusted jeweller in Ontario, known for both innovation and tradition.
Dioro Jewellers: Christina’s Commitment to Quality and Tradition
As a family-owned business in Ontario, Dioro Jewellers has been built on a foundation of exceptional craftsmanship and personal service. Now under the leadership of Christina, the company continues its three-generation legacy of quality and expertise in fine jewellery.
Christina brings a modern vision to Dioro while honouring its traditional values of precision and trust. She is deeply involved in every step of the jewellery-making process, ensuring that Dioro maintains its reputation for custom creations and expert restorations. Her leadership has not only strengthened the company’s heritage but also set the stage for its future growth.
Women Shaping the Future of Canadian Jewellery
Women in the Canadian jewellery industry are not only designing and crafting exquisite pieces—they are also building brands, leading businesses, and inspiring future generations. Their contributions continue to shape the industry, ensuring that fine jewellery remains a symbol of quality, creativity, and personal expression.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we acknowledge the women who have made Canadian jewellery a thriving and innovative sector. Their leadership and artistry will undoubtedly continue to set new standards for excellence in the years to come.
