Established in Sheffield, England as silversmiths in the 16th century, the Birks family has an extensive history of traditional techniques and craftsmanship.
The family emigrated in 1832, taking their collected knowledge and ability across the ocean to Canada where Henry Birks established his very first boutique in Montreal. By 1879, his dream of creating a legacy of fine jewellery was on its way to becoming a reality.
Founded a decade before the Birks flagship was launched, the story of Canada as a country is very much entwined with the story of Birks. Their very first boutique could be found on Saint James Street in Montreal, although it was clear early on that this first space would not be ideal with their growing demand.
In 1881 they moved their boutique to the Golden Square mile of Montreal, a space that can still be seen and visited today and which has withstood nearly 150 years. It was also apparent that one shopfront was not enough for what has ultimately become a symbol of coveted luxury and craftsmanship throughout Canada. By 1907, Henry Birks and his sons had ships in Ottawa, Winnipeg, and Vancouver.
Competing directly with Tiffany & Co. the Birks blue box had its own caché and presence, trademarked in the 1920s with twin embossed Bs, the packaging offering a hint at the delights hiding inside. Birks’s stardom continued to rise in the 1930s when they were appointed a Royal Warrant to supply British royalty, an honour appointed to the established old English family that was by now distinctly Canadian.
Credited with the creation of one of her most stunning pieces, Queen Elizabeth (then Princess Elizabeth) received and wore a beautiful platinum necklace from Birks. This would be the first in multiple pieces from the now-famed jewellers. Other gems included a diamond-set maple leaf, which she wore on her lapel when World War II began. Members of the royal family continue to embrace the Birks standard of quality and craftsmanship, and their brooches continue to hold a special point of unique design and style. Their groundbreaking designs continue to contribute to further awards in their arsenal.
Even now, the story of Birks is that of trailblazers and trendsetters. With an eye for relevancy and environmental changes, Birks became one of the first companies at the start of the 2000s to offer Canadian mined diamonds.
Birks is an example of stewardship through jewellery making, administering to the country that accepted them with open arms.
