THE SMITH, 107 Shaw, 416-533-9990, www.kvellbyyente.com
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The Smith is one of those quintessentially Toronto boutiques that does double duty (in this case, selling beautiful, handcrafted jewellery and tasty coffee and treats), hides itself off a beaten shopping path (in a lovely Victorian house half a skip north of Queen on Shaw) and is guaranteed to become a favourite neighbourhood hangout and retail destination.
Owner Elana Ginsberg has converted her home’s first floor into a comfy café space complete with curio cabinets full of structural, art-nouveau-inspired jewels. Her Kvell line includes necklaces with free-form hoop pendants, wheel-shaped rings that jingle loose peridot stones inside, and modern sterling silver bangles. Other local smiths like Sarah Wan, Danielle Sweeney and Robin Gray add their pieces to the mix.
When Ginsberg isn’t sitting at her jeweller’s bench hammering away at custom orders, she’s behind the counter serving up gutsy Reunion Island espresso and just-like-Grandma-makes-’em coconut lemon squares, Turtle toffee brownies and marvellous macaroons by Pauline’s Pastries.
The Smith picks: Ginsberg says Brenda Radford ‘s 14-karat gold, hand-painted Limoges enamel ring is a steal for $1,095 stag-head necklaces come in sterling for $245 Kvell’s signature is anticlastic work like a pair of raw-edged, matte silver earrings, $295.
Look for: A new patio space opening by the end of May.
Hours: Monday to Friday 7:30 am to 5 pm, Saturday 9 am to 5 pm.
