Designing with Canadian Ammolite: Montreal’s Claire Vessot and the Origins Collection
We are proud to partner with exceptional Canadian artists who bring our country’s rarest treasures to life.
Among them, Montreal jewellery designer Claire Vessot has become a trusted creative collaborator, blending her artistry with the energy of Ammolite to create jewellery that feels both modern and meaningful.
Claire is the designer behind the Origins collection, one of KORITE’s most distinctive expressions of Ammolite. Her vision honoured the stone’s history while making it wearable and harmonious, a balance that defines her approach to design.
Seeing Ammolite for the First Time
Similar to many Canadians, Claire encountered Ammolite for the first time later in life—and it left an indelible mark on her imagination.
“I remember being struck by how alive it looked,” she says. “The way it shifts in the light, the way it almost seems to glow from within; it’s like holding a little piece of the Northern Lights in your hand.”
For her, Ammolite is more than a gemstone: it’s a phenomenon.
“It’s undeniably magical. It has this natural ability to lift your mood—the colours, the energy, the rarity of it. And yet it’s still underrated for most designers, which amazes me. It’s one of the most phenomenal creations of nature, and it’s found only here in Canada. That makes it even more meaningful.”
For a closer look at the creative journey behind Origins when it first launched—including Claire’s initial sketches and inspirations—visit our original story.
Designing Origins
When KORITE invited Claire to collaborate on a collection, she knew immediately that Ammolite would be the center of attention. The Origins design features radiating lines extending from the stone, symbolizing its energy and presence.
She describes her creative process as organic yet intentional, letting the idea unfold naturally while ensuring all elements work in harmony.
“Jewellery should feel good to wear,” she explains. “You might not even know why it feels right at first, but it does—and that’s when you know you’ve created something special.”
This philosophy of balance shapes her work, resulting in jewellery that resonates deeply with the wearer and becomes a part of their story.
“You remember certain pieces not just because they’re beautiful, but because they mean something—they remind you of the person, the moment, the feeling,” she reflects.
Inspired by Canada
Claire’s designs are deeply influenced by her Canadian identity. Based in Montreal, she draws inspiration from the city’s European charm, its winding streets, and its fashion-forward culture.
Beyond the city, Claire looks to Canada’s landscapes for inspiration. The rolling hills of the Eastern Townships, the peaks of the Rockies, shifting clouds, glacial lakes, and even the intricate patterns of ammonite fossils all spark her imagination. Each element helps her capture the movement and balance of nature within her designs.
A Career of Creativity and Craft
Claire’s collaboration with KORITE is one chapter in a remarkable career that has spanned decades and continents. Early on, she launched her own namesake jewellery line, gaining recognition for her distinctive designs and craftsmanship. She later became the lead and senior designer for ELLE Jewelry, and from its inception, helped bring the brand’s signature Parisian aesthetic to life.
Her talents and dedication to the craft have earned her wide recognition throughout her career. Claire has received more than 20 international design awards, including 10 DeBeers Awards with accolades from the AGTA Spectrum Awards, Canadian Jeweller and JCK to name a few. Beyond the studio, she has shared her passion for jewellery with audiences across North America and Australia, appearing on major shopping networks and inspiring collectors around the world.
This breadth of experience—from luxury to accessible design—allows her to seamlessly bridge worlds, creating pieces that feel elevated yet deeply personal, timeless yet contemporary.
A Meaningful Collaboration
Working with KORITE gave Claire the opportunity to merge her passion for design and rare gemstones. Together, she has brought Ammolite to life in a way that reflects its history, colour and motional impact.
Her designs highlight what makes Ammolite extraordinary without overshadowing its natural beauty, ensuring that each piece remains true to its origins while being accessible and easy to wear.
For Claire, jewellery should create an imprint, more than timeless but deeply memorable—a reflection of the person wearing it and of the gemstone itself. That desire to create something everlasting is at the heart of her collaboration with KORITE.
Shop the Origins Collection
Discover Origins and experience the magic of Canadian Ammolite through Claire Vessot’s visionary design. Explore the Collection »