Costume Jewelry from Canada: Part I

Posted by Laurie Zeiden on Jun 20, 2017

2017 marks the 150th anniversary of the formation of Canada into a semi-autonomous nation (it was previously a set of colonies) and to celebrate, I'm showcasing Canadian jewelry designers. A quick google search will lead to dozens of contemporary Canadian jewelry designers, but I want to focus on those whose work in the 20th century is still popular among collectors. The designs range from a heavy use of rhinestones to brutalism and abstraction to enameled works.

SHERMAN

A Montreal company started by Gustave Sherman and in business from 1947 through 1981.The company is noted for its quality rhinestone pieces and many collectors consider Sherman to be the premier Canadian jewelry designer.

A Collection of Sherman Cuff Bracelets, Photos Courtesy of Renee Piche and Renee Piche Bijoux on Facebook

Sherman Set, Photo Courtesy of Renee Piche and Renee Piche Bijoux on Facebook

Sherman Hallmark, Photo Courtesy of Renee Piche and Renee Piche Bijoux on Facebook

BOND-BOYD

A Toronto company started in 1940. Bond-Boyd jewelry was featured in fine department stores and exclusive boutiques. The designs were usually made from a die striking process.

Bond Boyd Pin, Photos Courtesy of Yolanda Dewijk and Yos Finds, an Etsy Shop

CONTINENTAL

A Montreal company which in the early 1950s was the largest producer of mid-range,rhinestone jewelry in Canada. Continental was a main rival of Sherman jewelry.

Continental Bracelet with Original Hang Tag, Photos Courtesy of Yolanda Dewijk and Yos Finds, an Etsy Shop

Continental Pins, Photo Courtesy of Yolanda Dewijk and Yos Finds, an Etsy Shop

Continental Pin, Photo Courtesy of Yolanda Dewijk and Yos Finds, an Etsy Shop

Continental Hallmark, Photo Courtesy of Yolanda Dewijk and Yos Finds, an Etsy Shop

DANNY POLLAK

Montreal designer Danny Pollak's hand-crafted pieces are intricate in detail and exhibit an abundance of flair. Pollak mixes vintage stones with new crystals and his pieces are highly collectible.

Danny Pollack Pin, Photos Courtesy of Cindy Lattimore and The House of Magpie, an Esty Shop

Danny Pollak Pin, Photos Courtesy of Merry Shugart and The More the Merrier, a Ruby Lane Shop

Danny Pollak Pin, Photos Courtesy of Yolanda Dewijk and Yos Finds, an Etsy Shop

Danny Pollak Pin, Photo Courtesy of Renee Piche and Renee Piche Bijoux on Facebook

KEYES

Keyes, a Montreal company, was in business from the early 1960's through the end of the century. They produced high-end costume jewelry.

Keyes Pin, Photo Courtesy of Yolanda Dewijk and Yos Finds, an Etsy Shop

Keyes Hallmark, Photo Courtesy of Yolanda Dewijk and Yos Finds, an Etsy Shop

D'ORLAN

D'Orlan, a Montreal company founded by Maurice Bradden, has been producing jewelry since the 1950's. In addition to producing under their own name, they manufacture jewelry for others including Nina Ricci.

D'Orlan Set, Photo Courtesy of Renee Piche and Renee Piche Bijoux on Facebook

D'Orlan Pin, Photo Courtesy of Renee Piche and Renee Piche Bijoux on Facebook

D'Orlan Animal Pins

D'Orlan Hallmark

DE PASSILLE SYLVESTRE

The Quebec team of Micheline de Passille and Yves Sylvestre are known for their fine enamel work and abstract design. This pair also has a line of tableware.

De Passille Sylvestre Pin