Wedding Rings and Other Things - Leif Benner

I have mentioned Melanie and my wedding rings in the past on Three. After a strong recommendation, Stephanie ended up getting them made at the same shop as well. Funny how small a city like Toronto can be. Though I don't have the honour of saying I discovered the craftsmen behind our rings, that falls to my wife, I do have the honour of writing about them. The Distillery District is home to "Leif Benner".  Home of beautiful handmade rings, and one of a kind pieces of jewellery.    

Now Leif, the designer, goldsmith and craftsman behind "Leif Benner", is not a well kept secret.  From the busyness in his shop, you can tell that the clients keep calling.  He manages somehow, even with all of these people pulling him and his talented crew in a million different directions, there is a level of authenticity to the work.

Leif attended George Brown right here in Toronto, and after choosing jewellery design over the culinary world, has excelled in his field. That authenticity I mentioned above? I think it comes from his passion.  You see it in the design variation, the quality of the pieces and on Leif's face when he has the opportunity to speak about his work.    "We do a lot of wedding jewellery and I love that I get to share that really special moment in peoples lives"

One of a kind is right, these pieces (pics provided by Leif), are Sapphire and 18k Ultra White Gold, WITH Diamonds.  Wow, wild!  

And don't let all the ring photos fool you, ideas flow here for any custom pieces you may need as well. There are broaches, pins, shimmering necklaces and everything in between.

When I asked Leif what the future holds for him, "More of the same! We try to manage the growth of the business to keep it grassroots. I still meet with every client. We have the best customers, and they come with great ideas that we develop into beautiful custom rings".

I know that when I need another piece, I'll be back.  I do have that first anniversary coming up after all. 

Stop by and see for yourself.  Say hello, meet the gang, who knows what you may find.

Bill
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Design Destination - Timeless Treasures - San Fran Edition!

While I was out in California a few weeks back, one of our stops was the wonderful, very foggy, San Francisco. Aside from the typical travel stops, good eats, bridges etc, I found a little time to stop in at a few designer friendly stores. 

Hands down, one of the highlights for me, was Timeless Treasures.  This is such a cool little spot and well worth the stop. The staff was amazing, and I'm soooooo embarrassed to say, I forget the name of the "Treasure Clerk" who helped me, but she was great!

  

Joan O'Connor, who I unfortunately didn't get a chance to meet, has built a wonderful french inspired little spot. Small vintage pieces adorn every surface, mirrors and wall hangings adorn every wall. There is glassware, memorabilia and enough stamps, old type face and signage for every crafty project you have in mind.

Very beautiful vintage inspired, jewelery pieces.  I believe (forgive me if I get this wrong, its been a few weeks), these are made in France, from vintage molds.  Silver and gold and pearl and semi-precious...   ...you get the idea. 

The "Can't Miss" in the store is the very obvious well stocked, vintage, colourful, letter collection.  You can request anything.  I've been told they will spell the word for you, grab a couple of snap shots, and send them out.  

Then they ship the letters to you, wherever you may be.

Designers pay attention.  You can basically spell anything, and they'll help you give it a unique flavour for whatever space you need.  Sounds like a win-win to me.

 

  

Hey, I have that book!

  More to come on San Fran, but do yourself a favour and stop by if you are in the neighbour hood. Hell, make time if you're anywhere near them. At the very least check out their blog here.  Timeless Treasures is worth discovering.

Bill

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