Vendor Spotlight: QuArtzy by Loren

After becoming a Canadian citizen and graduating with her diploma in Jewelry and Metals from Georgian College, artisan Loren Harrison started her business, QuArtzy by Loren, in 2022. Born in the Philippines, Loren's first career was in business administration - working in the Philippines and in Abu Dhabi after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce. "I've always had a passion for jewelry," Loren said with a smile. "And I have always been good at crafts. My husband suggested that since I love jewelry, I should become a professional artisan." With his encouragement, along with her schooling and passion, Loren decided to take the leap and start working from her home studio to bring unique designs to life.

Loren believes that jewelry should be more than just an accessory - she believes it should be an expression of individuality and style. Each piece has its own inspiration and story, all fully designed and handmade by Loren herself. "Each design has a focus on minimalist and contemporary aesthetics," she explained. "I use a variety of techniques and materials to create jewelry that is both beautiful and affordable."

For her handcrafted jewelry, Loren uses precious metals (Argentium Silver and Sterling Silver), some copper, and semi-precious gemstones in many forms, including faceted, polished, cabochon, natural tumbled stone, pearls, abalone shells, and more. "I like to use Argentium Silver because it has unique and superior properties compared to traditional Sterling Silver," Loren explained. "It is a high purity silver with a brighter, whiter colour. It has a longer lasting shine, more strength and durability, and is hypoallergenic and responsible."

Through her Jewelry and Metals program, Loren gained valuable hands-on experience and skills. "We were taught so much," said Loren. "From ancient techniques like chasing and repousse, reticulation, cuttlefish bone casting, water casting and more, to modern techniques for fabrication, stone setting, metalsmithing, gemology, repairs, lapidary and more." A wealth of knowledge, Loren is always more than happy to answer any questions about her pieces, process, and materials.

​Each of QuArtzy by Loren's pieces is designed and made with care and happiness, giving Loren the freedom to craft unique pieces from scratch through self-expression. "I get a lot of inspiration from my love of nature," Loren said with a smile. "Every time I go out I take my camera with me. I like to take close-up pictures of small things, like flowers, leaves, bark of trees, and dragon flies. I use these pictures as inspiration for elements of my designs." In addition to nature, Loren also finds inspiration through her materials. "The beauty of gemstones inspires me as well," she explained. "Each stone has its own beauty, especially when placed in a handcrafted setting."

In addition to her original designs, QuArtzy by Loren also takes custom orders, crafting unique pieces which fit your style. "I love creating unique items that are meaningful and give happiness to the wearer," Loren said with a proud smile. "Making handmade jewelry allows me to demonstrate my skill of creating unique pieces from scratch through self-expression." Like many artisans, Loren finds solace in her craft. "The rhythmic sound of hammering and watching the flow of metals when forging and texturing gives me a sense of relaxation," she explained. "It takes time to craft a piece. Some take a few hours, some take minutes, and some take weeks to create."

QuArtzy by Loren has something for everyone - from unique Silver necklaces, elegant pendants, trendy chokers and timeless brooches, to stylish rings, beautiful earrings, chic bangles and sophisticated bracelets. Designed to add a touch of elegance and uniqueness to the wearers style, Loren's pieces each have their own feel, voice, and pull. Her collections are designed to cater to all age groups and styles, and are designed to be not only beautiful but uniquely affordable. In addition to the Horton Farmers' Market, QuArtzy by Loren pieces can also be found at the Art Emporium in Port Stanley and the Olde Stanton Store in The Blue Mountains.

Since moving to Port Stanley in the spring of 2025, Loren and her husband have fully embraced the Elgin County and St. Thomas communities. "We like living in the village with other artists and cultural activities," she said. "Vending at the Horton Farmers' Market has brought us into contact with many shoppers from our area, who in turn help tell others about our business." Running a small business is no easy feat, especially one based on creativity and passion, but the care, love, and energy local farmers and artisans at Horton put into their products is what sets them apart. Each product carries the passion and soul of the artisan it came from, and each artisan at Horton brings their own unique perspective, vision, and craft with them every market Saturday.

​"I've learned that it takes some time to build a new business," Loren explained while chatting during market hours. "Perseverance is required to make anything happen. But seeing the happiness of people when they purchase a piece and chatting with customers who return and are happy with their purchase makes all of the hard work worth it." This Saturday during Winter at Horton, stop by QuArtzy by Loren's table, visit with Loren and her husband, and check out some of the unique pieces she has to offer - you never know what piece might speak to you, but you'll know that whichever one it is, it has been handmade with love, care, and quality materials that are meant to last.

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Paige Palmer, Marketing Assistant

Paige is a proud recent graduate of Western University's Media and Communications (MACS) program and King's University College's Thanatology program. Born and raised in Elgin County, Paige loves connecting with local people and businesses to tell their stories and promote their hard work. A previous St. Thomas Parks and Forestry summer student, Paige also loves exploring local parks and trails, and promoting the incredible work of the Parks and Forestry department, while capturing some beautiful pictures along the way. ​