Ethics
Important part of my life
My ethical practices are an area of my life that I feel very strongly about. In both my business and private life I am conscious of what I do and the impact it has on the earth and it's people.
As much as I know that making jewellery has a positive effect on the people who are wearing it that extends past our interaction, from custom engagement rings and wedding bands to re-using a client's sentimental old jewellery to make something new, I am always looking for new ways to do more for my community, city and the world.
RE-JEWEL™
The practice that is among the most important to me is being able to re-use existing metal and gemstones, I call it Re-Jewel™. It is the process of melting down existing metal and re-setting existing gemstones re-working them into a new piece of jewellery. I am able to transform it into a more wearable piece for you that retains the sentimentality of the old.
I have come across other jewellers who say it is not a good idea to re-use old metal in general, I disagree!!! It is more the difficult route for sure and many choose the path of least resistance. Don't get me wrong, it is the harder road and can be even more expensive on occasion, but for me it is something that I feel strongly about being able to do and I do it for about 75% of my clients. In all my experience the resulting piece of jewellery is not deficient in any way! If there is something that is concerning me in the process I will let you know and we can proceed accordingly.
My exception for this process is white gold. White gold is indeed not a great idea to re-use in a new piece. It is on the brittle side at the best of times and when re-worked it becomes even more brittle so I suggest using it as credit towards the new piece. All metal if any karat or colour is able to used as credit towards your new piece. A note about re-using your old gold: I cannot change the colour of the gold you would like to use.
My Metals
I am able to offer re-cycled metals, 'regular' metals which are a mix of reclaimed and newly refined and am able to re-use your old metal. My relationships with my suppliers is such that I trust them implicitly and know through documentation that their practices are conducted in the most ethically, environmentally and socially responsible manner possible.
My Diamonds & Gemstones
I am committed to being able to sell diamonds and gemstones ethically and with integrity. My diamonds and gemstones are guaranteed to be conflict-free and come from reputable sources known to me for the past 15 years.
I am able to offer a small selection of re-cycled diamond and gemstones that have come from old jewellery that have been polished and re-graded if necessary. I also have a private collection of exceptional coloured gemstones that I have knowledge of the origin and the person who cut the stone that are way more meaningful (and beautiful) than the rest. Get in touch to book your own personal gem show!
In My Studio + shop
I strive to be the best at what I do and that extends to where I create my jewellery. I am co-founder and co-owner of flux + form, a boutique jewellery store and studio in downtown Toronto, where we have put practices into place that continually lessen our environmental impact.
We re-cycle, re-use and re-work just about everything possible. We use non-toxic fluxes and pickles rather than the “usual” toxic ones, to minimize impact on the water, the air and our own bodies. Our packaging (bags, boxes, tissue) is recyclable and made from sustainable sources like Bamboo or made with 100% recycled post-consumer materials. Our postcards are made with 100% recycled paper.