Welcome!
If you've landed on my site during your online treasure hunt, thanks for visiting. I hope you discover a world of inspiration here in my little corner of the universe where I create heirlooms with stories to last a lifetime.
If you're in downtown Toronto, we may have crossed paths in Parkdale, where I can be found toiling away in my studio Made You Look beside my favourite people.
Toronto is home.
YYZ is the third Canadian city I've lived in and where I've found my tribe. My studies took me from Montreal to Halifax at the ripe creative age of 20, where I graduated with honors from the Jewellery & Metalsmithing program at NSCAD University.
I moved to Toronto on a bit of a whim.
After one summer in residence at Toronto's Harbourfront Centre as a metals student, I saw that being in the big city might be my best shot at becoming a designer, short of moving to New York City. I moved from the comforts of a Maritime small town experience to Toronto's urban jungle, hustle and big city attitude literally overnight. I was eager, full of ideas, and ready to leap into the unknown. The day after graduation in 2009, I packed up 4 suitcases, lined up a studio to rent in the Fashion District on Spadina Avenue, and began to prepare for my debut juried art show at City Hall. I started my journey in Toronto with accolades for my creativity and hard work, winning the National Student Jewellery Competition at LA Pai Gallery in Ottawa, and for two consecutive years winning Best Jewellery at the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition. I wouldn't say these small triumphs made my career, but it was clear the universe had something in store for me and I had to keep going!
For the better part of a decade, I worked in creative fields, for other jewellers. I taught classes and toted my kiln to locations to teach enameling. Over the last 12 years in Toronto, hundreds of encouraging and wise souls became my unofficial mentors on the artist's path. I began creating diamond rings initially as a side hustle to my artwork, to pay off school, and it snowballed into a creative service I knew I would love doing for years to come.
In 2015, I launched my bespoke fine jewellery line, and left all my part time endeavours to become a full time jewellery maker & designer. I now design future heirlooms with diamonds, sapphires, precious materials and my beloved enamel from my studio in downtown Toronto.
I've had the pleasure of working with hundreds of clients locally and worldwide, some who have become best friends.
I learned to enamel with glass during my years in Halifax, and it became a signature of my work. You won't find many contemporary enamel diamond rings made in small batch, or custom made with by an independent designer in Canada. Many jewellers have asked me to enamel their work for them, but I devote my time and skill to creating work for private clients. The collaborative experience is something I love. Whether you are looking for a traditional brilliant Canadian diamond, or a unique sapphire in any hue of the rainbow, my network of professional lapidarists, gemmologists, diamond suppliers are at our fingertips to source high quality ethical gems for your fine jewellery pieces.
Enjoy the site, peruse our gallery of past work, shop ready to ship, loose diamonds, and enjoy! You can follow along on social media for the latest news, specials or sneak peaks. @emilygilldesign Instagram is a fun place to connect in this digital age and get inspired.
Looking forward to making you a special piece one day, perhaps?
With gratitude, always,
Emily
