It’s notable for its early adoption of environmentally and socially responsible materials in its products, focusing mainly on engagement rings, wedding bands, and custom jewelry projects\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b.<\/p>\n
Key milestones in FTJCo’s history include:<\/p>\n
Founding and Early Years (2006 – 2008): Initially envisioned as a wholesale business providing ‘Oro Verde’ gold from Colombia, FTJCo shifted to direct consumer sales due to low retailer interest in responsibly sourced gold\u200b\u200b.<\/p>\n
First Physical Store (2008): FTJCo opened its first store in Toronto\u2019s historic Cabbagetown neighbourhood, offering clients a unique experience to see their jewelry being made on-site\u200b\u200b.<\/p>\n
Sustainability and Certifications:<\/p>\n
BCorp Certification: In 2023, FTJCo celebrated its 10th anniversary as a certified Benefit Corporation in March 2023, underscoring its commitment to sustainable business practices\u200b\u200b.<\/p>\n
Climate Neutral Jewellery: Partnering with SCS Global Services, FTJCo developed a new standard for certified Climate Neutral Diamonds, launched in 2022, and is working towards introducing Climate Neutral Gold by 2025.<\/p>\n
United Nations Global Compact (2020): The company joined this initiative to align its business with sustainable development goals and is actively involved with the Responsible Jewellery Council\u200b\u200b.<\/p>\n
Employee Ownership (2022): Transitioning to an employee-owned model in mid-2022, FTJCo empowered its staff with greater economic and professional agency through the Employee Share Ownership Program (ESOP)\u200b\u200b.<\/p>\n
Brand Evolution and Expansion:<\/p>\n
Branding Refresh (2022): FTJCo updated its branding with a new logo and tagline, \u201cFine jewellery with integrity,\u201d to reflect its evolving identity and values\u200b\u200b.<\/p>\n
New Location (2022): Relocating to a larger, custom-renovated heritage building at 576 Parliament St., the company installed a transparent glass wall to showcase its jewelry-making process\u200b\u200b.<\/p>\n
Social and Community Contributions:<\/p>\n
Supporting Food Security During COVID-19 (2020-2021): FTJCo donated over $34,000 CAD to food banks and other causes as part of its community support initiatives during the pandemic\u200b\u200b.<\/p>\n
YWCA Women of Distinction Awards (2016 onwards): The company has been crafting the Women of Distinction award pins for YWCA since 2016, aligning with its core value of supporting women\u200b\u200b.
\nInnovations and Achievements:<\/p>\n
\u2018Just Gold\u2019 Program (2017): In collaboration with NGO IMPACT and Consensas, FTJCo initiated the import of Congolese gold to North America, introducing a blend of Congolese Just Gold and certified recycled gold\u200b\u200b.
\nAGTA Spectrum Award (2020): Lead designer Kathleen Kerr won the Gem DIVA Award for Bridal Wear, highlighting FTJCo\u2019s excellence in design and craftsmanship\u200b\u200b.<\/p>\n
Promoting Gender Equality: FTJCo\u2019s commitment to gender equality in the jewelry and mining industry was highlighted when Head of Production, Kesha Frank, addressed the OECD on this topic in 2018\u200b\u200b.<\/p>\n
Global Supply Chain and Impact: FTJCo has been actively building evidence-based supply chains globally to reduce environmental impact and promote equitable value distribution\u200b\u200b.<\/p>\n
Overall, FTJCo represents a successful model of how a jewelry company can operate ethically, sustainably, and with a strong focus on community and employee well-being.<\/p>\n","url":"https:\/\/ftjco.com\/","url_text":"ftjco.com","main_services":"Canada, Custom Jewelry, Jewellery, Engagement Rings, Wedding Bands, Canadian Diamonds, Antique Jewellery, Lab Grown Diamonds, Sapphires, Natural Diamonds","image_1":"https:\/\/diib.com\/featuredmembers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Logo-Fair-Trade-Jewellery-Company-Ltd.jpg","client_review":"","why_we":"","history":"","image_2":false,"image_3":false},"yoast_head":"\n