There’s a well-known jewellery company in Ottawa that’s been thriving for over 40 years. Marigold Jewellery and Design boasts a fascinating and rich history, with its founder, Marilyn Christine, at the heart of it all. ottawanka.com has all the details.
Marilyn Christine
Even as a teenager, Marilyn knew the world of jewellery was her calling. It all clicked when she stumbled into a friend’s workshop, experiencing a true “aha!” moment. At the time, she was already working as a sales associate in a jewellery store, but this chance encounter gave her a completely new perspective on the industry. In the late 70s, the jewellery scene was booming, yet it was largely a man’s world. For a young woman to break through and find success in this field was quite the uphill battle.
Marilyn Christine juggled two jobs during the day and studied in the evenings. Her partner at the time was repairing jewellery for local shops, which left her with free time after 5 PM to pursue her passion. She honed her jewellery-making skills, and soon, jewellery repair quickly became her primary focus. With this newfound expertise came a surge of confidence and the desire to launch her own business.
Launching the Company
In 1983, she successfully established her jewellery workshop, naming it “Marigold Jewellery.”
Marilyn Christine’s business in Ottawa continued to expand. Starting with jewellery repair services, she soon moved into creating custom-designed pieces.
In 1988, this Ottawa jeweller and company founder won her first national design competition. This fiery passion speaks volumes about her incredible work ethic, talent, and dedication. She continues to craft bespoke pieces and entire jewellery lines. Over time, the company’s founder came to a profound realization: jewellery design isn’t just about form and function. It’s also about the connection with the wearer. A custom-made jewellery piece needs to “fit” just right, ensuring comfort and a sense of perfection.
Marilyn Christine was added to the list titled “Faces Behind Ottawa Businesses,” and was interviewed by Michael Irwin, a well-known Ottawa business leader.
Marilyn’s Team
As part of an Ottawa co-op program for jewellery-making, a 16-year-old high school student named Lindsay joined Marilyn’s company. She began working with Marilyn, gaining invaluable experience. Their shared love for jewellery blossomed into an ideal business partnership.
In 2018, Ali joined the company while studying to become a GIA certified gemologist. According to the company’s founder and owner, having a gemologist on staff—an expert in studying, identifying, evaluating, and certifying precious and semi-precious stones—makes Marigold Jewellery and Design a full-service jewellery store. Ali had already spent four years working with diamonds (while working with watches) before beginning his GIA gemologist certification. His goal was to deepen his knowledge and equip himself with the tools of the trade. Ali has now completed the program, which took approximately two years. For him, the most valuable part was continuing to gain practical experience after mastering the theoretical knowledge.
Marigold Jewellery and Design
The company is located at 180 York Street, Unit 101, in Ottawa. The jewellery company operates from Tuesday to Friday, 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and visits are by appointment only by calling (613) 562-2222. Locals regularly share reviews of their experiences with Marigold Jewellery and Design. Some Ottawa residents have even compared the jewellery to pieces from Tiffany’s or other renowned brands.
Marigold Jewellery and Design stands as a prime example of a handcrafted jewellery company specializing in vintage and antique pieces, each with its own unique story. Their success and long-standing presence in Ottawa’s jewellery scene can be attributed to years of expertise in the craft, coupled with a deep love for restoring, revitalizing, and refreshing every single piece.
Marigold Jewellery is GIA (Gemological Institute of America) certified, adding another layer of expertise to their services. The company is licensed by the city to conduct business, which has allowed them to purchase pre-owned jewellery since 2010. These could be heirloom pieces passed down through generations or gifts that no longer suit one’s personal style. The company’s website notes that some pieces they receive are in excellent condition. Other times, they require full restoration and stone replacement, among other things.
Every piece that comes into the company goes through several stages.
- Thorough cleaning. This initial step helps them understand the condition of the piece. Often, jewellery arrives with dirt, cosmetic residue, or other grime that hides its true beauty and any potential flaws.
- Next, the jewellers perform any necessary repairs, adding or replacing precious stones. This stage also involves redesigns, where clients can transform old pieces into something completely new, if they wish.
- The final step is polishing and photography. It’s also worth noting that before any package is shipped, all Marigold Jewellery and Design pieces undergo a final cleaning or sterilization and polishing.
This approach ensures the highest quality, restoration, and brilliance, confirming the company’s commitment to excellence and attention to detail.
What Customers Love
After reviewing customer feedback, several key competitive advantages of Marigold Jewellery and Design stand out.
- First and foremost is their personalized approach, offering custom-made jewellery after a consultation. This personal touch gives each piece a unique flair.
- Another distinct advantage is the beauty and high quality of the jewellery created by the company. It’s no wonder their pieces are often compared to those from renowned brands.
- Clients highlight the favourable pricing at Marigold Jewellery and Design compared to branded stores. Plus, the company offers significantly broader options, such as diamond cuts and sizes.
- The company’s staff consistently demonstrates high professionalism, extensive knowledge, and experience, providing clients with well-informed advice without any pressure. Customers also commend their friendliness, willingness to help, attention to detail, and quick order fulfillment.
- The company is even willing to work on pieces created by other jewellers.
A Modern Legacy
Thanks to the founder’s vision and continuous development, Marigold Jewellery and Design has become a significant player in Ottawa’s jewellery industry. The company boasts a strong base of loyal customers and is synonymous with craftsmanship, personalized service, and years of experience in Canada’s capital.
It’s also worth noting how much Marilyn adores Canada’s capital. She loves dining at the ByWard Market, especially at MacLaren’s Elgin, where her son works as a manager.
Marilyn Christine isn’t resting on her laurels; she has a clear roadmap for the future. Her plans involve staying ahead of changes in the jewellery industry. For instance, some initiatives focus on competitive diamond pricing in Ottawa, as well as an emphasis on recycling gold and diamonds. The company is also introducing high-quality design lines of wedding jewellery that perfectly complement their existing pieces.