Jewelry inspired by fashion, travel and life since 2011

Founder Genevieve Smolders majored in fashion communications at Ryerson University in Toronto and now lives in Neustadt, Ontario in a beautiful “Ontario cottage” heritage home.

She has cultivated a loyal fan following across the country with her distinctive handmade pieces. Some of her favorite materials to use are: gold, white gold & silver plate, brass & vintage brass charms, semi-precious stones, and of course, a touch of love.

Why the name hen + bear?

Hen is a nickname from her mom and closest friends (rhymes with “Gen”).  Bear was launched in 2015 to “fill a male void in the costume jewelry industry”. And then guess what? The ladies liked the male stuff just as much as the gents so she blended the lines together, so you can be a HEN or a Bear!