“We are in a joyful profession,”
Brent Harden, President of the family-owned and operated La Maison d’Or, rejoices, “bringing people and their loved ones together over generations. We help our guests create beautiful memories with the people they love.”
He knows whereof he speaks: Brent proudly stores a solid gold ID bracelet, once worn by his company founder-father, in the top drawer of his bedroom bureau. “It never fails to amaze me how much a piece of fine jewellery can really matter to someone,” he adds, “especially when it’s from a loved one.”
Elegant and timeless, this 1-carat round diamond pendant in 10-kt white gold from La Maison d’Or is one of their top holiday recommendations, the perfect keepsake to unwrap this season.
Finely crafted keepsakes are what La Maison d’Or is all about. Three-quarters of their sales, in fact, are attributable to families who have made visits to the store—located in the Place d’Orléans Shopping Centre—a veritable ritual, some going as far back as the immediate post-war period. That’s when Brent’s newly married parents first opened shop. Back then, the store was located in Hawkesbury, of which the sentimental Brent holds fond childhood memories. “I grew up in that store,” he recounts. “My best friends were our watchmaker and staff. People loved the warm and friendly atmosphere.
Today, we proudly continue this tradition. Sitting, talking with our clients, one on one, face to face—and enjoying every minute of it!”All these years later, hospitality remains a high priority. “When you come and see us,” Brent explains, “you’re greeted with a warm smile, a beverage, and a snack! We ask you to sit down and get to know your needs and dreams. We take the time—which is rare in this fast-paced world—to build the perfect piece that will last for generations to come. After the purchase, we offer our Now & Forever Care service, which is the best jewellery aftercare in Canada. It includes annual inspections, free cleaning at any time, and insurance appraisal updates. It’s fun, exciting, and we love it!”
Especially around the holidays, when the store enjoys some of its highest annual traffic. It’s not simply the necessity of gift-giving that inspires people to drop in, nor the welcome vibe exuded by the entire staff. Every year, Brent and company ensure that there’s plenty from which their clientele can choose. “We always plan to bring our customers the latest in the fine jewellery world: trending pieces such as coloured gemstones and stunning Canadian diamond jewellery, hand-selected by me and Rita, our team manager.”
Rita Elias, team manager at La Maison d’Or, helps clients find or design the perfect piece, providing the personal care and expertise that define the store’s warm reputation.
Not to mention custom-designed rings, pendants, bracelets, and earrings. Every year, La Maison d’Or fashions over 400 of these items, proudly using Canadian gold and labour.
In addition, customers are invited to check out La Maison d’Or’s ever-helpful gift-giving guide, which is updated daily. It’s brimming with in-stock items in a variety of styles, suited for every budget. Each item is ready to take home, a mere purchase from being slipped into a stocking or slid under the Christmas tree.
And as always, every customer is assured that they’re walking away with a gift of the highest possible quality. Every piece at La Maison d’Or is subject to a rigorous examination process. Each item of their inventory undergoes a thorough quality control procedure. It’s conducted in the fully operational gem lab set up right within the store, by a full-time expert dedicated to this task alone.
But La Maison d’Or’s big-heartedness extends beyond the boundaries of accommodating its customers. For years, the business has been a regular supporter of a number of area charities. This year, La Maison d’Or bought 90 winter coats from the recently closed Huson’s Bay Company, which it generously offered to local shelters.
It also continues to extend a hand to the Wabano Center for Aboriginal Health, and has made donations to organizational events, including the Mental Health Gala for CHEO and Black Tie Bingo for Bruyere.
The company’s first focus, though, is the buyer, whether La Maison d’Or has long played a part in their family history or they’re first-timers just beginning their own tradition. “We truly get it!” says Brent. “We understand what jewellery means to the people buying it, how it’s so much more than just metal and stones. We also strive to make the shopping experience as memorable as possible. We even have a fun collection of tumbled stones from Brazil that we gift to children who come in with their parents, which always reminds me of my early days with my dad.”
“Buying jewellery should be fun and special,” he concludes. “We will forever and always go above and beyond to make it so!”
