Discover Ecksand’s Pearl Jewelry: The Story Behind the Wonder Collection

A Journey That Begins with Pearls: Ecksand’s Founding Story

Long before Ecksand became known for its beloved engagement rings and ethical craftsmanship, there were pearls; the natural kind that take months to form and require perfect environmental conditions to thrive.

It all started in Tahiti, where Ecksand CEO Yoan Gehant-Vidoni was traveling with family as a teen. On a remote island, he was introduced to the world of pearl farming. “The entire local economy revolved around pearls,” he recalls. “It was unlike anything I’d seen; completely in tune with nature.”

Pearl farming in Tahiti wasn’t industrial. It couldn’t be. If the water quality was off, if the balance of the ecosystem shifted, oysters wouldn’t produce pearls. The practice required remoteness, respect, and patience. That ethos left a lasting impression on Yoan.

From Tahitian Pearls to the First Ecksand Pendant

Returning home to Montreal with a small pouch of pearls, Yoan, only 14 at the time, started flipping through the Yellow Pages and cold-calling jewellers. He showed up on Cathcart Street, the city’s jewellers district, with the ambition to sell the few pearls he had.

His earliest sales were small and personal: loose pearls sold shop-to-shop. Eventually, he had one crafted into a pendant, the very first Ecksand jewel. It wasn’t branded, but it sparked something bigger. Necklaces followed. Then requests for diamonds. Then the first custom engagement ring.

Winning a school business contest provided $10,000 in funding, and Yoan opened a small office near the jewelry district. When the first walk-in client asked for a custom design, the direction was clear: there was demand for something thoughtful, modern, and different. And Ecksand would meet it.

Building Ecksand: From Pearl Jewelry to Ethical Diamonds

As Ecksand grew, so did its materials. From pearls to natural colored diamonds and recycled gold, the team began to refine its process, and its purpose. Joined by Creative Director Erica Bianchini, Ecksand built a fully in-house atelier in Montreal. They crafted fine jewelry rooted in ethics: sustainable materials, conflict-free stones, and Canadian-made production.

By 2010, Ecksand had expanded into New York via a pop-up event. Their work caught the attention of Forbes, and they were featured as part of the Natural Colored Diamond Association (NCDIA), of which Ecksand became a founding member.

But even as the brand evolved, pearls remained foundational. They had always been more than a material. They were a philosophy.

Introducing the Wonder Collection: Modern Pearl Jewelry Made in Canada

Today, Ecksand returns to its origins with the launch of the Wonder collection: a refined exploration of pearls, sculpted recycled gold, and ethically sourced diamonds.

From fluid lariats to sculptural earrings and understated rings, Wonder brings the quiet strength of the ocean into wearable form. Each jewel is crafted entirely in Canada and certified with the Canadian National Hallmark, a rare distinction that guarantees origin, integrity, and excellence.

Spotlight on Signature Pieces from the Wonder Collection

Akoya Pearl and Diamonds Gold Ring

A luminous pearl, cradled in recycled gold and flanked by two ethically sourced diamonds. Understated. Enduring.

Akoya Pearl Gold Lariat Necklace

Delicate balance meets fluid form, this sculptural piece evokes movement, depth, and quiet elegance.

Akoya Pearl and Diamonds Gold Conch Earring and Studs

Inspired by the curves of seashells and coastal asymmetry, these earrings blend natural shape with precise design.

Pearl Jewelry FAQ: What You Need to Know About Pearls

1. What are Akoya pearls and how are they different from other pearls?

Akoya pearls are saltwater pearls primarily cultivated in Japan and China. Known for their perfectly round shape and mirror-like luster, they’re considered a classic choice for fine pearl jewelry. Compared to freshwater pearls, Akoya pearls are usually smaller but more uniform and highly reflective.

2. Are pearls sustainable?

Yes, pearls, especially those farmed responsibly like Akoya and Tahitian varieties, are inherently sustainable. They require clean, healthy marine environments to form, making their cultivation dependent on protecting ocean ecosystems. At Ecksand, we source pearls from partners who follow strict environmental practices.

3. Can pearl jewelry be worn every day?

Yes, but with care. Pearls are softer than gemstones like diamonds or sapphires, so it’s best to avoid contact with chemicals, perfumes, or abrasives. Wipe them gently after wearing and store them separately from harder jewelry.

4. Why is Canadian-made pearl jewelry special?

Jewelry handcrafted in Canada, especially pieces certified with the Canadian National Hallmark, adheres to some of the highest standards for ethical sourcing, labor conditions, and craftsmanship. At Ecksand, all pearl jewelry is made in our Montreal atelier, ensuring traceability and quality from start to finish.

5. Is pearl jewelry a good gift for special occasions?

Absolutely. Pearls have long symbolized wisdom, elegance, and transformation. Whether given as a birthday gift, anniversary piece, or bridal accessory, they offer timeless beauty and lasting significance.

A Legacy That Begins and Continues with Pearls

From a remote pearl farm in Tahiti to a modern Canadian atelier, pearls have always been part of Ecksand’s story. The Wonder collection is both a tribute and a return; a reminder that nature’s quietest creations often leave the most lasting mark.

Montreal Maison & Toronto Boutique – also available online at ecksand.com