Inspired by the awe of Canada's Aurora Borealis, these hand-shaped pendants are made out of recycled silver - $110 US

HOW ONE CANADIAN JEWELLER IS USING HER JEWELRY LINE TO PROMOTE FAIR TRADE

Lara Bazant is the dream jeweller for any environmentalist and human rights buff. Her pieces are not only made entirely out of recycled materials but some of those materials are bought directly from artisans from around the world whom she supports through fair trade. Bazant is a collection of jewelry that reflects its maker’s colourful travels and cultural experiences. Through her designs, Bazant not only satisfies customers but helps support artisans who might normally be crushed by companies making mass-produced accessories. We understand the appeal of buying affordable pieces in bulk that go great with any outfit. Unfortunately, they come with an ethical price being made with toxic materials in sometimes unknown working conditions. These cheaper pieces don’t always last long, ending up in landfills within six months of their purchase. This is why EF supports purchasing timeless pieces from ethical jewelry lines such as Bazant. Bazant’s creations are unique, versatile, and classic and can be worn with pride as well as pleasure.

EF: How would you describe the look and feel of your pieces?

Lara Bazant: The pieces all incorporate a sense of brilliant color – either reflected in a hammered texture or through the careful selection of beads. They range from simple rings and earrings to abundant bracelets and statement necklaces and are recognized for their off-beat yet classy look. My signature twist as a designer is versatility of use – creating necklaces that can be effortlessly converted into bracelet and pendant sets. If there’s one thing women love about fashion it’s having options.

In Swahili, Kazuri means "small and beautiful". These colorful ceramic beads are made by a community of single mothers just outside of Nairobi, Kenya - $17 US

EF: What inspires you? Nature, landscapes, certain cultures, etc.

LB: I think people inspire me most. The people I’ve met in my many travels, the people I talk to at events – even people that pass me by on the street. I’ve always been intrigued by character, story and background. The constant interest in wanting to understand what makes people tick keeps me creating. My best ideas often happen at the end of a yoga class, when I’m lying in stillness with about 20 people around me that I’ve never met but have just shared an amazing experience with. I recently traveled to Northern Uganda to volunteer in a school for orphans. During that time I taught workshops to a group of six young women. Those women inspired me so much that when I returned I immediately created a collection with pieces named after each of them.

EF: When did you begin making jewelry?

LB: As a kid I was obsessed with making friendship bracelets from embroidery thread, though I’d say I officially began creating jewellery in 1990 at the age of 14. I had a pair of earrings that were a gift and I loved the beads but hated the earrings, so I took them apart and remade them into a necklace. In 1991 my father began working for the United Nations and we moved to Islamabad, Pakistan where I became immediately inspired by the silver and lapis Afghani jewellery at local outdoor markets. My fascinations with third world craftsmanship lead to the process of collecting materials directly from the source.

EF: Are you self-trained?

LB: Initially yes. I strung beads. I then went on to complete a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at New York University, a Diploma in Design from the International Academy of Design, and have taken several intensive silversmithing courses at the Harborfront and Nanopod Studios in Toronto. I’ve also taken a couple of business courses and am currently taking a class at University of Toronto entitled “Managing International Projects”, to further my knowledge of setting up fair trade.

This earthy yet elegant necklace includes reddish brown seeds sourced from the Amazon, rare striped Agate, Onyx from Vietnam and handmade silver tube beads from the hill tribes of Chiang Mai, Thailand - $115 US

EF: What materials do you use?

LB: Recycled silver, reclaimed vintage, natural materials such as seeds, wood, bamboo, coconut shell and of course the fair trade stones that I source directly from third world villages across the globe. I know exactly where every material comes from, and list it all on the tags – thereby creating the “story” of each completed piece.

EF: Where do you buy your materials from? Which company, country?

LB: I’ve spent a lot of time in Thailand, Pakistan and parts of Africa. During my travels I always make sure to visit local artisans and vendors and buy directly from them. One of the first fair trade initiatives I supported when starting my business full time was an organization called Kazuri. It’s a group of disadvantaged women in Kenya who feed their families buy making and selling colorful ceramic beads. Kazuri has grown quite a lot in the past few years, and I’m proud to be a supporter. I stumble upon vintage finds everywhere (vintage is pretty popular these days), but try to stick to purchasing the stuff I find in smaller towns throughout Canada and the United States. I get my seeds, nuts, bamboo and other natural materials from the Philippines and Hawaii.

EF: What do you find rewarding about creating your pieces?

LB: The moment of glory comes when I see someone try on a piece and it’s so clearly meant for them. I also very much enjoy custom work – taking people’s old jewellery and items of sentimental value and creating something fresh and new. I love the relationship I have with my retailers, and maintain a very personalized approach to my work.

LB: The majority of my clientele are women aged 30-65. The rings appeal to women and girls of all ages but everything else seems to attract a more mature crowd. I sell my work at independent boutiques, galleries, eco-stores, online and at special events. Twice a year I open my doors and sell directly from my studio located in the Danforth area of Toronto.

EF: What is one of your favourite pieces?

LB: I currently have two faves. The “Francesca” necklace which was inspired from my Uganda trip and can be worn four different ways, and the “Flaming Arc” pendant from my Aurora Borealis collection, which shimmers in the light and is made entirely from recycled silver.

EF: What are your best sellers?

LB: I sell tons of the coconut shell rings. I came up with the idea last year when trying to find something that would be more accessible to the summer market crowd, and the idea completely and unexpectedly took off – to the point where they were featured in LouLou magazines “Eco Buzz” section the following spring.

This beautiful three-in-one creation was handcrafted with reclaimed vintage crystals and fair-trade beads from Thailand and Borneo - $130 US

EF: Do you follow trends in fashion to help guide your designs?

LB: I do look around to see what’s current in terms of style and color, but have always been more focused on original ideas than following trends. I’ve often found that I’ll come up with something new, and then two years later I’ll see the concept hit the mainstream stores everywhere. I think this happens to independent designers a lot, but is never really a problem because people like me are never lacking in new ideas.

EF: Do your clients influence your designs?

LB: Absolutely! I really listen to their opinions and pay attention to their needs. I have to thank my clients - it’s because of them that I create pieces that function in a variety ways.

EF: How do you decide on a look for a piece?

LB: I often let the materials dictate the look. I usually choose the materials first, then allow the creative process flow organically from the look, weight and feel of the materials.

Made out of coconut shells, Bazant's popular circular rings come in a variety of bright colours to match your every mood - $12 US

EF: Are there other jewellers you admire and draw inspiration from?

LB: I admire all jewellers, as I know the hard work and determination it takes to survive in this business. I am inspired by Daniel Espinosa and Reminiscence.

EF: Where do you see your jewellery five years from now?

LB: I am currently working toward setting up fair trade in third world villages. In five years I see myself owning a shop where people can come in, choose their materials (which have been created and purchased via fair trade) and have custom pieces created on site by local artisans.