Sparkle Baby: How Adi & Olive is Making a (Jewelry) Statement

Posted by Canadian Gift Guide on July 26, 2017 · 96 Comments

Well, I’m totally playing favourites in my jewelry collection right now – and it’s all Adi & Olive‘s fault. This Calgary-based brand is the work of one Jessica Friesen, an extremely talented jewelry designer that’s been getting busy with beads since she was a tot, only to graduate to more sophisticated and challenging mediums over the years, including the art of metalsmithing.

The ‘favourites’ in question? These beautiful little opal studs that are perfect for every day wear thanks to their luminous rainbow gemstone that goes with literally everything. Enclosed in a handcrafted sterling silver case, these dazzling studs are so precisely made, they have absolutely no glue. Now that’s craftmanship.

Let’s talk a bit more about the brand, shall we? Adi & Olive actually has significant meaning to Jessica – as does every piece she creates. Adi means ‘jewel’ in Hebrew, while Olive is the name of Jessica’s glam Baba – owner of many a piece of stunning jewelry that first piqued her interest in the craft at a young age. Today, Jessica’s work is a mix of vintage glamour with rock and roll edge; every piece is meticulously handcrafted, often incorporating gemstones and artistic details that set the line apart – like the cool flourish detail on the opal ring in this stacker set ($200).

If you follow Adi & Olive on Instagram, you’ll get a sneak peek at all the gorgeous gems Jessica sources from around the world, and then check the works-in-progress she develops into stunning statement pieces, like this sparkly druzy cuff bracelet ($250). While she’s always got a line available in her Etsy shop of the latest pieces, you can also custom request work as well.

Spot a gem you love on Instagram, like these striking amethyst druzys? Give her a shout to talk about how you can refashion it into something amazing. Ditto goes for any sparkly bits you have on hand – maybe you love the stone in your grandmother’s brooch, but you know you’re never going to wear it as is. Adi & Olive can custom-fashion a metalsmithed setting for any gem, giving you a truly bespoke, one-of-a-kind piece that’ll be beloved by future generations.

What I’d really emphasize to people about Adi & Olive is the fact these pieces are so 100% unique and different – not just from one another, but from other jewelry makers out there. If you love raw stones and crystals married with custom metalsmithing work, then you’ll seriously fall hard for this line. You can nab the latest and greatest pieces from Adi & Olive via the brand’s online shop, or check it out in person – Jessica is regularly attending craft shows around the Calgary area and it’s the perfect opportunity to swoon in person.

Now – about those opal studs I mentioned at the top of the post. You’re still crushing on them right? When they’re available in Adi & Olive’s stock, they retail for $65 (totally reasonable for handmade gems my friends!) You can, of course, also custom request a pair of studs featuring your favourite stones…but in the meantime, I am thrilled to announce we’re giving away a pair of Adi & Olive handcrafted opal studs to one lucky winner! Want to win some dazzling ear candy? Here’s how to enter:

1) First off! You must be a Canadian Gift Guide subscriber to enter this giveaway. Just find the ‘Gift of Gab’ box on the righthand side of this page and either hit ‘Follow’ or enter your email address. Once you’ve done that, leave me a comment below with a link back to your favourite piece of jewelry in the Adi & Olive shop – and what you love about it! You’ve got till August 13 to submit your pick!

2) Entries are limited to one per person / per email address / per household (or more if you score bonus entries). A random draw will be conducted on or around August 14, 2017 to select the winner(s), who will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen in their place.

3) Entries are limited to Canadians that have reached the age of majority in their province. Quebec is not eligible for this promotion.

4) Bonus Entry: Follow Adi & Olive on Instagram and get ready for sparkly jewelry ‘porn’ in your feed, seriously. Then, tag two friends in one of Adi & Olive’s posts of your favourite piece(s). Link back to the photo you’ve tagged people in with your username in a separate comment below. If you want to earn an EXTRA entry on top of that, share a photo from Adi & Olive on your own feed and tag ’em – then link back to that photo in yet another separate comment below. Poof, you’ve earned two extra entries into the draw! Go you.