Like many others, you may be making your way over to the stunning west coast of Canada this year. Fun cities, beautiful beaches and breath-taking forests can all be found here. With so much to see and do, taking the time to choose a souvenir is a great way to wind down and find an item to commemorate your adventure. Jewellery is always exciting to get not only because, come on, it's jewellery, but it's a great way to keep a piece of your trip with you wherever you go!
Artina's has a large selection of stunning Canadian jewellery. If you're looking for something truly Canadiana like a flag charm or pendant, we've got you covered! We also have a huge selection of pieces inspired by Canadian wildlife, made from materials native to the country and laden with west coast native symbolism. Rest assured, we're your go-to jewellery store for Canadian pendants, rings, brooches, bracelets and so much more!
Canadiana Charms
One of my all-time favourite pieces of jewellery is my charm bracelet. It's a carefully curated collection of unique designs and precious memories. Artina's has a large selection of dazzling Canadian themed charms/pendants by Nuco Jewellery Products. As shown above, they are available in both gold and sterling silver. In case you're looking to add to your Pandora charm bracelet, these will easily fit. And if you like the layered look, including a pendant of a small size is never a bad idea! These charms also make great petite pendants and look lovely in a pendant cluster. Visit us at our Vancouver or Victoria location to see our full selection.
BC Jade
If it's the wilds of BC you fall in love with, our forest-green BC jade is bound to catch your eye. BC jade is nephrite jade, so it is entirely natural. This gem also ranks at 6.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, so it's great for everyday wear. Many of the artists we collaborate with use this stone in their work. You can view our online selection of BC jade jewellery here. If you are looking for a more minimalist and clean-cut look, check out pieces by Dennis Kangasniemi, Pamela Lauz and Karley Smith. And if it's a jewellery set you're seeking, definitely check out the latter two artists.
To learn more about BC jade, check out the blog below:
About BC Jade | Nephrite vs. Jadeite
Also read our Mohs hardness scale blog below:
Mohs Hardness Scale, Explained
Canadian Diamonds
Canadian diamonds are also a very special gift to commemorate your trip. Ranking at a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, these gems couldn't be more perfect to wear daily. They are also exceptionally easy to clean and care for. Although on the more expensive side, Canadian diamonds are tough, ethical and classically beautiful. I've always thought that vacations are the time to treat yourself. So, if you're one of those people who loves to save up their money to splurge while on an exciting trip, then a Canadian diamond may just be the jewel for you.
To learn more about diamonds, see the blogs below:
April Birthstone | About Diamonds and Jewellery
April's Birthstone | How to Buy Diamonds
Beavers
As the national animal of Canada, beavers are of course a great option. Many of the Indigenous artists incorporate them into their work. The book "Northwest Coast Indigenous Jewelry" says "Numerous stories describe Beaver as an Elder who keeps to itself and only becomes involved in the affairs of others when it is truly important." If you're interested in jewellery featuring animals, but not necessarily beavers, much of the Indigenous jewellery in our collection is inspired by critters of the west coast. Check out our legends page to learn more and view our online selection of Indigenous jewellery here.
Ammolite
Another wonderful option is ammolite. Highly sought after Canadian ammolite comes from fossilized ammonites and is like no other gem. Although it became popular in Canada in the 1970s, ammolite has been entrenched in Indigenous culture for a long time. This glimmering stone is mined in Alberta and is the official gemstone of that province. At Artina's, you will find ammolite earrings, bracelets, necklaces and more. We carry jewellery for both men and women in this stone. Our unique selection of ammolite hand samples is also sure to leave anyone in awe!
To learn more about ammolite, check out the blog below:
Ammolite | About the Stone, Benefits and Jewellery
There really is nothing like the Canadian west coast in the summer. The beaches, cities and markets all have a distinct feel to them. If you're looking for a unique and high-quality souvenir of your time here, come and check out our selection of jewellery. Our Victoria store can be found on Government Street and our Vancouver location is in Gastown. With each storefront located in a popular tourist destination, they aren't hard to find!
Written by Danielle Mier
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