Metal wears over time and rings are the most common pieces of jewellery that need to be repaired because they are worn the most.
If you notice your ring is much thinner under your finger than the areas in between your fingers, your ring may need to be re-shanked.
This is the process where the thin area of metal is cut out and a thicker piece of metal is soldered back into place. If a thin ring has cracked it can be soldered back together but a good jeweller will also suggest re-shanking for a longer lasting solution.
Silver prices have gone up mainly because more people want silver than there is available. It’s no longer used just for jewellery — it’s a key material in solar panels, electric vehicles, computer chips, and modern electronics, all of which are growing fast. Mining silver takes time, and new supply can’t ramp up quickly, so demand is outpacing production. On top of that, when the world feels uncertain due to wars, economic slowdowns, or debt worries, people often turn to precious metals like silver as a safer place to put their money, which pushes prices higher.
Another reason prices are climbing is financial investing. Large investors are buying silver through funds that physically store the metal, which means less silver is available on the open market. When supply is tied up in vaults and exchange inventories are low, prices rise. At the same time, things like a weaker U.S. dollar, expectations of lower interest rates, and fears about inflation make silver more attractive as a way to protect money’s value — adding even more pressure for prices to keep going up.
What this means for handmade jewellery?
Material Costs for Jewelry Makers Go Up
When silver spot prices rise sharply, the raw material cost for your pieces goes up too — whether you’re using sterling grain, sheet, wire, or casting grain. Jewellers don’t usually buy metal at old prices indefinitely: suppliers tend to base casting grain & wholesale metal costs on recent spot price averages, so costs rise with the market.
Result:
Your cost per ounce of silver increases — which directly raises the cost of production.
Profit margins shrink if you don’t raise prices.
Many makers raise retail prices of silver jewelry accordingly.
Retail Prices Likely Rise (Consumers Pay More)
Because silver is now more expensive, most brands and artisans will either:
Increase retail prices, or
Reduce the amount of silver in designs to keep prices accessible.
That means:
Simple earrings that once sold for, say, C$50–90 may edge upward.
Larger, heavier pieces (e.g., chunky bracelets, large pendants) become proportionally more expensive.
In Canada, this is amplified because the silver price saw record levels in Canadian dollars as well as USD.
We hope everyone had a good holiday period, and is facing the beginning of 2026 with renewed optimism and enthusiasm! Just a few PSAs: there’s lots of new jewellery in the studio, some of it totally uplifting! Stop in and say hi, and browse – we’d love to see you!
Thinking about taking a class? Just a reminder that we’ve had to put up our class prices for 2026, sadly the increases in metal prices and inflation mean that we need to adjust our classes. It’s not all bad news, though – if you have a gift certificate from 2025, you can book your class in January or February at the 2025 pricing!
Enjoy the wintry weather – we’ve passed the shortest day, so although it’s cold and showy, the daylight is definitely getting longer!
New work by House of Cassady, available in studio now.
My experience at Jewel Envy as a co-op student. I am a Michael Power Saint Joseph high-school student who took co-op and chose to do it at Jewel Envy. Co-op is a course that allows students to go and apply to a placement to do work at instead of doing standard classes. I chose to apply to Jewel Envy, because it seemed like a very clean, polite, and interesting place. As well I was interested in making jewellery, and Jewel Envy makes high quality hand made jewellery. Doing co-op here is an amazing experience, because everyone is so nice, polite, and helpful. I also learned new useful skills such as how to make jewellery, how to take care of the store, and how to take care of jewellery. Learning, especially how jewellery is made is an incredibly fun and interesting experience. In conclusion I really enjoy doing my co-op here and would recommend stopping by the shop.
These are both rings I have learned to make during my co-op time. The first is a phases of the moon ring made using fabrication skills and the second is a snake that wraps around the finger that I carved from wax and then cast into metal. Both are made of sterling silver.
Winter seems to be have landed. I don’t know about you, but I am finding it coooooollllld! Although I am enjoying seeing the sun, so there is that I suppose. In honour of the wintry weather, let these luscious lips warm you up!
finished with sterling silver, made by Pash Jewellery Design (aka Gillian!), they’re so fun, and definitely affordable!
In the last two weeks before Christmas and we are super busy here in studio, and we’re sure you are too! If you’ve been thinking about gifting one-of-a-kind, we have plenty of beautiful handmade pieces to choose from here in our shop. Whether you want to go extravagant, contemporary, colourful, or minimalist, we’ve got it all at Jewel Envy.
Earrings and necklaces by Gillian Batcher / Pash Jewellery Design
Brooch by Alex Kinsley / Kinsley Vey Designs
Wreath Necklace by Zoey Perse
Sterling silver statement bangles by Jerell Reichart / Urban Metal
Earrings & rings by Eunice Lin
Turquoise earrings & ring by Alexis Kostuk / Glaciale Designs
Butterfly brooches & earrings by Lina Maria Avendano
Necklace, ring, and earrings my Minseo Whee
Necklaces, turquoise ring, and earrings by Jennifer Trotman / Frekkle Designs
Did you ever wonder when in history was the Baroque Period? It was after the renaissance from the early 17th century to the mid-18th century. This was an extravagant time marked by social, political and artistic transformations. When one thinks of Baroque jewelry, it shows a sense of drama, grandeur and ornamentation. Also, you can think of Baroque jewelry as jewelry that has intricate craftsmanship and the use of precious materials.
While the Renaissance period embraced linear and harmonious aesthetics and forms, the Baroque style embraced a more dynamic and theatrical style.
So why was this era so extravagant and full of drama and grandeur? Well, during this time, the Catholic Church was trying to reassert its dominance through elaborate displays of wealth and opulence. So, you could say it was a movement; an artistic movement which influenced not only jewelry but also music, literature and architecture.
Baroque jewelry, with its intricate designs and lavish use of gemstones, became a symbol of wealth and status during this period. The jewelry of the Baroque era often featured elaborate motifs such as flowers, leaves, and scrolls, meticulously crafted in gold or silver. Precious gemstones like diamonds, rubies, and emeralds were also incorporated into the designs, adding a touch of opulence and luxury.
One of the key characteristics of Baroque jewelry was its emphasis on movement and dynamism. Pieces were designed to catch the light and sparkle, enhancing the overall effect. Necklaces, bracelets, and earrings were often adorned with cascading gemstones or intricate chains, creating a sense of fluidity and motion.
December birthdays can be tricky when it comes to gift giving. With all of the special events going on, how does a December birthday gift stand out? With personalization! Customization! Any gift stands out when it connects directly with the recipient, and what connects more to a December birthday than a unique, handmade December birthstone present?
One December birthstone is Turquoise, which comes in a myriad of tones and can be used in a myriad of ways. Here at Jewel Envy, we have pieces in stock that can be adjusted or sized if needed.
We do require 4-6 weeks for new custom pieces, so check the birthstone of your loved one and drop by to discuss a custom piece soon!
