One thing  surprising about the Prince Edward Island capital is its abundance of shops specializing in affordable, fashion-forward jewelry rendered in sterling silver, vermeil, 14K gold and semi-precious stones. Whether you prefer delicate pieces or bold wearable art, you can be assured the pieces for sale are inspired by the maritime island setting and, therefore, specific to the place where they are created. Here are a few shining, woman-owned examples:

© Elyse Glickman

Garnish Jewellery

Stacey Leunes, founder and designer, can usually be found in her open concept studio at Garnish Jewellery or at the front of her shop perfecting her displays in ways reflecting her philosophy. “I believe (jewelry) has the power to make you feel extra special. That’s why I named my business Garnish Jewellery, a friendly reminder to adorn yourself with something beautiful every day.” Simple shapes, bold textures and raw stones come together in what could best be described as “quiet” statement pieces. They are delicate and stackable yet make a visual impact on the wearer. There’s also the possibility shoppers will meet her furry assistants, Willow and Fern.

Kuriosities

Goldsmith Kimberly McIntyre’s Kuriosities is also a working studio where customers can see and hear the process of her pieces — inspired by old jewelry crafting techniques and Prince Edward Island’s geography — from start to finish. Even with a local spin to her craft, she enjoys a global reach, boasting more than 75,000 clients worldwide. Her resume includes special pieces commissioned by the Humane Society of the United States (representing the Kindred Spirits national fundraising program) and the government of Prince Edward Island, which purchased several of Kuriosities’ famous Island necklaces to be worn by those representing the province on trade missions to India. Her work has also graced the wrists and necks of noted rock and pop musicians including Jack White (formerly of the White Stripes); Brendan Benson; and Patrick Keeler, who wore Kimberly’s work on a world tour for the Raconteurs.

© Elyse Glickman

Ayelet Jewelry Designs

Ayelet Somekh Stewart, owner, Ayelet Jewelry Designs, brings a distinctive international flavor to her designs. She was born in Oxford, England, raised in Israel, and earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Bezalel Academy Art and Design in Jerusalem and her Masters of Fine Arts degree in Japan from Kanazawa College of Art. The techniques she has cultivated through her academic and practical approach to jewelry design are also informed by the natural surroundings of Prince Edward Island’s coastal landscapes, beaches and ocean life. This results in handcrafted pieces in gold and silver offset with imaginative settings, enamel accents and textured finishes.

Jeanette Walker Jewellery

The by-appointment-only Jeanette Walker Jewellery specializes in fine custom investment pieces crafted with sustainable methods. She sources materials either from remnants found at Umicore or HL Casting in Toronto or clients’ old pieces, extracting diamonds and precious stones and melting gold, silver and other metals. The result is contemporary pieces combining old- and new-world craftsmanship and technique, personalized to the wearer.