1879
1880
1881
1894
1899
1900
1900
1901
1907
1909
1917
1922-1925
1930
1934
1934
1939
1950
1954
1959
1960
1970
1980
1991
1993
1998
2000
2001
2004
2010
2015
2016
1879
The beginning of our legacy. Birks is founded by Henry Birks on March 1, 1879 and a legend is born.
1880
Moving across the street. Birks moves right across the street to 385-387 St. James Street.
1881
The corner of Square Phillips. Birks moves to the corner of Square Phillips to what is now a historical landmark. It is home to the first flagship store.
1894
The first Birks catalogue. The annual Birks catalogue launches. Its essence transcends the years and remains a fundamental part of the Birks story.
1899
Henry Birks and his three sons. A family portrait of Henry Birks and his three sons: John, William, and Gerald.
1900
Sketch of a sophisticated Birks necklace. A sketch of a stunning Birks necklace. Upholding the highest standards, it showcases our master craftsmanship.
1900
The heart-shaped ring box. In 1900, Birks unveils the iconic heart-shaped box. Later, during the 1930s, the bell-shaped box is introduced.
1901
The expansion of Birks. The eldest son, William Birks, becomes head of the company in 1901. He envisions Birks as a Canadian brand and his goal is to expand. His strategy is based on mergers and takeovers which lead the way to store openings in Ottawa (1901), Winnipeg (1903), and Vancouver (1907).
1907
The new store on Square Phillips. The Montreal flagship store expands. Covering 18,000 square feet, the store is a wonderland of modernism with its electrical and heating systems, not to mention the beauty of its ornate architecture.
1909
From cover to cover. The Birks catalogue illustrates our collections in a simple, yet tasteful manor.
1917
A silver lining. Birks now operates 4 stores across Canada and is affiliated with an important company in Toronto: Ryrie Bros, Ltd.
1922-1925
The Birks yearbooks. A glimpse of the 1922 and 1925 Birks yearbook covers.
1930
The iconic Birks Blue box. William Birks introduces the iconic Blue Box. Over the years, it may change shape and shade of blue but our promise of delight and excitement remains the same!
1934
The Royal Warrant of Appointment is granted to Birks.
1934
Happy Holidays in Vancouver! The Vancouver store opens just in time for Christmas, on December 1st to be exact.
1939
Birks spreads the Holiday joy. Birks loves celebrating the holidays! These catalogues brings to life our holiday spirit.
1950
Birks is at the height of fashion. Another beautiful catalogue cover that’s always chic and simple.
1954
The transition of the Retail industry. Birks is among the first to meet the challenges of the retail industry. The first Canadian shopping centre is built in Dorval and Birks is the first to open a jewelry store within a shopping centre.
1959
The salver and the Queen. Montreal citizens offer a salver to her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, which is created by Birks to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the St. Lawrence Seaway.
1960
Give the gift of delight. A heartwarming catalogue cover portrays the joy of giving (and receiving) a Birks Blue Box.
1970
Birks is always in style. Following the trends of the time, the Birks catalogue is always a style guide.
1980
Hear us roar. The Birks catalogue cover showcases our prestigious lion crest.
1991
The cover of the Birks catalogue. Timeless catalogues featuring the most splendid of items offered by Birks.
1993
Regaluxe invests in Birks Group. Jonathan Birks sells the company to the Regaluxe Group, headed by Dr. Lorenzo Rossi di Montelera. With his forward-thinking visions, he intuitively recognizes the outstanding value of the brand.
1998
Birks takes home a diamond international award. Birks takes home a Diamond International award, one of the world’s most prestigious diamond awards, for La plume de Cyran. An exquisite gold and diamond brooch created by Annik Lucier in the Birks design studio. Birks also collaborates with numerous designers who win distinctions for their works, including Toni Cavelti and Marion Cameron.
2000
Breathing new life into the traditional catalogue. Birks incorporates lifestyle images into their catalogue.
2001
A new look: restoring the Square Phillips flagship store. The extraordinary 18,000 square foot store on Square Phillips in Montreal, known for its iconic architecture, undergoes a major restoration.
2004
Birks shines again. Birks wins the Diamonds: Nature’s Miracle award for Annik Lucier’s design La constellation d’Adamas. Created in the Birks design studio, this piece features 3 rows of diamonds that are 3 metres long and set in platinum.
2010
Birks sponsors the Vancouver Winter Games in Canada. Birks is named Official Supplier of Jewellery for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games.
2015
The launch of 1879 Magazine by Birks. Birks launches its very own lifestyle magazine. Its title represents the year that founder Henry Birks first opened a small jewelry shop in Montreal under his name.
2016
The Truth. We believe in the promise of a brighter tomorrow. This is a conviction shared by all of our employees.