Being a jeweller is more than just working with precious gems and metals—it's about creating meaningful pieces that last a lifetime. Rita Elias, an experienced jeweller at La Maison d'Or, shares what it’s like to be part of one of the most long-standing jewellery stores in Ottawa. 

From crafting custom engagement rings to embracing new trends, Rita’s role is as dynamic as it is inspiring!

 

 Rita spending time with our clients to find their perfect ring

 

A Passion for Sparkle: How It All Began

Rita’s journey into the world of fine jewelry started at just 21 years old. 

“I’ve always had a fascination with gems and diamonds, so turning it into my career was a natural choice,” she says. 

Shortly after joining La Maison d'Or, Rita was enrolled in the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to complete her gemstone and diamond grading course, along with a design course to enhance her skills in custom creations.

Her love for unique, sparkling pieces is evident in every interaction she has with her clients. 

“It’s very special to help someone create a piece of fine jewellery they can look at and enjoy every day. That piece then becomes a family heirloom, passed down through generations,” Rita shares with a smile.

 

A Typical Day (If There Is Such a Thing…)

For independent jewellers in Ottawa like Rita, no two days are alike. 

“Every day is different because you never know who will walk through our doors!” she exclaims. 

One of her favourite experiences was working with Ottawa Red Blacks football player Richie, who sought her expertise in creating a custom Tacori engagement ring. Originally from Atlanta, Richie wanted something truly unique to present to his wife, and Rita was thrilled to help make that moment unforgettable.

 

La Maison d'Or at the Fam Network Gala

 

Custom creations are Rita’s favourite part of the job. She explains the process: 

“We start with a vision. Our in-house designer, Tammy, sketches a few variations to bring the idea to life. Then we move on to a 3D version for the client’s approval, followed by a 3D wax model they can try on. Once everything is perfect, we craft the piece in platinum or their preferred metal.”

 

Balancing Creativity and Business

Working in a busy store in Ottawa requires juggling creativity with business acumen—a skill Rita has honed over 17 years in retail. 

“Multi-tasking and being open-minded are key,” she notes. To stay on top of industry trends, she regularly attends jewellery tradeshows and seminars, including the prestigious JCK Las Vegas show. “It’s where we see new trends showcased, and it helps us select the right products for our market.”

Rita also values collaboration and learning from other family jewellers. 

“Speaking with them and learning what works best helps us improve continuously,” she says. 

This commitment to excellence is evident in the way La Maison d'Or operates, offering one of the best selections of engagement rings in Ottawa.

 

Tools of the Trade

A jeweller’s tools are essential to their craft, and for Rita, her most important tool is her microscope. 

“It’s used for examining diamonds and gemstones and checking the condition of pieces as they go in and out of the store,” she explains. 

Product knowledge is equally crucial. 

“Our industry evolves quickly, and there’s always something new to learn each year,” she says, emphasizing the importance of staying informed about both product details and emerging trends.

 

Memorable Moments

Rita’s career is filled with memorable moments, but one that stands out is when she met the parents of a Canadian Olympic skater. 

“They wanted to surprise their daughter with a custom Olympic necklace full of diamonds while she was competing. When she returned with a silver and gold medal, we had the pleasure of presenting the necklace to her in our store. It was an unforgettable experience.”

 

Celebrating Canadian Diamonds and Giving Back

As an Ottawa-based jeweller, Rita is proud to work with Maple Leaf Diamonds, a collection that features gold from the Royal Canadian Mint right here in the capital. 

“Canada is ranked third in diamond mining production, and using Canadian Diamonds in our pieces is something we’re very proud of,” she says.

La Maison d'Or is also deeply committed to giving back to the community. The store collaborates with local charities like Jump Start from Canadian Tire and CHEO Hospital. 

“We love supporting the community that has supported us over the years,” Rita says warmly.

 

The Joy of Jewellery

For Rita, the most rewarding part of being a jeweller is seeing her clients’ reactions to their custom pieces. 

“Knowing that the piece I created is something they’ll look at every day and show off to family and friends is so fulfilling,” she shares. “Love what you do, and it will show!”

 

Rita with the team taking our Christmas picture

 

As La Maison d'Or continues to thrive, Rita is excited about the future. With Brent’s daughter, Jessica, now part of the team, the family legacy is set to continue. 

My goal is to keep the family business moving forward to the third generation,” she says proudly.

From crafting bespoke engagement rings to participating in the latest industry trends, Rita Elias embodies the passion and expertise that make La Maison d'Or one of the leading independent jewellers in Ottawa. 

Whether you're searching for a unique piece or creating a family heirloom, Rita and her team are ready to bring your vision to life.

 

Rita Answers More! FAQ

 

Is it hard to be a jeweller?

It's not hard to be a jeweller, but it has to be a passion like anything else. 

You have to love gemstones and everything else in between, you have to learn about jewellery restoration, what can or can't be done to a client's piece of jewellery, and learning the custom side of the business is also very important. 

 

What personality traits does a jeweller need?

Creativity, listening to your client's wants and needs, patience, and kindness. We are here celebrating special moments with our clients, learning about who they are and why they picked La Maison D'or!

 

How do you learn to become a jeweller?

Being a jeweller requires taking courses with the American Gem Society and the GIA. Each year we need to pass our courses to keep our credentials.

 

Do jewellers experience creative blocks?

As with all creative roles, of course! When this happens I'll take a step back and brainstorm other ways to complete the task and make it happen!