Vancouver Jewelry Brand Serves Up The Sweet Life

We’ve discovered a delicious new way to wear our fave jewelry. Hunt Of Hounds is a female-forward, independent brand based in Vancouver. A decade in the making, their newest collection is called Food For The Soul—inspired by occasions when you break out the good dishes, gather with friends and family and fight over the last slice of cake. The pieces, including the Cake Ring, Ice Cream Necklace and Candy Heart Stud Earrings, are handmade, one at time, in their own workshop using a Slow & Steady method of production, which reduces waste and promotes fair-trade collaboration. We chatted with designer, founder, owner and all-round boss of operations Sabrina Johnson about the Food For The Soul range, and are giving you a chance to win big! ​—Noa Nichol

Hi Sabrina! When and why did you launch Hunt Of Hounds? What is the meaning behind the very unique name?

I started Hunt Of Hounds in 2010 out of a love for storytelling, design and jewelry (of course!). At the time, I was working in-house at a fashion label and was looking to create pieces that I wanted to wear. More than 10 years later, I get that chance every day; whether it’s concept, production or customer consultation, I have my hands in everything. As for the name, a group of hounds is called a hunt. We chose the name Hunt Of Hounds to reflect fidelity and energy, and to bring to mind old-world adventure and allure. We’re also a family business, so the name just fit!

Where do you draw your inspo from for your designs? How do you weave stories into your pieces/collections?

My inspiration comes from everywhere: a book, a film, scenery when we go for an afternoon walk and even a beautiful piece of cake! As I design each piece, I draw on my background in fine art and history to guide the shapes, patterns and stone choices. I really love mixing heritage styles with modern trends. Jewelry can be very personal and is often something that is handed down through families. I love the idea that a piece can have a story that evolves over time. For the designs that are inspired by mythology or poetry, the meaning is often literally inscribed on the piece though text or symbols. Other times, the intention of a piece is more subtle and the story is told through a feeling of nostalgia or empowerment when you wear it. We love hearing from our customers that they connected with the stories and how our creations fit into the story of their lives. It’s very rewarding.

Your latest collection, Food For The Soul, is inspired by occasions when you break out the good dishes, gather with friends and family, and fight over the last slice of cake. What pieces are included in the range, and do you have a fave?

Food For The Soul plays with the idea of indulgence and celebration. I wanted the collection to be full of colour and tokens of kindness, so the rings are shaped like cakes and donuts as well as hugs and hearts. The necklaces and earrings are “glowed-up” versions of candy heart necklaces and nostalgic treats like ice cream cones and whipped cream. Our new Chantilly Charm Holder is decorated with a historical silverware motif that looks like tableware from a fairytale. My personal favorite is the Cake Ring. The inspiration is a traditional Indonesian cake that is total comfort food for me. The bright colours, beautiful shape, and multiple components made the design process both fun and technically complex. I’m super proud of this piece and it looks stunning, too!

Tell us more about your “Slow & Steady” method of production.

We design, produce and package everything in our workshop, which allows us to make responsible decisions when it comes to manufacturing and distribution. By keeping small quantities of stock on hand, and producing for retailers on a bespoke basis, we are able to cut down on unsold inventory as well as reduce our storage and shipping footprint. We are also delighted to offer our Made To Order service to customers worldwide. By letting our customers order exactly what they want when they want, we decrease waste and counteract the detrimental social and environmental effects of fast fashion.

Final fall question: what one Hunt Of Hounds piece will you be rocking on repeat this autumn?

I’m officially obsessed with our Chantilly Charm Holder on Mixed Gem Necklace. The colourful gem beads are trending at the moment, and the versatility of the charm holder lets you add charms or pendants that can make it your own.

huntofhounds.com

Win! A $300 Hunt Of Hounds Prize Pack!

Congrats Mikaela G. of Pickering, ON, who will receive a $300 Hunt Of Hounds prize pack, including:

• Chantilly Charm Holder Clip Chain Necklace
• Ice Cream Charm
• Mini Gem Charm (winner’s choice of stone)
• Story Book Gift Box

Please note: if you are the winner, you will receive a DM (direct message) in Instagram directly from @vitadaily.ca. Please be wary of fake accounts, which often use similar handles with an extra or missing letter, number or symbol. We will never ask for a payment or for your credit card number, and we will never ask you to click through a link. If you are unsure whether you have been contacted, via Instagram, by us or a fake account, email us before responding.