“I’m giving a new story to something that’s been worn before,” says Brittany Hopkins, the young entrepreneur behind Kensington Market’s newly-opened Anice. With the motto “Old treasures, new love,” Hopkins takes forgotten jewellery and reworks it into new pieces that have some history to them.
When we swung by, Hopkins’ mom was manning the counter while awaiting her own mom’s arrival (the shop gets its name from grandma).
“My grandma’s always been my inspiration,” says Hopkins. “She’s always said that she started wearing jewellery because she felt small, and needed people to notice her!”
Incorporating antique pieces from her grandmother’s collection and elsewhere, Hopkins’ heartfelt creations are all one-of-a-kind and won’t ever be spotted on someone else (not even in Trinity Bellwoods).
Jewellery drips from every orifice at the sunlit store; standout pieces include necklaces starring turquoise ($100) and Peruvian opal ($50). Currently Hopkins’ favourite stone, Peruvian opal is available in a smattering of shades, and is meant to stimulate ideas and break down tension.
We liked a hefty pair of quartz earrings featuring a trio of stacked stones ($55), but best of all was a delicate silver bracelet ($50) originally made for a Breeyn McCarney fashion show. Though simple, the piece garners attention because of the way it sits on the wearer’s arm.
With Hopkins’ help, overlooked goods will receive a bit of renaissance, and patrons could learn new skills to boot: jewellery workshops are available to bring new life to pieces once deemed unlovable.
Anice, 167 Augusta Ave., 647-501-5526
