Ecksand relocated from its original showroom on the 15th floor of a Montreal office tower to a street-level storefront in the same building in December.
For Ecksand founder Erica Bianchini, shaking up the jewellery industry was born out of her desire for high-quality pieces without the price markup that can come with a designer name. “I know quality when I see it, but I hate overpaying for nonsense,” she says. When Bianchini started her company in 2010, she focused on what mattered to her as a consumer: ethical and sustainable sourcing of high-quality materials and Canadian craftsmanship. Those values are resonating with consumers, including Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, who has been spotted in the brand’s baubles.
In December, Ecksand relocated from its original showroom on the 15th floor of a Montreal office tower to a street-level storefront in the same building as their design and production studio. While renovating the retail space, which for decades had housed the original Fournier leather-goods store, Bianchini kept as many of the original features as possible, including marble columns that date back to the 1930s, while adding fresh eco-minded design elements such as a planter made of repurposed barn wood and contemporary artwork by Tobie Giddio. “The combination is something you’re not used to seeing,” she says.
Being in the same building as Ecksand’s atelier provides a direct line of access to its signature designs, which include the Tresses Bar Earrings worn by the Duchess and the Showcase Stackable Gemstone Rings. Ecksand is also known for a custom ring program, a service that creates future heirloom pieces such as wedding and engagement rings. “It’s the reason why I love fine jewellery,” Bianchini says. “It’s that one time where we can really say, ‘This is not disposable.’”
Ecksand, 632 rue Cathcart, Montreal, 514-804-7263, ecksand.com.
Ecksand Tresses Bar Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold, $390.V.Chiline EpicMind Studio
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