Hestia

I discovered Hestia on Instagram.

I love jewellery, Canadian brands and items with provenance. I guess that’s why Hestia appeared on my search page.

I started following the brand and soon got a pair of its “Bella Ceramic Sapphire Earrings,” sweet Princess-cut white sapphires framed in navy-blue ceramic. I love them and receive so many compliments on them that I reached out to Hestia (they are based here in Toronto) to get the scoop on what they do.

The brand’s very charming, Turkish-born Creative Director Yasemin Mutlu was extremely obliging – we spoke a few times – and she let me pick her brain about this very cool, Canadian brand…

Hestia founder and creative director Yasemin Mutlu (captured in some rare downtime).

You began your career in advertising – how did you make the leap to jewellery designer and Hestia founder?

Moving to Toronto from Istanbul was a chance to start everything over, so I reconsidered how to take the next step in my career. Managing many brands in the global market within all spectrums of categories, I always had an interest in the luxury market and finer things. I decided to create a brand which offers precious and modern pieces.

Hestia has been described as “cool,” “dainty,” “timeless” and “luxurious.” How would you describe it?

Being cool and timeless is exactly how we want to be perceived. We’re not pushing a certain look. We prefer our clients to create their own signature looks. We are also committed to provenance and only use graded, conflict-free diamonds and ethically sourced materials.

I noticed Hestia in a sea of Instagram images. What do you think makes it stand out?

We know the importance of personalizing and understand the emotional value of owning a piece of jewellery. We feel like our pieces are almost like a silent witness to personal and joyful occasions.

What is the one piece of jewellery every woman should own?

It depends on the person of course. I’m into earrings and I started my own collection with a pair of Turkish Aquamarines because I grew up in Izmir, Turkey. Last night, I had dinner with a friend and she was wearing the Delight baguette diamond necklace from our Star Collection, and it was perfect for her. So, I would say one piece that feels like it was made for you.

Do you think that women see jewellery differently in North America versus Europe?

Italy, France, Greece and Turkey cherish corals, colourful gems, turquoise and cameos, while cleaner, architectural looks are more popular in Northern Europe. California gravitates to this clean look as well. History has more influence in Russia, Turkey and England with lots of rose-cut diamonds and handcrafted ornamental jewellery with symbolism in it. I feel that same appreciation of craftsmanship is popular here in Canada, along with the clean Northern Europe look. France still holds the most coveted high jewellery designs and pieces, with a strong balance of modernity, colour, proportions and fine jewellery techniques. The US is focused on diamonds and gold: the bigger the better!

Hestia uses the word “sentimental” a lot – why is that?

We believe that when you purchase a gift or a piece for yourself, especially in times like these, it’s an emotional purchase. And Hestia offers symbols of protection, love, joy, luck and friendship.

Symbols and superstition seem to resonate with you.

Yes, the assumption that a connection exists between co-occurring, non-related events; the notion that charms promote good luck or protect you from bad luck. For many, engaging with superstitious behaviours provides a sense of control and reduces anxiety – which is why levels of superstition increase at times of stress. I grew up in a culture where symbolism is important; traditionally a blue-eye charm is gifted to a newborn with a gold coin for good luck, wishbones and horseshoes are also for good luck and an acorn symbolizes wealth. With gemstones, I could go on forever about protection and healing powers. And I admit, I would never attend an important event without my blue-eye charm!

Do you have a favourite Hestia piece?

I love the Hearth ceramic and gold stack-up rings; I wear the blue ceramic Billie ring stacked with multiple gold Billie rings. I also love pairing my Sophia London blue Topaz earring studs with the Marilyn Sunflower Quartz earring extender bars.