You've been imagining your wedding since you can remember, and you've always planned to wear your mother's pearls. But the last time you tried them on, they broke free from their strand—and left you broken-hearted. But not all is lost.
From her Ladner studio, on the heels of the one-year anniversary, September 1, you'll find Trish Arato meticulously designing custom-made jewellery designs, with quality metals and materials, gemstones, and diamonds, all in specific detail, to ensure you are getting exactly what you want. Plus, she can expertly restring a broken pearl necklace, too.
Drawing on 27-years of experience, Arato's creativity and exquisite craftmanship has been honed over thousands of high-end specialty pieces, designing everything from handmade rings, necklaces, and pendants, to bracelets, earrings, and more.
"I'm here to help make your dream come true and create what you want," says Trish Arato. "I want you to be able to look at your piece every day and say, 'wow, it's awesome.'"
Arato comes by her quality workmanship honestly, a career built on the foundation of defining moments. She's a Fellow of the Canadian Gemmological Association, which demonstrates a mastery of the theory and practice of gemmology, and a graduate gemmologist with the Gemmological Institute of America.
"I've been in the jewellery industry nearly three decades, have worked in retail, and spent part of my career working in a gemmological laboratory, and diamond brokerage, specializing in Canadian diamonds," Arato says. "The diamond brokerage was phenomenal."
Handpicked gemstones and pearls
Arato sources from local suppliers and buying trips to U.S. tradeshows, mainly the annual Las Vegas show, and will go to great lengths to find precisely what you want, no matter how particular.
"One client requested a specific hue of pink sapphire," she says. "It's so exciting that I can actually find these stones to give them that special experience. My gemmological background enables me to source any particular stone you want."
"One of the best stones I've ever found in my career was a beautiful two-carat blue sapphire that I customized with trapezoid-cut diamonds on either side," she recalls. "I sourced it through one of my local suppliers, who brought it from overseas."
A self-professed "pearlaholic," Arato admits she loves working with freshwater pearls because of their uniqueness—their different shapes. One of her favourites, a three-strand multi-coloured freshwater pearl necklace, was for a client who wanted something fun and fresh, but also eye-catching.
Metals and materials
Arato works with various metals - 18K yellow and rose gold, 19K white gold, and sterling silver.
"If you're interested in upcycling your old jewellery into something more practical and durable, maybe using old gold and stones you have inherited, I can create a quality piece, something new you can wear, and something comfortable that fits within your budget," she explains.
Turning your vision into a reality is a hallmark of Arato's work, listening intently to your wishes, and working together to fulfill your expectations is her ultimate goal.
Whether it's a piece for your loved one, an engagement or anniversary gift, perhaps a casual special occasion, or something uniquely personalized to suit you for everyday wear—she'll make it happen.
"I'm here to get your story, help you realize your dreams and create your own custom jewellery."
For more information or to book an appointment, visit trisharato.com.