Toronto jeweller Jared Brown has teamed up with Hound House to create a limited-edition medallion—a simple, elegant piece etched with a paw print and available in solid yellow gold or sterling silver—with 100% of proceeds donated to the Toronto Humane Society. In this Q&A, Jared breaks down the design decisions behind a piece that’s both personal and timeless, why pets inspire his work, and how a jewelry drop can double as a meaningful act of giving back. —Noa Nichol
What was the original spark for this medallion — was there a particular moment or story that inspired the paw-print motif and its heirloom feel?
The idea for the medallion came from a very personal place. As someone with three dogs, the connection I feel with them is a huge part of my daily life.
I wanted to design a piece that captures that love – something simple, beautiful and lasting that speaks to the bond we share with our dogs. Whether you’re honouring a dog who’s still with you or remembering one who’s passed, this piece was created to carry that connection forward.
Walk us through your design process: how did you move from concept to the final etched paw print, and what choices did you make to ensure the piece feels timeless yet personal?
I started by looking at my own dogs’ paw prints and wanted to capture that simple, honest connection. I chose a clean, hand-etched design in precious metal to keep it elegant but personal, something that feels meaningful today and will still feel special years from now.
Tell us about the materials and craft — why offer both solid yellow gold and sterling silver, and what ethical sourcing or fabrication practices were important to you for this collaboration?
Every piece is crafted here in Toronto, using solid yellow gold or sterling silver. I chose both because I wanted the medallion to be accessible yet enduring.
The medallion can be engraved on the reverse. How did you approach personalization as part of the design, and what kinds of engravings have resonated most with customers in the past?
Personalization was essential from the beginning. The engraving transforms the medallion into something uniquely yours. Clients can choose pet names, adoption dates, or even a short phrase that encapsulates their bond, making the piece their own.
Why did you choose to partner with Hound House and donate 100% of proceeds to the Toronto Humane Society — what does this cause mean to you personally and professionally?
As a lifelong dog lover, and dad to three dogs, this cause is very close to my heart. Toronto Humane Society does incredible work to improve the lives of animals, and giving back to them felt like the natural choice. Partnering with Hound House made perfect sense, their community is built around celebrating dogs as family. Donating 100% of proceeds was the only way this collaboration felt right.
Hound House is unveiling a refreshed identity at the launch. How did their rebrand and your creative vision align when shaping this limited-edition piece?
Hound Houses’ new identity feels elevated, thoughtful and community-driven. The medallion became a natural extension of that vision; a piece that’s elegant, modern, and rooted in love for animals.
Can you share any production or edition details — how many pieces will be available, how long did it take to produce the first run, and were there any surprising technical challenges?
Each medallion is custom made to order, with careful attention to detail at every stage. We started with a high polish, but after a few iterations, I shifted to a soft matte finish — it felt warmer, more subtle, and better suited to the sentimental nature of the piece. That small change made a big difference in how the medallion feels when worn.
Do you have a dog who’s especially meaningful to you — a muse or companion — and how has that relationship influenced your work, your love of dogs, or this collection specifically?
I’m lucky to have three wonderful dogs – Fredrik, Ollie & Emma and each one inspires me in different ways. Their loyalty, quirks, and unconditional love remind me daily of why I wanted to create this special medallion.
Beyond fundraising, what role do collaborations like this play in growing your brand’s community — do you see Jared Brown Designs taking more purpose-driven partnerships forward?
Absolutely. Collaborations like this allow us to grow our community around shared values, not just aesthetics. I definitely see purpose-driven projects continuing to be part of our story.
Practical question for buyers: how should owners care for and preserve a medallion like this so it remains a wearable heirloom, and do you offer any aftercare or engraving services post-purchase?
Both gold and silver are durable, but like any fine jewellery they benefit from gentle care. I recommend storing the medallion in a soft pouch when not worn, and cleaning it with a non-abrasive cloth. For silver, a polishing cloth helps keep the shine.
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