One-of-a-kind jewellery designed by Aaron Maya and Teresa Gonzales, made in their Mexico workshop
Category:
Jewellery
Est.
2002
Items released:
600-700 / yr
eCommerce:
Lightspeed
Founders:
Aaron Maya and Teresa Gonzales
Photographed by Argent Tonic
What inspired you to start your unique business, and how did you come up with the concept?
This business venture has quite a backstory! I arrived in Montreal in 1989 at 19 years old, with just $400 and a baby on the way. Years later, in 2002, while walking on Laurier, I spotted a place for rent at only $625/month. That's when I thought, "Why don't I open my own jewelry store?"
My hometown, Taxco, Mexico, is renowned as a jewelry city, home to Mexico's largest silver mine. Most people there worked either in the mines or the jewelry industry. Given this heritage, I felt it was a natural fit.
Initially, Argent Tonic was a jewelry bar. We offered jewelry alongside drinks, martini glasses, and more. This is how the name "Argent Tonic" came to be, a playful twist on "Gin and Tonic." The concept was incredibly successful; we were featured in all of Montreal's fashion magazines and newspapers. I'm proud to say the store has thrived since day one.
You mentioned that 80-90% of the jewelry in your store are original designs. What is the design process like... How has your personal background and family history influenced...
When I first opened the store, I thought, "Everyone can go to Mexico, buy jewelry, and sell it here." This sparked a desire in me to design my own unique pieces instead of just reselling others' designs. I'll admit, designing everything myself is much harder than simply buying and selling existing designs, but I absolutely love it!
My process involves traveling to Tucson, Arizona, to source the stones. I then bring these stones to my workshop in Mexico, where my team of manufacturers and I design and create our jewelry. This direct approach means there's no middleman—our pieces go straight from our workshop to the store.
Each piece truly is unique; we don't just offer one style. Instead, we provide a large variety for our customers.
