Of all the latest bridal, style and social trends, the Made in Canada movement is the biggest and most compelling. That’s why—along with countless others in the country—bridal couples, their families and guests are checking labels and asking questions to ensure the wedding-related products they choose help support the Canadian economy.
That includes engagement rings, wedding rings, bridal jewellery and jewellery gifts. Luckily, for couples in this region, La Maison d’Or Jewellers is already the go-to place. Most people know La Maison d’Or as Ottawa’s engagement headquarters; it has been for over 75 years. But did you know it’s also the destination for jewellery and diamonds from right here in Canada?
“As a family-owned local Canadian business, we have always strived to support local businesses as much as possible because we know, firsthand, how valuable that support can be. Over 90 per cent of the jewellery we sell is manufactured in Canada, with Canadian gold and Canadian labour,” says owner Brent Harden. “We are also very proud to have a strong partnership with Maple Leaf Diamonds, a family-owned Canadian business run out of Toronto, prioritizing the use of diamonds mined right here in Canada.”
In fact, Brent travelled to Yellowknife last year and visited the Ekati Canadian diamond mine. “I am happy to be one of only 25 jewellers worldwide who have been inside both the Ekati diamond mine and its sorting facility in Yellowknife,” he says. While there, he learned exactly how these diamond mines positively impact the Northwest Territories and its Indigenous peoples and he was excited to see how La Maison d’Or is supporting growth and prosperity right in our own backyard.
The diamonds also caught his eye. At the sorting facility in Yellowknife, he says, “I spotted and picked up the most beautiful rough yellow Canadian diamond. Months later, I saw the most gorgeous ring at a jewellery show and it turned out to be the same diamond! I immediately had to have it for my store!”
As so many couples have discovered over the years, there’s a difference at La Maison d’Or Jewellers and it can be summed up in one word: Quality. Every salesperson undergoes rigorous annual re-certification exams by the American Gem Society, to ensure their knowledge is always current. In terms of design expertise, La Maison d’Or’s jewellery designer Tammy Mood is one of the best in the business and can create absolutely stunning custom pieces.
The in-store experience is exceptional, as well. “The staff will sit down with you, get to know you, bring you a coffee or drink from our Astoria café and work tirelessly to make sure that you are 100 per cent thrilled with your purchase,” says Brent. “We are so proud to have a 4.9 rating on Google—a true reflection of our commitment to taking real care of our clients.”
At the same time, the quality of the products invariably turns heads. Brent says, “Every single diamond and piece of jewellery in our counters is hand-selected by myself personally, to ensure that only the best of the best makes its way to our customers.”
It’s a dedication that dates back to 1949, when La Maison d’Or was started in Hawkesbury by Brent’s parents, Bill and Julie Harden. Brent and his two brothers grew up in the store and were also mentored by their beloved Auntie Kay Assaly, owner of K&W Assaly, a clothing store.
Armed with industry knowledge from a very young age, Brent and his brothers eventually took over the family jewellery business, opening locations throughout Eastern Ontario and Quebec in the 1970s and 1980s. These were all eventually consolidated into Brent’s flagship location at Place d’Orléans Shopping Center, which continues to grow every year.
2024 marked 75 years of operation for La Maison d’Or Jewellers and today, with Brent’s daughter Jessica as part of the team, the commitment to excellence in jewellery craftsmanship and customer service is three-generations strong. It’s a devotion to helping people make the most of special moments in life that is also shared by staff members. For instance, team manager Rita Elias has been with the store for 20 years.
Both the approach and the experience are extraordinary and bridal couples truly appreciate that. “We make it a priority to find or design the perfect piece for every client, no matter their budget and no matter their style. There truly is something for everyone,” says Brent. Even the after-purchase service is worth noting. It’s called Now & Forever Care and Brent describes it as “the best jewellery warranty program in all of Canada and just one of the ways we show our commitment to taking care of our clients for a lifetime.” lamaisondor.com
