Toronto-based FTJCo Fine Jewellery, a Certified B Corporation, is making strides in the ethical luxury jewellery industry. Operating out of its studio and showroom in Cabbagetown, FTJCo offers locally crafted pieces produced by an all-female team of goldsmiths, focusing on sustainability and transparency in both production and sourcing.
FTJCo was founded in 2006 with a mission to bring responsibly sourced materials to the jewellery industry. Initially, the company intended to supply these materials to retailers, but limited awareness and demand within the industry led FTJCo to pivot toward a direct-to-consumer model.
“We quickly determined that retailers didn’t understand how to position responsibly made materials,” explains CEO and Gemsetter Kesha Frank. The shift has enabled FTJCo to cater directly to consumers who value ethical standards in jewellery, she said.
An Uncommon Team of Female Goldsmiths at FTJCo Fine Jewellery
In an industry traditionally dominated by men, FTJCo’s all-female team of goldsmiths is unusual. Frank describes the decision as one aimed at creating a more inclusive workspace, noting, “I wanted to build a space where women could have agency in an industry historically for women but made by men.”
The studio environment reflects this intention, fostering collaboration and respect, which Frank sees as essential to the company’s values and appeal.
FTJCo Fine Jewellery’s Commitment to Verified Supply Chains and Rainbow Inclusivity
FTJCo’s emphasis on transparency is evident in its commitment to ‘evidence-based supply chains’, ensuring each material used has documented provenance. Frank notes that the industry’s trend toward ‘greenwashing’ can be misleading, with companies sometimes making claims that lack verification.
“We only make claims we can back with evidence,” she says, underscoring the importance of transparency for FTJCo’s clientele. This approach has garnered attention among consumers concerned with the origins of their purchases.
FTJCo recently became Rainbow Registered, a Canadian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce initiative that certifies inclusive businesses. According to Frank, some customers specifically seek out FTJCo due to the company’s commitment to welcoming all. This certification reflects FTJCo’s broader inclusivity values and adds to its appeal in Toronto’s diverse community.
Balancing Design and Durability while Advancing Climate-Neutral and Certified Diamond Options
FTJCo’s designs prioritize durability alongside aesthetics, encouraging customers to invest in long-lasting pieces rather than following fleeting trends. Frank describes the approach as “fine jewellery with integrity,” emphasizing that each piece is crafted with both style and resilience in mind. FTJCo’s jewellery design incorporates details that reinforce durability, allowing customers to wear their pieces daily, with designs intended to endure over time.
FTJCo is on the brink of introducing climate-neutral gold and B Corp-certified natural diamonds. These initiatives represent significant steps toward increasing sustainability in an industry where verified sourcing remains a challenge. Frank said that the brand has been working on building these ethical supply chains for years, expressing cautious optimism that FTJCo might soon be able to offer certified climate-neutral gold.
“We might actually be able to bring certified climate-neutral gold to market soon,” she said, aligning with FTJCo’s goals for environmentally conscious luxury.
Transparency in Production for Local and International Clients
FTJCo’s Cabbagetown studio allows customers to view the jewellery-making process up close, with the retail space separated from the workshop by a glass wall. Many customers visit the studio to see pieces in person and observe the work of FTJCo’s goldsmiths.
For international clients, FTJCo offers virtual consultations, a practice that became essential during the pandemic. The studio adapted by hosting remote consultations and even mobile “trunk shows” around Toronto.
