Our interview with local jewelry designer, Carleton Eckhardt.
Courtesy of Toveren.ca
Ever since she was a little girl, playing dress-up with her grandmother’s jewelry, Carleton Eckhardt has had an eye for design and beauty. After graduating from fashion management at George Brown College, she set out as an entrepreneur launching her very own Toronto based jewelry line: Toveren. Chatting with this budding designer, we found out more about these all natural, high-end statement pieces, and how we can get our hands on them!
Pony: What made you get into making jewelry? And how has your style evolved since you started?
Carleton: I remember making friendship bracelets using embroidery thread, beads and hemp when I was younger – I’ve always loved creating things. When I really fell in love with jewelry was when I discovered my great grandmothers vintage costume pieces. It was that chunky, glam look that I couldn’t and still can’t get enough of! I started to have visions of something that I’d want to wear and became obsessed with creating it so I started making costume jewelry pieces for myself. I’d search flea markets for vintage findings so that my jewelry had that one-of-a-kind feel. My first pieces were long single feather and chain earrings that I’d pair with a stud. Family and friends started asking me to make them earrings and it really just went from there.
Pony: You’ve got a nice mix of day-to-day and statement pieces in your collection. Which do you find to be the most popular?
Courtesy of Toveren.ca
Courtesy of Toveren.ca
Carleton: My aim is to create pieces that stand out but are still wearable for day-to-day. The MOLLY bracelet is very popular because it has a chic simplicity when worn alone and can also be layered with multiples of the same bracelet or others. All my rings are adjustable from a size 6.5 – 11 so they work for just about anyone on any finger. I also do custom work upon request so there is something for everyone!
Pony: What made you choose Toveren as your name?
Carleton: I come from a Dutch background and the word “toveren,” means to ‘practice witchcraft,’. When I heard the word, I really thought that it was a great fit for my pieces. I love to work with natural materials and have done a lot of research pertaining to their various properties for which I have acquired an appreciation and understanding.
Pony: You’ve worked and studied fashion over the years, would you consider collaborating with any young designers?
Carleton: Yes, one hundred percent!
Pony: What sort of pieces can we expect to see in the near future?
Courtesy of Toveren.ca
Courtesy of Toveren.ca
Carleton: I’m working with various fabrics, wood, crystal and bone to create bold, eclectic pieces; great statement necklaces and chunky cuff bracelets are just a couple of examples. I will also be doing some mens pieces in the near future.
Pony: How long does it take you to make each piece? What’s the process like from start to finish?
Carleton: The length of time to create a piece varies. I hand select all my materials and before I work with certain crystals and stones, I’ll cleanse them as they are meant to embody the individual energy of the wearer. I make all items by hand and spend the time to make sure that my pieces will go the distance – quality is everything.
Pony: Where do you get inspiration for your materials?
Carleton: I was born and raised here in Toronto, but always loved the beauty of nature and the outdoors. I love to combine elements from the two by using natural materials and adding a little edge. When I was young my sister, cousins and I used to collect rocks and natural quartz at our cottage – I was always really interested in different types of fossils, rocks and crystals. My current pieces really embody a little piece of my childhood.
Pony: Where can we buy your pieces?
Carleton: I am currently selling my pieces on Etsy, my website Toveren.ca, and specially made-to-order through email (info@toveren.ca).
– Emma Farquharson
Great read. The Jewelry looks amazing! Impressive work Toveren..