Ecksand, a Montreal-based fine jewelry brand, has received the prestigious Canadian National Mark—a government-regulated certification that confirms precious-metal products are entirely made in Canada using traceable materials and meeting strict quality standards.
The Canadian government has issued fewer than 110 of these certifications to date. In the fine jewelry industry, it is especially rare, according to Ecksand co-founder and creative director Erica Bianchini. The mark is symbolized by a maple leaf surrounded by the letter “C.”
“This is more than just a certification. It’s a privilege to be allowed to place the maple leaf on our products,” said Bianchini. “While many companies strive to be socially conscious, for us, it’s always been at the heart of our identity—not just a marketing tool.”
Founded in 2009, Ecksand has built its brand around transparency, artistic design, and Canadian craftsmanship. Bianchini says the Canadian National Mark reinforces the company’s long-standing values and sends a clear message to customers: Ecksand offers jewelry that is both luxurious and responsibly made.
“We debated whether to stay quiet or celebrate this milestone,” Bianchini added. “In the end, we chose to proudly show what it means to truly uphold these standards. We opened ourselves up to deep scrutiny and are proud of the integrity behind our work.”
The certification falls under the federal Precious Metals Marking Act. To qualify, a product must be fully manufactured in Canada, with every element—from materials to processes—verified for quality and origin.
Inspectors review every aspect of the business, Bianchini explained. “They look at how we cast, how we design, where we source our stones, how we use recycled gold, our customer service, and even distribution. It’s a full audit. But it confirmed why we do what we do.”
Ecksand operates a fully vertical production model. Every step—from sourcing gemstones to manufacturing and polishing—is handled in-house. The company has a team of about 35 people and boasts a low staff turnover rate, something Bianchini says reflects a stable, artisanal culture that values long-term craftsmanship.
The Montreal atelier is also designed with sustainability in mind. The workshop uses modern equipment that minimizes environmental impact. Ecksand works with 100% recycled gold, sustainably sourced platinum, and diamonds—both natural and lab-grown—that are certified by GIA or IGI when over half a carat.
As the company expands beyond its longstanding focus on bridal jewelry, Bianchini says the Canadian National Mark will serve as a mark of trust for clients exploring their growing collection of fine jewelry.
“This is a big moment for us,” she said. “We realized our team was ready to take on more. Expanding into fine jewelry was a conscious decision—we know we’re capable of creating standout pieces.”
The brand’s identity is shaped by its bilingual and international team. “Half of our staff speaks French, the other half English. Many are from Europe, and we’ve been able to attract talent from some of the world’s top jewelry houses,” Bianchini said. “That diversity brings what I call our ‘French-Canadian finesse’ to every piece we create.”
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