The TALENT

It’s hard to imagine that delicate diamond-studded necklaces and golden stacking rings grew out of a childhood love of seed-bead baubles, but that was the case for Kirsty Surian, 28. Armed with a business degree from Ryerson University, the self-taught, Toronto-born designer partners with entrepreneurs in developing nations to source materials for her fine jewellery collection, SUPPLY + DEMAND JEWELRY (supplydemandjewelry.com). The algae- and sea-sponge-shaped pieces mimic the beaches in L.A., where she now lives.

WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN JEWELLERY?

“My grandmother worked for a costume house and the Hudson’s Bay Company, so over the years I amassed quite the arsenal of sequins and chains.”

WHERE DO YOU DRAW INSPIRATION FOR YOUR DESIGNS?

“I’m inspired by the raw beauty of things untouched by mankind. Being immersed in different cultures also inspires me—through travelling, I’ve discovered different materials that I use, such as the Ankole cow horn from East Africa.”

WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL JEWELLERY PHILOSOPHY?

“Collect jewels with purpose. My most treasured pieces are family heirlooms or have a story to tell.”

WHAT ARE YOUR MOST INSPIRING TRAVEL DESTINATIONS?

“For design aesthetic, I love coastal cities—in particular, I love the Mediterranean Sea for the contrast of the rocky cliffsides and the vibrant blue water.”