The Return of Luxury

It’s time—at least according to Brent Harden, the composed and caring presence behind La Maison d’Or, Ottawa’s first stop for familial and romantic keepsakes. The world, politically, financially, and technologically, is in quite a state; it’s easy for us, and the things we spend our hard-earned money on, to suffer devaluation. That’s why people, according to the kindly, conscientious Brent, are turning to things whose material and sentimental value can’t be discounted.

In a throwaway universe, La Maison d’Or is safeguarding and selling items predicated on quality, value, and endurance. “The world has too many mass-produced items that are just going to end up being thrown out,” philosophizes Brent. The corollary, he adds, is legacy pieces, finely crafted items not only commemorating but immortalizing a special moment. As he itemizes it, “Something offering better value for your money; something made with love and care; something that can be passed on for generations.”

This holiday season, La Maison d’Or has fashioned its inventory after that humanistic, forward-thinking philosophy. “We have curated a refined collection of jewellery that will make very special Christmas gifts,” details Brent. “By selecting pieces with ornate features, unique detailing, and fine craftsmanship, we are able to help anyone select a meaningful, luxurious piece, no matter their style or price point.”

In addition, this year’s inventory has a distinctly Canadian flavour. It’s not simply that La Maison d’Or is in tune with the patriotic upswing spawned by the discombobulation of tariffs and the on-off designs on our country. Due to the recent closure of a major Canadian diamond mine, items crafted with Canadian materials are at a premium.

“Canadian diamond jewellery, whether it be engagement rings, anniversary bands, or fine jewellery crafted with natural Canadian diamonds or Canadian gold using Canadian labour, are becoming more of a rarity,” explains Brent. “That makes these items even more valuable as heirloom pieces. Owning a little piece of Canada is now more special than it’s ever been!”

Each piece, whether it’s a rare Canadian diamond or a less common stone such as the fancy yellow variety, is personally chosen and curated from internationally recognized (and mostly Canadian) manufacturers by Brent himself, ensuring that the buyer is getting something that is truly one-of-a-kind. “Our clients are starting to realize that lab-grown diamonds, for the most significant occasions in their lives, are simply not enough. They want something natural that will endure through the ages and retain its value. I definitely see this trend continuing, as people are starting to notice the value of their lab-grown diamond is depreciating.”

Small wonder La Maison d’Or is expecting its usual volume this Christmas season, one of its most popular times of the year. And as always, Brent and company will be on hand to offer their usual good company and invaluable guidance, not to mention a few holiday-themed surprises. “All that and more!” enthuses Brent, a man who clearly loves the business in which he has distinguished himself from his formative years at the foot of his founding family. While La Maison d’Or is always happy to reconnect with regulars, this year, it’s looking to introduce new generations to what Ottawa’s keepsake community has relied on for 75 years. “We are introducing many new products and some exciting new ad campaigns, which we hope will encourage new customers to come in.”

It might help them to know that they’ll be supporting a business that itself is extremely supportive. In a demonstration of its usual holiday spirit, La Maison d’Or has already raised over $150,000 for local charities, including Jumpstart and the Montfort Foundation. “This will be one of our biggest donation years ever,” boasts Brent. “We are so proud to be involved in the community that has been so good to us over the years.”

As for 2027, Brent is already offering advice on how the industry might be trending: “We expect yellow gold to continue to dominate, with elongated diamond shapes such as radiant cuts, emerald cuts, and marquise cuts to stay at the forefront. However, we also anticipate a huge resurgence of the timeless classics, such as simple diamond studs, earrings, tennis bracelets, and Riviera necklaces. They are classic for a reason! Finally, custom-designed jewellery has been on the rise, and we expect this to continue, as people really want to create pieces that are truly meaningful to them and tell their unique stories.”

Advice, like the items that La Maison d’Or offers, to be held dear.