Say YES to custom-made rings of fairtrade and fairmined metals
Most of us have heard of conflict-free diamonds, made popular by the movie Blood Diamond, and increasingly couples are asking about the origins of their diamonds. Big chain stores offer conflict-free diamonds at a premium, if at all, leaving customers with little option for an ethically sound purchase without breaking the bank. Recently, I stumbled across a jeweller called the Fair Trade Jewellery Company with an answer to this problem, offering both fairtrade and fairminded gold and platinum, as well as the option of fully customizing your ring. Prices are comparable to what you will find in big chain stores and you come out with a ring that you really want.
I stumbled across their storefront on a lunch hour, enticed by their diamonds and bling, and came out with a greater appreciation for what they stand for and impressed by what they offer. I sat down with co-founder and chief designer, Ryan Taylor, about what they do and here is what I found out.
Fairtrade, fairmining and conflict-free assurance (and insurance!)
Fair Trade Jewellery Company is North America’s original certified fairtrade fine jeweller. FTJCo partners with FLO-Cert and Fairtrade Canada (fairtrade.ca and fairgold.org), committing to traditional methods of mining with a low impact on environment. They also ensure that the miners are paid fairly for their work. All the metals come with a certification number that can trace it back to the specific community it came from. For their documentary on Fairtrade Fairmined Eco gold please visit ftjco.com/Fairtrade. Once your metals are picked out, selecting a diamond also comes with peace of mind. All the diamonds purchased at their store are mined in Canada, governed by world class standards to ensure they are mined fairly and legally. All of these diamonds purchased from FTJCo include jewellery insurance (how sweet right?). In fact, the first year’s premium is on them and include everything from theft to damage.
Customize your rings for a personal touch
Not only can you get a piece of jewellery that is socially and environmentally sound, FTJCo also customizes rings to a couple’s liking. This is a great way for a couple to create ‘matching’ wedding bands with a secret engraving or stone put into the rings. If you have an intricate engagement ring design, ask them to create something that will match it. Or perhaps you have a diamond ring that has been passed down in your family and you want it made into a fabulous modern ring for your girlfriend? This can be done here too, with no extra cost for using your own diamond (not many jewellers will let you do this!).
Fully custom build your ring
FTJCo prides themselves on custom building rings. A couple can come in and create get their rings from scratch. That means the designer will work with you to sketch out a design, create a custom mold for your ring and fire it up. Create something truly unique or come up with the design of your dreams that you haven’t found anywhere else. Like a tailor, they will work within your budget and create something you are comfortable with.
Loaner rings – a great way to propose
Ok so I love many things about this store already, but this one is the kicker. Say you’re a (smart) guy and want to give your hope-to-be fiance the pleasure of a custom-built ring, but you are unsure where to start and don’t want to risk all the work of creating something she may not like. Purchase a loaner ring for just $200 to propose with, then come in together and let her create the design she really loves. The $200 gets put into your ring balance (minus the cleaning fee) and you can let the store know what your budget is ahead of time so you don’t have to awkwardly talk about finances during the meeting with the two of you there. And how fun it is to anticipate the creation of your designer ring, it’s like two proposals in one. Some people may think this is tacky, but I think it’s so smart. Especially if we’re talking about a girl who knows what she wants and a guy who recognizes that. It really is a win-win situation.
The experience
My guess is that the experience of purchasing a ring here will be very different than at a Tiffany’s or at a Birks store. The designer of your ring will be much more invested in your customer satisfaction than a sales person who has moved on to their next commission. Not only will a couple come out with a ring that is unique in it’s commitment to positive change, but unique in its design too. And again, very comparable prices, especially for a ring that can be customized to your liking with fairtrade and fairmining practices.
I think I’m sold. What a great alternative for couples and individuals looking to make a purchase that reflects their values and commitments. Especially for what is such a big purchase for some people, you want to know that you made the right choice. Time for you to drop into the store and see what they’re about!
Couples and individuals wishing to make an appointment can do so here: http://ftjco.com/visit
Photos courtesy of FTJCo.
Venue visit: Eglinton Grand
Today I took a client to visit a few venues in search for the perfect place for their 2012 wedding reception. One of the venues we visited was the Eglinton Grand at Avenue and Eglinton. It was stunning! I don’t think my client is going to end up going with this venue, but I really enjoyed it still.
The marquee sign outside can be customized with the couples name and a fun saying, just like in the past, so both guests and the public know that it’s a special event. A red carpet and sanctions will invite your guests in like royalty.
The venue is a converted movie theatre from the early 1900s with distinctive and original art deco features (I love art deco!). Everything from the exit signs to the statues are original and add a lot of character to the building.
Upon entering guests head upstairs to the modern bar and cocktail area, of what used to be the balcony seating area. Closed curtains keep the dining area downstairs a mystery for cocktail hour. When dinner is ready, draw the curtains for a wow factor and to cue the guests to find their seats.
I love it when buildings have historic charm and character like this. I was so excited to walk in there!
The menus were decently priced. It is a bit more expensive than a high-end banquet hall but less expensive than the nearby Capitol Event Theatre. It can be a bit dark in there with dimmed lights and dark decor, so pin lights (one direct light that spotlights each table) are recommended, but will cost you $35 a table for the labour to individually set them (ouch!). In terms of parking, there is a nearby Green P parking lot that can be used for guests. Do your guests a favour by pre-purchasing parking vouchers and sending those out in advance of the wedding.
Each venue will have its positives and negatives, and for a couple looking for a venue that will deliver a wow factor from the start, this is a great choice. For my clients, it just wasn’t a good fit for their function in too many aspects.
I hope to work or attend a wedding here soon, it looks fabulous! Overall it is a very classy looking venue sure to impress your guests.
Click here for more pictures of the venue in action.
Speaking of venues, if you haven’t signed up for my free report, make sure to do so today! My newest report is about finding the perfect venue and will sure help you in your search.
Types of wedding venues
I’ve been on the hunt for venues for a client, and I’ve compiled some thoughts on venues to help you on your search too. Keep in mind this is a general guide, and there will be venues that don’t fall cleanly in one category. Whatever venue you end up choosing, make sure to do your research and ask lots of questions.
Bang for your buck
“Bang for your buck” venues offer all-inclusive packages. This will be in the ballpark of $40-100 per person, and usually includes everything from food, security, bar service, A/V and tables/chairs. Typically the per person fee is all you have to pay. These tend to be golf clubs, banquet halls, hotels and restaurants, and are popular in the wedding circle. Because they are popular and are easy to book, many other couples you know may have already used the space for their wedding. If this doesn’t bother you and if you are looking for a one-stop shop, this is a great route for what you pay.
Build it yourself
On the more higher end, there are venues that charge a rental fee and you build your wedding from there. You choose the caterer from their preferred list (usually part of an elite group of the city’s finest), bring in your A/V, pay for staffing, sometimes you will have to rent linen/tables/chairs/utensils, and more. Once you choose the caterer, the catering manager will assist you in choosing everything and they put together the package for you. Going this route, you have more freedom in choosing what your wedding will be like, because you can select even the linen and the kind of chair you would like (all at a cost of course). Food will typically be tastier and more customizable than at a banquet hall with an in-house chef. If customization is what you want, going this route will start at $100 per person. These venues are usually more unique, since you build your event from scratch.
Outdoor wedding spaces
Another great option for weddings is to hold it outdoors. A tent is always recommended going this route, because you never know how the weather will be. Tented events are similar to build-it-yourself weddings because you have to do just that – build it from scratch. Even more, you may need to consider bringing in your own portable toilets and kitchen if the space does not already have. This allows for a unique event also, because it is customizable. Some venues have tents to use for their outdoor space, so you get the bonus of a venue with staffing and support for the event as well as the outdoor feel at an all inclusive price. Prices vary greatly depending on size of tent and location.