The jewellery industry in Canada is characterized by a variety of products, including jewellery, clockmakers, watchmakers and silversmiths from the British Isles. Many of these firms are located in Ontario and Quebec, though some are in Manitoba. These manufacturers make a number of high-end products, including diamonds and gold.
Canadian jewellery designers are becoming increasingly popular with consumers all over the world. Their styles reflect the beauty of the Great North. Jewelry that is crafted by these artisans is typically sold at high-end boutiques and online retailers. In recent years, more focus has been placed on moissanite jewellery, which is based on Canadian diamonds.
Jewellery in Canada has been an important industry for the country since the 17th century. Throughout the 19th century, there were about 2000 jewellers. Some of these were called bijoutiers and worked in cheaper materials. Others were joailliers, a term for a craftsman who worked in expensive metals.
In the early 1900s, the government placed a 5% excise tax on jewellery. ThisĀ https://nadareco.com/ was added to the federal sales tax. However, the industry was not formally regulated until the Precious Metals Marking Act was passed.
After the government enacted this law in 1906, it began to regulate the jewellery industry. It also sponsored foreign trade missions for jewellery manufacturers and introduced the 10-point Code of Ethics, which jewellers are expected to follow.
Since then, the industry has been in an upswing. In 1997, the jewellery industry in Canada shipped $400 million. Imports and exports grew by approximately X% y-o-y. However, the pace of growth was relatively flat through 2015. Until 2010, the largest rate of growth was recorded in 2013, when imports increased by X%. By 2020, the industry is forecast to grow at a slower rate. Several factors are expected to drive this trend, such as increasing consumer spending and an increase in demand for bullion coin products.
As a result, the industry is a highly volatile one. Nevertheless, there are several positive factors. For example, the Department of Industry, Trade and Commerce promotes the export of Canadian jewellery and encourages the import of Canadian jewellery.
The Canadian Jewellers Association (CJA) is the national trade association representing the Canadian jewellery industry. Its members include jewellery stores, wholesalers, retailers and suppliers. Members pledge to uphold a ten-point code of ethics. CJA also publishes Jewellery World, a magazine featuring products from the leading manufacturers and retailers.
While jewellery is considered a luxury item, it is also an expression of the individual. Canadian jewellery designers, like Bill REID of Northwest Coast, meld traditional native iconography with new materials to create a range of jewellery. Melanie Auld, an Ontario-born designer, combines her love of travel, fashion, interior design and jewellery.
One of the most promising developments in the industry has been the advent of 3D printing. Although not yet widely used, the technology is cost-effective and easy to use for small batch series. It is also very accessible for a growing number of creatives.