style is life

“Creating Inventive Jewelry with an Irreverent Sensibility”

I recently met the delightful Anna Jonca, owner of Uniqarte at an event she hosted at SpiceSafar on King West with Aly MacGregor (ReiCura PR). She was wearing the most stunning BLUE ring that minimized the rest of her lovely ensemble. She introduced herself as an Importer, we talked about how we would be able to help each other; both being young women in somewhat the same Industry. I gave her my card and made plans to set up a meeting to see how we could best help each other. Before the night was out I had all but forgotten the plans, too many Vodka Red Bulls, but I digress. Days later, after the hangover had subsided, I received an email from Anna and it all came back. We met at Jimmy’s Coffee, a charming little coffee bar on Portland Street. To no one’s surprise, certainly not to Anna’s, I was running late. It’s the only way to go for a young PR girl in practice. After I ordered my Latte, cold because it was vigorously hot with a single fan to circulate the air in the space, we settled in for a nice chat, periodically checking the score. She’s cheering for Mexico because she lived there for a while and I, for whoever is winning at that moment.

To my chagrin, we hit it off right away. Much more than an Importer, Anna has a background in Business, Advertising, Marketing, is an avid traveler; more over I found out she was dating one of, if not the most gorgeous men in the room at the Spice Safar launch. I was intrigued, who was this woman and how can I get her life and if not her life, how can I get her to be my best friend? At least one of my Besties, Kevin and Mari are not replaceable. As she sips her water and I my Latte, the Football Match in the background, she tells me all about her latest venture. She had the exclusive North American rights to import a blown crystal jewelry line from Mexico City; striking pieces like the ring she was wearing at the party. I found out that the pieces were the creation of talented Artist Orfeo Quagliata, offspring of acclaimed artist Narcissus Quagliata and award-winning jewelry designer Herta Jalkotzy. The pieces are 1 of a kind, hand made, blown crystal and Orfeo has been a progressive force in crystal and glass design. The line, affectionately called Phuze (because of the way it’s put together) has been distributed exclusively in Canada by UniqArte since 2010. Already in stores like Barneys and Saks in NYC it’s only a matter of time before Phuze (pronounced fuse) is on every Torontonian-Fashionista’s finger and neck out there.

The collections are colourful, authentic and unique; a great fit for the woman who loves exclusivity. The latest collection “crystal” features stunning asymmetrical rings in a wide range of colours including Lilac, which I absolutely adore. In addition the collection features transparent Bangle bracelets in Lime, Charcoal and Magenta. Phuze offers a full jewelry collection including cuffs and necklaces in addition to the aforementioned rings and bangles. For now however, in Canada you only have access to the “crystal collection” online at www.theglamroom.com and www.atozane.com or you can contact my new BFF Anna Jonca at the following:
Anna Jonca
UniqArte – Owner
C: + 1 416 618 8119
BBM: 21EE1B7E
Website: www.uniqarte.com
Blog: www.annajonca.com
….importing exquisite arte wear and decor