FAIR TRADE JEWELLERY CO. 523 Parliament, 647-430-8741, ftjco.com
This spring’s wedding season is setting up to be a doozy thanks to a certain pair of royally betrothed Brits. But while we’re not waiting with bated breath like every other tabloid glossy and entertainment news show to see who will design Kate Middleton’s wedding gown, the buzz surrounding the couple’s engagement has shed some light on a new initiative to bring fair-mined precious metals and gemstones to jewellery stores. A few jewellers in the UK are committed to the effort, but if you’re in the market for a certified ethical bauble in North America, there’s only one place to shop: Fair Trade Jewellery Co. in Cabbagetown.
“Lots of people walk in here thinking we sell hemp rope and beads,” says owner and designer Ryan Taylor about the granola stigma attached to the fair trade label, but there’s not a kukui nut necklace in sight. Instead, he works with 18 karat gold and platinum to create a collection of rings and custom pieces that range from classic to contemporary.
Ethics and eco-friendliness aside, Taylor wants FTJ to be known for its sense of style and craftsmanship, as in the smithing skills required to forge a new grouping of tricky tension-set rings.
Fair Trade Jewellery Co. picks: Taylor encourages clients to think about using vintage or inherited stones in custom settings that start at $1,400 tension style rings look precarious, but Taylor says they’re actually the safest way to set a stone, $5,000 to $10,000.
Look for: A documentary on FTJ’s website about Taylor’s 2008 visit to the Chocó rainforest in Colombia where the fair trade metals are mined.
Hours: Monday to Friday by appointment, Saturday and Sunday 11 am to 6 pm.
