Founder of Toronto’s Biko Jewellery looks to nature for inspiration

Founder of Toronto’s Biko Jewellery looks to nature for inspiration

Using found natural objects, Anestopoulos then “manually manipulates” the pieces into “lightweight, wearable” designs.

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Corrine Anestopoulos looks to nature for inspiration for her jewelry designs.

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“I’ve found beautiful seashells in Mexico, pebbles at my grandmother’s village beach in Greece, and one-of-a-kind freshwater pearls that I first hand-cast into metal,” the Toronto-based jewelry designer behind the brand Biko says.

Using the found natural objects, Anestopoulos then “manually manipulates” the pieces into “lightweight, wearable” designs.

“These components are finally combined alongside classic shapes to create our unique, nostalgic yet modern collections,” Anestopoulos explains.  We caught with Anestopoulos to learn more.

Q. For those who aren’t familiar, what is Biko Jewellery?

A. Biko is a modern-nostalgic jewellery brand bringing you timeless, elevated classics for every day. Each piece is handcrafted with love by our small team in Toronto. I am inspired by contemporary design, global curiosities and nature’s delicate forms, so Biko is really a celebration of the playful patterns I observe in the world around me. I work with a variety of signature elements each season like hand-cast pendants, natural stones like pearls and sleek mixed metals such as rhodium and 14-karat gold, to create modern, refined silhouettes.

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Q. What makes it unique?

A. Biko is 100 per cent designed and made locally in Toronto in small batches. Each piece is sustainably and ethically manufactured as well. With every collection, I personally collect pieces of nature, such as seashells, pebbles and pearls that I cast into metal, making our Biko components completely unique to us and rich with stories behind them.

Q. Who is the target customer?

A. There is definitely something for everyone in each Biko collection. We have big statement pieces for people who love to make a splash with their jewels, and smaller more delicate pieces for those who want to look polished yet understated. I’ve sold pieces to men looking for pendants and mothers and daughters buying multiple pieces together for an occasion. This shows me time and time again that Biko really transcends generations, genders, tastes and styles.

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Q. Is there a ‘hero’ product in the line?

A. Our latest collection is called Molten Pearl and is inspired by the mysterious freshwater pearl. In this collection I would definitely say the Barroco Hoops are the “stars” of the show. They are a tad playful and majorly must-have ‘cool’. In knowing the variety of our customers’ tastes and styles, we’ve been also seeing the Wavi Hoops & Huggies, and the Molten Pendant and Shay Pendant flying out the studio door as well.

Q. What is the price range for your products?

A. Prices range from $75 for a small pair of studs, to $345 for larger more statement collar-style necklaces.

Q. And, lastly, where can people check them out?

A. You can shop for Biko through our website ilovebiko.com and be sure to follow us at @biko_official to keep up to date on new collections, special offers and more.

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