If recycled metals are carving out an increasingly large place in the jewelry world, working with old pearls, unearthed in souks, flea markets or estate sales, is more unusual.
This is the niche that Tonya Dickenson has chosen to fill by launching Asymmetric by design in 2022. “When people think of sustainability and eco-responsibility, they don’t necessarily think of jewelry when we have 40,000 years of pearls. I think we’ve had enough! », says the one who was a finalist for the President’s Favorite Recognition prize during the 2023 mmode Gala.
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PHOTO ROBERT SKINNER, THE PRESS
Tonya Dickenson’s creations mainly feature beads and charms from her personal collection, built up during her travels.
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PHOTO ROBERT SKINNER, THE PRESS
Each necklace is unique.
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PHOTO ROBERT SKINNER, THE PRESS
A pin has been integrated into it.
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PHOTO ROBERT SKINNER, THE PRESS
Having Ukrainian roots, Tonya Dickenson created a collection in support of the people of this country at war.
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The daughter of a diplomat, the Montrealer grew up in Egypt where she discovered the wealth of the souks. Having lived in 11 countries and visited a hundred, over 45 years she has amassed an impressive collection of pearls and ancient stones from which she draws to create jewelry that is not only flamboyant, but also carries a message. “Each necklace has a name, a story and is unique, like you and me,” says the woman who creates the jewelry herself, taking inspiration from a particular pearl or an event, such as the war in Ukraine and the erosion of women’s rights in certain countries, which gave rise to collections.
Not all of the beads used are from her personal collection, but most are old or, at the very least, repurposed. Prices are established according to the value of the components which can be high, even for an old piece. For the sake of sustainability, it also offers to upcycle old or broken jewelry that collects dust in our wardrobes.
Visit the Asymmetric by design website