Necklace By Jenny Bird in Collaboration With Alexandra Weston Vintage brass Coconut shell

I was invited to 18Karat Goldsmiths for a private preview of the The Uniti Collection before it went up for auction. 18Karat is one of those stores that I’ve walked by again and again without entering. This preview would be my first exposure to the fine jewellery store. There is a working studio on site so it was fun the process of creating  jewellery right in front of you. 18Karat sells pieces from local designers as well as their own custom work. I also learned that 18Karat is an 40 year old business.

Uniti Charity Auction is a collaboration between Canadian celebrities and jewellery designers that benefits the Red Door Family Shelter.

Dress Ring By Alisha Boyd in Collaboration With Athena Karkanis, Sterling silver ,Enamel ,Lab grown padparadscha sapphire

18Karat paired jewellery designers with Canadian celebrities for the Uniti Charity Auction, to create jewellery to be auctioned November 12 to 26, in support of the Red Door Family shelter.

18Karat approached Canadian jewellery designers and celebrities and asked them if they could collaborate to create a piece of jewellery that aesthetically expresses the meaning of home, family and community.

“Family homelessness and domestic violence is a cause that resonates among all,” explained Dino Giannetti, master goldsmith and co-owner of 18Karat. “Creating the Uniti Collection and collaborating with so many artists in support of the Red Door Family Shelter has been a wonderful experience, and an opportunity for us all to give to the community in a unique way.”

Celebrities rallying their time and inspiration to developing the Uniti Collection include:
Alexandra Weston and the Weston Family, fashion icons
World Figure Skating Champion, Elvis Stojko
Actors Gordon and Leah Pinsent
Breakfast Television hosts Dina Pugliese and Jennifer Valentyne
Singer-song writer Justin Hines
Jonas Chernick and Athena Karkanis, stars of CBC TV’s The Border
Country music star Aaron Pritchett
Degrassi: The Next Generation stars Raymond Ablack and Paula Brancati

Jewellery was co-created by the following designers: Meghan Schnarr; Amy Kovach; Kim Drosdick; Samatha Hawkes; Dino Giannetti; Therese Cruz; Vanessa Laurin; Darlene Martin; Suzanne Crudden; Alisha Boyd; Jenny Bird; and Shelly Purdy.

It was really neat to get a chance to see the collection in person and touch it. I have some favourite pieces they are shown in this post.

Rose Quartz and Onyx Pendant By Vanessa Laurin (Designer) and Dino Giannetti (Goldsmith) in Collaboration With Elvis Stojko, 18 Karat gold, Rose, quartz, Rhodonite, Black onyx

I was drawn to this piece the most.  It’s very art deco.  Vanessa is the person who contacted me so I found it amusing that I liked her piece the best.

The Uniti Collection can be previewed in person at 18Karat Goldsmiths, 275 Dundas Street West from November 12 to 26, 2009 or online at www.uniti.ca.  It’s on till the 26th.

The auction is handled by Waddingtons and can be reached on their website.  Many items are available.

I took a few pictures during the preview. They aren’t as good as the professional shots on the website.