Made in Toronto
Hello! I’m Allison Asis, a digital marketer in the beauty industry by day, and jeweler by night and weekends.
I’m the founder & designer behind my jewelry line, Cadette Jewelry, which I handcraft here in Toronto. It’s a brand that has evolved just as I have — and thus, is a true reflection of me and how I’ve grown as both an individual & a jeweler. It all began as a mere creative hobby, and is now one of my most fulfilling endeavours: from sketching designs to final production, the diligent process of jewelry-making has become a love of mine that I could never be without.
Creative Spirit
I’ve always had a creative spirit, dabbling in various mediums to express myself throughout the years – from visual art, to music, to fashion, etc. About 8 years ago I started a style blog where I posted my favourite outfits and discussed trends that I admired. The blog eventually came to its conclusion when I realized that I wanted to create something ‘tangible’ that I could share with others. I felt it would be more worthwhile and gratifying. Post-blogging, I became very interested in DIY. I came across a great DIY blog that instructed one on creating these trending bracelets that consisted of thread & chain. I created a few of my own and really enjoyed the process. A few friends noticed and suggested I try selling them. And the rest is history! Unexpectedly, jewelry making entered my life.
The brand has seen its gradual evolutions in a short span of time – alongside the development of my skill-set and sources of inspiration.
Simplicity & Statement
Cadette Jewelry exudes the perfect balance of simplicity and statement. The simplicity comes from the way I use the materials — which as of late, has been mainly sterling silver. Everything is crafted by my hands, thus I always aim to achieve very clean lines, details & finishes so that every piece has a sleek feel overall.
The statement comes from the unique shapes & forms, which I incorporate into each piece, often inspired by a favourite artwork or architecture of mine. The beginning stages of my design process often involve an obsession with a shape I discover. I then reimagine the shape to give it my own interpretation, making it signature to Cadette.
Inspiration
For instance, I fell in love with Jean Arp’s biomorphic forms. I repeatedly found myself drawing and re-working variations of a biomorphic-looking kidney shape. That is how my ‘Jean earrings’ came to be which is currently my best seller. A few of my customers that rock the Jean earrings have told me that they’ve been approached by others who recognize the Cadette earrings [and shape]. Hearing that truly gives me a thrill and a ‘pinch me’ feeling.
Personal Style
My most recent pieces have become a staple of my daily adornment, they are so versatile and I can’t leave the house without wearing at least one of them — specifically the Kamea or Jean Earrings. Both feature hand-formed wire, so they’re quite light and easy to wear all day long. Additionally, their shapes are unique & unexpected, as well as polished to a high shine, which make them stand out. They are the perfect balance of simplicity & statement!
