The Dixon Difference
Written by Matthew Dixon, President, Dixon Jewellers
When I think about the legacy of Dixon Jewellers, I always return to my father, Ralph Dixon. His journey began humbly in Montreal, sweeping floors at a jewellery shop as a teenager. By 25, he was already a master jeweller, creating platinum and diamond pieces for dignitaries and royalty. In 1961, he founded R.L. Dixon Ltd., and by 1977, he moved our family to Ottawa where he built the business that still bears our name today.
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What made my father remarkable wasn’t only his skill at the bench—it was his commitment to integrity, craftsmanship, and personal service. He believed jewellery should be created with care, transparency, and artistry, and those values remain at the heart of everything we do. Although he cherished traditional methods, he never stopped seeking improvement. He welcomed new techniques and technologies, always looking for ways to elevate his work.
As I took the reins of Dixon Jewellers, my goal was clear: honor his legacy while embracing the future. The jewellery world is evolving, and our clients are looking for even more creative, intricate, and personal designs. That’s why we embraced CAD technology and Solidscape wax 3D printers – to blend timeless values with modern precision.
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Solidscape has been transformative for us. These printers produce wax masters with flawless surfaces and stunning precision, which means even the most intricate details of our CAD designs are perfectly castable. For me, it’s not about replacing traditional craftsmanship—it’s about enhancing it. Our jewellers still bring their artistry to every stage of design, casting, and finishing, but Solidscape gives us the freedom to push boundaries.
“Solidscape allows us to maintain uncompromising quality while embracing innovation.”
Matthew Dixon, President, Dixon Jewellers
With this technology, I can design with confidence, knowing that delicate filigree, complex geometries, and bold new shapes will print exactly as envisioned. It also allows us to share wax prototypes with our clients during the design process. They can hold a model in their hands, see the details up close, and feel assured that the final piece will match their vision. That level of collaboration has deepened the trust we’ve built over decades.
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I see Solidscape as an extension of the values my father instilled in this business. It allows us to maintain uncompromising quality while embracing innovation. Our workshop is still in-house, our team is still family-driven, and our commitment to honesty and service has never changed. What has changed is the scope of what we can create for our clients—it’s truly limitless now.
Carrying on my father’s legacy means blending tradition with innovation. By adopting Solidscape, we’ve ensured Dixon Jewellers stays true to its roots while stepping confidently into the future of fine jewellery design. And I know he would be proud to see how we’ve taken his philosophy of craftsmanship and carried it forward in new and exciting ways.
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