About Us

Specializing in developing pearl jewelry programs for large retail chains mostly across North America

Since 1978, Canadian Gem has supplied retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers with the most complete selection of loose cultured pearls and pearl jewelry. We specialize in developing pearl jewelry programs for large retail chains mostly across North America. Our large and constantly growing database of designs and inventory, our worldwide contacts, offices, partnerships as well as our unsurpassed expertise allow us to custom design programs unique to each client.

History & Milestones

1973 – Humble Beginings

A small family retail business is born in the form of a jewelry and accessories store near downtown Montreal.

1973

1970

1970’s Wholesaling

The company expands and forms a manufacturing and wholesale division with an office downtown focusing on high end pearl jewelry.

1980’s Growth

Imports of pearls grow and represent a third of all pearl imports into Canada. This is fueled by the demand for more of our in house designed and manufactured product.

1980

1990

1990’s Big Leagues

Canadian Gem moves to the Scotia tower downtown Montreal and is an early adopter in computers, management software and B2B communication platforms like EDI.

2000’s Expansion

With solid footing and a stable business model, expansion starts in the form of buying offices in Asia and selling/service offices in the USA and overseas.

2000

2010

2010’s Focus

With the 2008 US Recession hitting the jewelry segment hard, expansion is slowed and replaced by a focus on core competencies which leads to the re-launch of the Nishi Pearls brand in North America.

Helping Communities

From the communities that create and harvest pearls, to the cities where we work and live, Canadian Gem is committed in maintaining the highest industry standards as well as helping and improving the lives of community members via partnerships with schools such as the EGM (Ecole de Gemmologie de Montreal) and the YMCA.