About Helen

Goldsmith, designer, and maker — working from a converted warehouse studio in Toronto's west end.

Jeweller's workbench with gold ring and gemstones

Training & Background

Helen trained in fine metalwork at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design before completing a master's in jewellery design at the Royal College of Art in London. She returned to Canada in 2012 and established her studio on Ossington Avenue.

Her background bridges two traditions: the precise technical rigour of European goldsmithing and the more experimental, narrative-driven approach she developed in art school. The result is jewellery that functions as sculpture — structurally sound but visually arresting.

Philosophy

Material Honesty

Helen works exclusively with precious metals and genuine gemstones. No plating, no simulants, no coatings that wear away. Every piece is designed to age gracefully — gold develops warmth, silver gains patina, and the wearer's life leaves its mark on the object.

Ethical Sourcing

Gemstones are traced to their mine of origin wherever possible. Gold is either recycled or sourced from certified Fairmined operations in Colombia and Mongolia. Fabrics for the clothing line come from European deadstock houses or certified organic mills.

One of One

Nothing is produced in multiples. When Helen finishes a ring, necklace, or garment, she moves on to the next design. Clients who miss a piece can commission something inspired by it, but no two objects are identical.

Collaboration Over Prescription

Bespoke commissions begin with conversation, not a catalogue. Helen draws on the client's personality, history, and taste rather than offering pre-set options. The process is intimate and iterative — most pieces go through three to four design rounds before fabrication begins.

Recognition

Helen's work has been featured in Canadian Living, Azure Magazine, and the Globe and Mail's style supplement. She was a finalist for the CCDC Emerging Designer Award in 2016 and received the Ontario Arts Council Craft Grant in 2019 and 2022.

Her pieces are held in private collections across Canada, the United States, and Europe. Select works are available through galleries in Toronto and Vancouver — contact the studio for current stockists.