Carriage Trade Custom Jewellery is a family-run, all-about-the-accessories company that's operated by mother-daughter team, Colleen and Randall. Carriage Trade offers custom made jewellery in just about any colour or style, and they’re catering to brides and their entourages in the Tri-city area.

Working with wedding styles and budgets that range from conservative and elegant to daring and extravagant, this duo provides a fun, creative option for the entire wedding party to get involved. Carriage Trade hosts open houses at their in-home studio, throws custom jewellery parties at the bride's home (great for a girl’s night-in event or a shower) and sells their pieces at select shops and boutiques in Southern Ontario.

Essentially, Carriage Trade makes it their business to tailor carefully hand-crafted, high quality products with Swarovski pearls and Swarovski crystals for their clients, including sparkly necklaces, earrings and bracelets that match their brides’ and bridesmaids’ gowns and can be worn again with a pair of jeans and a great top once the wedding day has come and gone. Let us tell you more…

Personally speaking…

Colleen has loved fashion and design since she was young, which she channeled through working with clothing and owning and running her own decorating business. She has always found a way to express her creativity, a love that her daughter Randall seems to have inherited.

For years, Colleen and Randall made their own jewellery as a great outlet for design and creativity. But in the Fall of 2007, when the pair heard that a custom jewellery business was closing and selling their supplies, Colleen and Randall couldn’t pass up the opportunity to turn one of their favourite hobbies into careers. "The timing could not have been better," says Randall. "Things quickly fell into place almost like we had been preparing for this all our lives!" With the opening of Carriage Trade Custom Jewellery, the two realized their true passion.

While Colleen is probably the more creative of the two and often does most of the jewellery design, Randall puts the finishing touches on the pieces and is often the first one to chat, email or meet with the clients who come to Carriage Trade. The pair complements each other’s strong points.

Both ladies say that they're creatively inspired by just about everything around them, and when they're inspired, they have to express it. "We can’t hold it in," they told us. "So, we are always motivated to make something new… The enjoyment of doing something you love and having others appreciate it is very gratifying."

Through research on techniques, materials and the latest equipment that's available, Randall and Colleen say they continue to work hard at perfecting their skills. "We’re always keeping on top of what’s current, while still retaining our distinct style."

On top of their loyal clientele who continue to return and refer their business, Carriage Trade has also created jewellery for about fifteen brides and their bridal entourages between their home studio in Guelph, and the several bridal salons they supply stock to.

Custom designed to your specs

The best thing about having custom jewellery made by Carriage Trade is that you and your bridesmaids can have them craft something that both matches your attire for the wedding day, and your personality, so that you will be able to wear it after the wedding.

This was one of the things that Emily Johnson loved most about Carriage Trade when she had them custom design her and her bridesmaid's jewellery (necklaces, bracelets and earrings) for her June 2008 wedding. "I had so many girls in my bridal party and there was something for each one of them that matched their personalities and varying ages," she told The Ring. She adds that from the very first time she met with Carriage Trade, they really listened to what she and her bridesmaids wanted. Plus, the bridesmaids still wear the jewellery because it was simple and elegant enough to be worn outside of the wedding. "Carriage Trade made the jewellery in a way that each girl liked and was comfortable with, and their personalities really showed through their jewellery."

Judi Prigione has purchased several pieces of jewellery from Carriage Trade for herself and as gifts. She says that she loves their colour selections and the versatility of the pieces. "They can be dressed up or down. I have worn my pieces to work and to special occasions," she adds. "Carriage Trade is very open to working with you to get exactly what you want." That's why she thinks that their custom jewellery would be perfect for brides and bridal parties, saying that "unlike many dresses, these are pieces that can be worn again after the big day."

Randall and Colleen set out with their bridal clients with the knowledge that each one is different. "It’s very important to approach making their jewellery as you would any other important aspect of their wedding," says Randall. "We create pieces to complement the dress, the setting, and most importantly, the woman herself."

Diane Barber has purchased several necklaces, earrings, bracelets and a watch from Carriage Trade, for herself and as gifts for family and friends. She says she loves that they have so many colours to choose from and she's always able to match the same piece with several different outfits. "If I see a style I like but would like a different colour, that's possible too," she says of Carriage Trade's willingness to create a unique piece every time.

With an endless variety of colours and shapes to choose from at Carriage Trade, it's probably pretty easy to match or complement your bridal gown with your jewellery. Plus, Randall and Colleen told us that they're happy to look for and order anything that they may not have readily on hand. They do this because they want to make sure you receive the best possible service, and, most importantly, that you love what you bought.

Emily could tell that this twosome truly cared about their work and her wedding. "They were very personable… they were so detailed in their work and took so much pride in it," she says. "They really cared and wanted our wedding to shine," which is why she has recommended Carriage Trade to her engaged friends, adding that "if you want to feel and look good for your wedding, go with them."

As local artisans and designers to the Guelph area, Judi thinks that Carriage Trade bring something unique and special to their designs that you can't find in mass produced items. "I think that Carriage Trade Custom Jewellery's style mixes the best elements of vintage and modern pieces," she told us. "I think they have struck a perfect balance between contemporary trends and classic design. I believe their pieces will look just as good in twenty years (or more) as they do today."

Handmade high quality

All of the jewellery at Carriage Trade is handmade and designed just for you with high quality Swarovski crystals and Swarovski pearls, sterling silver, and 14 to 18 karat gold filled unique findings. "Our pieces are constructed and completed in such a manner that they are made to last for many years to come," says Randall.

Carriage Trade can create necklaces and bracelets (for both men and women) and earrings. Plus, keep an eye out for their upcoming destination/beach collection, which would be perfect for your wedding abroad. One of our favourite items that Carriage Trade designs is the shoeless sandal, which is a finely crafted strand of beads meant to look like the top of a flip flop, but without the sole of the shoe – perfect for feeling the warm sand on your feet at a beach wedding.

Whether your budget is modest or generous, Carriage Trade wants to help you find something that fits. So, they have individual items and packages that range in price (depending on the piece and options you include) from fairly modest to two or three hundred dollars. "Our pricing really depends on the piece you choose."

"I am consistently impressed that Carriage Trade can offer such pieces at reasonable prices," says Judi. "They produce pieces that are unique and can fit any budget. I am confident that their pieces are well made and have longevity in style and will withstand the rigors of wearing." Judi adds that every time she wears a piece that was designed by Carriage Trade, someone asks her about it; she always recommends them and would particularly recommend them to brides. "Brides would find their pieces an affordable and special gift to give not only to her attendants, but her flower girl, mother and new mother-in-law."

Diane feels that Carriage Trade's jewellery is beautiful and affordable, telling us that "The prices are of excellent value. I have looked at crystal jewellery in stores and there is no comparison. [They use] many crystals in [their] pieces and the colours are exceptional. I think the pieces are affordable and well worth the price."

Walking you through it…

Since Carriage Trade is based out of an in-home studio, it's best to phone or email them to book an appointment to stop by. They also host open houses to showcase some of their jewellery, supply pieces to area bridal boutiques, and can do jewellery parties at the bride's house for a shower or stagette.

Diane has attended several open houses hosted by Carriage Trade and says she always finds something she loves. Plus, she adds that Randall was always available to answer questions regarding options and prices.

Both Colleen and Randall get together with the client and look over colours, designs and options. "If available, it’s best to bring photos of the dress(es) and colour swatches," suggests Randall. "We then make decisions and take everyone’s measurements."

Just as their pieces strike the right balance, Judi thinks that Carriage Trade's relationships with their clients do, too. "They are professional, yet friendly. They are easy going and flexible and they value your feedback on their pieces."

When you decide on the design, a 50% deposit is required, with the remaining balance due when the pieces are picked up. Then, Colleen and Randall work their magic and have everyone back to the studio when the pieces are ready for a fitting. "With everyone satisfied with how things are shaping up, we then finish the pieces and arrange for pick up," says Randall.

One of Emily's favourite memories of working with Carriage Trade was when she and her bridesmaids went to try on their jewellery. "They made us tea and had cookies and all the girls were there, having fun and trying on their [pieces]. It was a nice, personal touch." She adds that Randall and Colleen's attention to detail was amazing and they made sure that each piece fit each girl (in size and style) before they finalized the design.

Depending on availability and everyone's timelines, Carriage Trade can have the jewellery ready in as little as one week, but typically take two to three weeks. They add that it’s still always best to book as soon as you can just to make sure they're available and you receive your piece on time.

Contacting Carriage Trade Custom Jewellery

Randall at Carriage Trade can be reached by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone at 519-822-9824. You can also visit Carriage Trade online at http://www.ctcj.biz.