Best Jewellery Store

Longtime buyer and manager Leslie Lawrence went to a couple of trade shows in the US this year, so has the scoop on what is going on the jewellery business. “Very organic, burnished yellow gold, rose cut diamonds,” are popular, she says. “In silver it’s big and chunky, bracelets.” Since Fireworks carries a variety of everything, the eclecticism means trends may not be immediately apparent in their Barrington Street shop, but the regional artisans are, with work by Peter Lawrence, Allyson Simmie and Trudy Gallagher prominently displayed. The concern over the ecological costs of jewellery are now in the forefront of consumers’ minds, of which Fireworks is aware. “It can be very harsh on the environment,” says Lawrence. “Those who are going green are being recognized by the guilds.” 1569 Barrington, 420-1735

1st Runner-up: The Vault, 5640 Spring Garden, 443-9722

2nd Runner-up: Touch of Gold, 5640 Spring Garden, 423-5600