HISTORY

At the beginning, there was little to suggest that Yoan Gehant and Erica Bianchini, both only twenty-one, were about to tie their destinies to the world of fine jewelry.

The Origins

a canadian-made tahitian pearl necklace on a paper with description of the pearl size and dimensions, with a ball point pen
2000

An Inspirational Journey

The spark that would ignite Ecksand began beneath the shifting horizons of Tahiti, where Yoan first held a Tahitian pearl. Struck by its unpredictable grace, a living, organic treasure born from the sea, he recognized in it a profound dialogue between raw strength and delicate refinement. It was the moment he knew he had found something worth building a life around.

ecksand's founder and ceo yoan gehant inspecting an ethically sourced diamond in the ecksand montreal atelier
2008

From Pearl to Diamond

The first jewels crafted with Tahitian pearls were only the beginning. It was a bespoke engagement ring commission that crystallized Ecksand’s path, opening the doors to a new horizon: the world of diamonds.

In this new realm, Yoan discovered a contrasting reality. The pearl is a product of the living world— of time and patience—as is the diamond, but the latter operated within a complex, often opaque industry, fragmented by a multitude of intermediaries. This dissonance between diamond's original purity and the rigid mechanics of the traditional trade redefined Erica and Yoan’s vision of the craft.

2009

The Creation of a Maison

Erica and Yoan’s ambition evolved into the desire to build a truly independent Maison. Further propelled by an entrepreneurship competition, Ecksand was officially founded in Montreal.

the door of the old ecksand jewelry boutique in montreal
The Edward VII Monument statue of King Edward VII by artist Louis-Philippe Hébert and located at Phillips Square in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, where Ecksand's first boutique was.
2010

An Experience Before Its Time

The first-ever Ecksand boutique opened on the 15th floor of a building in Philips Square—the heart of Montreal’s famed Jewellers District.

At the time, the world of luxury lived almost exclusively behind traditional glass displays; fine jewelry online was a rare exception. Yet, Yoan and Erica chose this pioneering path, convinced that digital platforms and direct boutique sales would become the twin pillars of a new era of transparency and connection.

wooden tools on a workbench in ecksand's montreal canadian atelier
wooden tools on a workbench in ecksand's montreal canadian atelier
2012

The Atelier is Born

While an early collaboration with a major Canadian retailer validated their expertise, it served primarily as a catalyst, confirming the founders' belief that Canadian craftsmanship possessed the talent to meet, and then exceed, the highest international standards.

This evolution led naturally to the opening of the Ecksand atelier in 2012. By stepping away from the logic of mass production, this space became a sanctuary for their commitments and a guarantor of impeccable traceability.

Therefore, Ecksand was built with patience and sincerity, guided by the precision of the artisan’s hand and a clear vision. Yoan and Erica consider it a journey that transcends mere profession;

It is a true jewelry crusade.

the historic 620 cathcart building in montreal's phillips square in canada, home to ecksand's montreal montreal jewelry store boutique on the ground floor at 632 rue cathcart
2018

The Cradle and Symbol

After nearly a decade of dedicated craftsmanship experience, Ecksand reached a defining milestone with the unveiling of its first flagship boutique in Montreal. Nestled within the historic Castle Building on Cathcart Street, the space elevates technical expertise into a welcoming luxury destination that balances high-end sophistication with a grounded sense of accessibility.

A Mission Propelled

the outside of ecksand's toronto yorkville jewelry store in canada
2025

A Sanctuary in Yorkville

The establishment of the Toronto boutique in February 2025 signifies far more than a mere geographical expansion, as it represents the seamless union of two distinct centers of excellence. This deliberate move into Ontario honors a shared commitment to uncompromising quality and master craftsmanship while bringing the Maison closer to a community that mirrors its own values.

Following the success of a preliminary pop-up experience, the choice to plant permanent roots at 162 Cumberland Street felt like a natural progression. Nestled in the heart of Yorkville, where heritage and haute couture intersect, this address provides a serene sanctuary for a brand that prizes discretion and refined elegance.

The story of Ecksand unfolds as a continuous narrative, where each campaign serves as a distinct chapter in the Maison’s evolving identity. These visual journeys oscillate between creative exploration and quiet introspection, weaving together threads of bold audacity and deep-rooted tradition to form a cohesive legacy. By approaching each release as part of a singular, unfolding tale, the brand ensures that its spirit is captured in every frame and every setting.

erica bianchini at the ecksand new york fashion week event
2025

New York Fashion Week

The Maison’s international trajectory reached a pivotal milestone during New York Fashion Week in 2025 with an exclusive private showcase. This debut served as more than a launch; it acted as a bridge, grounding the Maison’s independent and authentic luxury in the vibrant energy of the American market. Drawing upon the technical excellence of Montreal, the brand successfully translated its unique vision to resonate with the sophisticated sensibilities of a New York audience.

a model wearing canadian-made 18k yellow gold ecksand aura diamond fine jewelry collection
2025

A Transformative Signature Arises

The Aura collection stands as a vivid testament to this narrative approach, serving as an evocative ode to escapism. Captured against the sun-drenched, dreamlike vistas of California, the campaign remains firmly anchored in a distinctive French-Canadian perspective. Through the presence of ambassador Ari Fournier, who personifies the intersection of sensitivity, modernity, and untethered freedom, the campaign transcends simple product display to become a study in character and atmosphere.

a model in paris wearing canadian-made ecksand fine jewelry
2026

Paris

Bridal Collection

For the 2026 Bridal Collection, the narrative thread pulls toward Paris, the evocative city of love that serves as the backdrop for the founders’ own engagement. This personal history breathes life into the designs, transforming jewelry into vessels of commitment. By expertly blending ancestral craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics, each piece is forged to honor new unions and endure as a lasting reflection of the promises made between two people.

Far from merely echoing the past, Ecksand infuses it with contemporary standards and an inherently ethical vision. The Maison’s independence fuels a clear ambition to reclaim Montreal’s status as a definitive landmark on the international luxury stage.