There are several contemporary jewellery artists based in Canada. They are evoking the beauty of the Great North and are capturing the attention of the world. These jewellers are creating handmade modernist pieces. Among the prominent Canadian designers are Wing Yau, Pamela Ritchie, and Melanie Auld.
In the 1960s, Canada made important advances in the jewellery field. Several international artists were brought to Canada to demonstrate their technological innovations. The resurgence of craft interest placed pressure on provincial governments to create adequate training facilities. During the decade, Toronto became a cultural center and Montreal was one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Canada.
Unlike in the United States, there has not been a significant exchange of ideas. Moreover, the jewellery community is very fragmented. Typically, only three or four cities are well-represented in the industry. This can hinder an objective evaluation of the jewellery movement.
The first international exhibition of contemporary jewellery in Canada was “Jewellery, 71,” curated by Renee Neu of New York. It featured jewellery by 36 international and Canadian artists.
The “Medium is Metal” series of exhibitions is organized by the Metal Craft Guild of Canada. As a way to encourage commercial development of the metal arts, the organization brings visiting artists and hosts a series of lectures and other activities. Today, the website group functions as an organizer of visiting artists and a showcase of the work of several Canadian jewelers.
Besides being an educational institution, the Metal Craft Guild of Canada is also an exhibition gallery. Located in Kingston, the Metalworks gallery features the work of a variety of Canadian jewelers. Most of the designers are native to Canada and have a wide range of styles and materials.
While the Jewellery Manufacturing Industry is dominated by companies based in Ontario and Quebec, there are manufacturers in Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia. In 2007, exports of imitation jewellery from Canada hit a record high at X tons. However, exports did not regain momentum from 2008 to 2020.
For instance, Wing Yau is a Vancouver-born designer who focuses on understated opal and diamond pieces. He has exhibited at major exhibitions and has been included in many periodicals. Other jewellery designers such as Christel Klocke and Madelaine Danserau have studied abroad, while some have even been trained in the United States.
In addition to being a well-established designer, Pamela Ritchie is the head of the jewellery department at Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. She is the second Canadian to receive an M.F.A. in jewellery at the college. Her works combine conceptual concerns with feminism and questions of cultural integrity.
Another well-known jewellery designer in Quebec is Gloria Bass. Her sculptural designs combine traditional native style with new materials. Her pieces have been inspired by the fashion from the Sopranos. One of her pieces is a hand-carved, solid block of wax, which is then cast in precious metals.
The Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards have been cancelled three times in the last three years. This can be attributed to the increasing isolationism of the Quebec province, which leads to hostility and xenophobia against English-speaking Canadians.