Monday, January 31, 2011

18Karat's LOVE LETTERS CONTEST

Valentine's Day is just around the corner - and what better way to say Je t'adore then with a love letter.... and some dazzling gems!

Send 18Karat your love letters and you could win:
– a loose Canadian diamond (a retail value of $550)
– a pair of handmade silver and pearl earrings by Toronto artist Kathryn Rebecca (a retail value of $130)

Submit your letters here and you could win gems just in time for Valentine's day!
Contest ends February 11th.



Handmade silver and pearl earrings
by Kathryn Rebecca.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

18Karat's Featured Artist - Kathryn Rebecca

For two years now 18Karat has invited local jewellery artists into our shop - promoting and selling their work alongside our own. We have met many exciting and talented jewellers that we thought it was about time to introduce one to you.

Kathryn Rebecca is a new addition to our shop. We met her during last years RED show featuring the artists of Jewel Envy studio.

Here's my mini-interview with Kathryn:

Where do you come from and what brought you to the city?
I grew up in Bala, a quaint town in beautiful Muskoka, ON. I moved to Toronto in order to attend George Brown College for the Jewellery Arts program.
(right) Kathryn Rebecca

What got you started in jewellery?
I have always loved the excitement of creativity. Letting your imagination come up with a concept or idea and then using your hands to bring that idea to a reality is such a fun process. As I thought about what to do for post-secondary education, I looked at what I loved to do in my spare time and decided to pursue my passion. I strove to choose a career I loved and I'm thankful that thus far it has proven to be a successful strategy!

Do you prefer the designing or the constructing?
I don't prefer one to the other. Designing is a time of excitement and anticipation, which is amazing. Constructing is a time of bringing the designs to reality and coming up against issues that may not have been accounted for in the design process; you have to use your creativity and experience to come up with solutions along the way. The sense of satisfaction I receive from soldering a tricky seam keeps me passionate about constructing jewellery.

What inspires you?
My love for nature and for the city and the challenge of combining these two areas of inspiration.
In custom work, I am often inspired by the love a piece of jewellery can represent. I'm proud to create pieces that can help capture some of that love and mean something special to my client.
I am also very blessed to have amazing family and friends who inspire and encourage me daily!

Who are your favorite designers?
I have so many favorites!!! I love designers who have started small and worked hard to get to where they are. I have a lot of respect for goldsmiths with more experience than myself. A few examples of these are Anne Sportun, Shelly Purdy and Massimo and Dino Giannetti. Other designers I love are Jelena of Poppyseed living, who does beautiful refinished furniture, and Karen Carrillo of KooCoo, who does quality made clothes and accessories. It is so encouraging to get to know fellow entrepreneurs!

Like what you see? From now until February 11th, 18Karat will be giving away a pair of Kathryn Rebecca's silver and pearl handmade Poppy Earrings to one lucky letter writer in our Love Letters Contest.
Click here for more information.