We are, after all, the Canadian Rockies. So you shouldn’t be surprised that our charming towns host shops that sell dazzling Canadian rocks. The fiery colours of ammolite or the icy brilliance of diamonds, set into finely crafted jewellery, make a beautiful and enduring souvenir.

Of these two gemstones, ammolite is the less well known. Picture a more vivid and brilliant opal, shimmering with rainbow colours. Gem quality ammolite is found only in southern Alberta where ammonite inland sea creatures lived 70 million years ago. The fossils are mined, cut, polished and capped with a protective layer of transparent spinel crystal or quartz. Each jewel is graded for the vibrancy and variety of its colors, blue being the rarest and red the most common.

Calgary based Korite International is the world’s foremost manufacturer of ammolite—you find their gemstones and jewellery in many area shops. Several local (and very talented) goldsmiths handcraft these stones into beautiful, wearable works of art.

Diamonds need no introduction, but many people (Canadians among them) don’t realize that our country is set to lead international diamond production. Now known for more than maple syrup and Mounties, Canada’s diamond industry is gaining on Russia and Botswana. We have already surpassed South Africa.

At Rudi Peet Gallery in Canmore, goldsmith Susan Kun explains the eternal allure of a diamond: “It’s the hardest and most durable substance on earth,” she says. “People purchase a diamond to express their own relationship—timeless and durable.”

Canadian diamonds come from deep within the frozen rocks of ethically operated Northwest Territories mines. They are laser engraved with unique tracking numbers and Canadian icons (such as polar bears and maple leaves) for positive identification and unimpeachable pedigree—these can only be seen with a magnifying loupe or microscope. Polar Bear and Polar Ice diamonds are government-certified to have been mined, cut and polished in Canada. Hallmark of Quality diamonds are sold with a certificate tracing their origin to Canada’s Ekati mine. All three brands rigorously grade their stones for cut, clarity and brilliance.

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is home to two treasure troves for Canadian jewel seekers. Castle Jewels is the place to find dazzling Polar Bear and Polar Ice diamonds, while Banff Springs Jewellery primarily displays Korite ammolite. “Both shops feature one-of-a kind designer pieces,” says Castle Jewel’s Mark Groom. “Our customers certainly return home with a nice piece of Canada,” he adds.

Local gemologists get excited when talking about ammolite. “A beautiful piece will make you sit up and say wow,” enthuses Susan Kun. Philippe Plourde (better known as Philippe of Banff) puts it simply: “To die for.” The colours of ammolite are what make it so exciting—high grade gems positively shimmer when turned in the light. These iridescent beauties are eye-catching and unforgettable, and look stunning when set in gold or platinum.

At Philippe of Banff’s lovely new Banff Ave shop, jewellery is made on-site. Ammolite is hand-polished to a high gloss that will remain beautiful forever. “We are the home of double-faced ammolite,” explains Philippe. Imperial ammolite, which has brilliant colour on both sides, is exceedingly rare, and therefore highly prized for pendants.

At The Ammonite Factory in Canmore you can watch the process of raw ammonite being transformed into a pretty piece of finished jewellery. Tours are offered every morning except Sundays (call to reserve).

While all local jewellers have a range of items to choose from, some customers prefer to have their piece custom made. This is often the case where love is concerned—what better way to express your own personal commitment than by creating a unique engagement, wedding or anniversary ring together?

To determine what kind of piece is desired, “we listen closely to customers and show them sample styles,” says Rudi Peet’s Susan Kun. “Sometimes, customers may already have their own ideas that we can turn into a piece of jewellery that specifically matches their taste.”

Philippe of Banff offers a private lounge where customers can discuss their dream jewellery. “We do a huge variety of custom design work,” Philippe says. It generally takes two weeks to produce a finished product, but Philippe can create a custom piece in 24 hours for visitors who are in a hurry. With its log cabin look, Freya’s Jewellery in Banff has a mountain feel that’s reflected in their handmade jewellery. “We can create a ring or pendant with a carved mountain scene—the Canadian diamond inset can appear as a full moon,” suggests shop owner Ossi Treutler Jr. Goldsmiths apply their creativity at Freya’s open-to-view Banff studio most days—at their Jasper location, the goldsmith is on-site most Saturdays.

You may wonder which Canadian gem to purchase. The answer is simple—you’ll know it when you see it. As Susan Kun reflects: “When it speaks to you, that’s the right stone.”

Publication Date: 5/2006