- Valuing sustainability and traceability, Pilar Agueci opts for ethical stone alternatives, namely Canadian diamonds and their synthetic versions made in laboratories.
- The company can give a second life to antique jewelry and shape it again, thus encouraging the revaluation of goods.
- Its values go against the waste of its raw materials, both for environmental and financial reasons.
With over 20 years of experience as a jeweler, Pilar Agueci has always been environmentally conscious. On one hand, she attributes this to growing up in Vancouver, a city known for its environmental awareness. On the other hand, it's because her raw materials come from the Earth, serving as a reminder of the delicate balance between her art and Mother Nature.
Her commitment to doing things right includes the origin of her metals and gemstones—an aspect her clientele now inquire about upfront, indicating their growing awareness. "Sustainability and traceability are very important to me," shares the designer. A particularly interesting example? Canadian diamonds and their lab-grown synthetic counterparts, two ethical alternatives gaining popularity in response to sometimes deplorable practices surrounding the extraction of the famous gem.
Among her selection of gemstones, those from Quebec hold a special place in the designer's heart. "They have a wilder and more natural look that I really appreciate," she says.
Another reason people visit her charming studio-boutique on Beaubien Street is her expertise in giving new life to old jewelry and sentimental pieces. Transforming a necklace into a ring or reshaping a substantial sapphire into delicate earrings are the kinds of projects that pass through Pilar's skillful hands. "In my opinion, in my profession, this is one of the most eco-conscious ways to operate," she emphasizes.
Another unique aspect of jewelry-making, unlike the clothing industry, is the ease with which scraps can be recycled. "Our gold and silver scraps are sent to Toronto for refining and then returned to us as pure metals, ready to (re)become jewelry," explains the entrepreneur.
From an eco-conscious perspective, working with expensive materials has numerous advantages. Their value is such that wasting them would not only be environmentally regrettable but financially senseless, both for businesses and consumers.
What challenges Pilar as a jeweler? "I can't seem to find custom, affordable jewelry boxes made here," she laments. Her wish is that every person who acquires one of her creations, regardless of the price, can leave with a box in the colors of her brand to keep for years to come.
The distribution of this article is made possible by the contribution of Détail Québec, the retail sectoral workforce committee.
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