Emblematic Elegance

Designer Carrie Lamb of FRIDA Fine Jewellery transforms the rarest of gems into covetable and collectible works of art.

By Susan Kelly

If you hear fine jewellery designer Carrie Lamb say it’s “in the vault,” it isn’t a metaphor for keeping a secret. Instead, she’s referring to a cache of prized, one-of-a-kind gemstones she incorporates into her custom collections. “Rare and collectible gems are my specialty,” says the founder, owner and designer at Frida Fine Jewellery in Halifax. “When a truly unique stone becomes available, I move quickly.”

The designer relies on small independent gem dealers for sourcing, then hand selects the finest gems, diamonds and pearls, which she integrates into a stunning array of signature collections and custom fine jewellery, from bold statement pieces to engagement rings and men’s designs. Anything imagined can be built on a bespoke basis. Custom and handcrafted in Canada, her creations have been featured in some of the world’s most esteemed publications, including British Vogue.

Lamb keeps an expert eye peeled for la crème of the “Big Three” gems: rubies, sapphires and emeralds, plus a myriad of exceptional, lesser-known one-of-one gems, such as spinels, tsavorites and tourmalines. The list is endless, the supply finite. Most commercially available stones, the great majority of which undergo heat treatment to improve their colour and clarity, don’t make the cut. Instead, she focuses on exceptional unheated gems—naturally magnificent and exceedingly rare. Unheated sapphires, for instance, make up less than one per cent of the global market. 

SHIELD™ ‘Flora’ cuff in polished and hand-textured 18kt gold featuring multi-coloured tourmalines, citrine and brilliant-cut diamonds. Signature SHIELD™ and CELESTIAL rings in 18kt gold set with rare natural sapphires. FRIDA Fine Jewellery.

Stunning aquamarine creations in 18kt gold accented by brilliant-cut diamonds. Featuring the signature STRATA™ ‘Aura’ pendant with a Tahitian pearl drop, SHIELD™ ‘Astrid’ cuff and OCEAN ‘Oracle’ ring. FRIDA Fine Jewellery.

Beautiful statement rings featuring exquisite rare natural sapphires and aquamarine set in 18kt gold accented by brilliant-cut diamonds. Signature SHIELD™ ‘Freya’ cuff in solid gold with a river of pavé-set diamonds. FRIDA Fine Jewellery.

“There’s something magical about the authenticity and natural beauty of unheated stones in their unaltered, pure state,” Lamb says. “More practically, these qualities also add significantly to their value, which will increase over time, making them an excellent investment. Other than serious collectors, people don’t always think of jewellery as a valuable commodity; I do! Gold has always been associated with prestige and wealth, and so too have precious gems. In today’s market of mass-produced luxury, it is easy to forget intrinsic value. At FRIDA, it is our mission to combine beauty and collectability.”

Unlike white diamonds, which are not rare, highly collectable natural-coloured gems are few and far between. Such exquisite gems deserve a singular setting, and Lamb is passionate about creating custom jewellery in which their special qualities fully shine. Equally important is each client. “My aim always is for clients to feel their vision is fully understood and to create a beautiful piece that exceeds all expectation,” she says. The result: timeless classics with a personalized twist that will be enjoyed for decades to come. No wonder clients come from across North America, drawn by the designer’s special flair. Each custom commission takes into consideration the wearer’s lifestyle and aesthetic. 

“The name FRIDA is derived from the Old Norse, meaning ‘beautiful and beloved,’” Lamb says. “Our sword-and-shield logo is emblematic of empowerment and protection, something I cultivated early as a single mother.” That was over two decades ago, when, as a British émigré to Nova Scotia, she parlayed a passion for design and experience in the high-end fashion industry to found the company. Today, her daughter, Emma, serves as both the creative director and face of the brand.

All collections celebrate individuality, beauty and empowerment. “A custom piece of jewellery is about much more than wearing something pretty,” Lamb says. “It can be a talisman of protection, a form of communication. Wearing it can be a transformative experience.”

Personal consultations and private shopping experiences are offered in-person at the Bishop’s Landing boutique on the Halifax Waterfront, or via phone, email or Zoom.