thisilk
Announcement
♥NEW free standard (NO TRACKING) shipping to Canada & USA. ♥
♥TRACKED shipping upgrades available at checkout. ♥
Make sure you select a shipping upgrade option if you would like to be able to follow your package's whereabouts. If there is no tracking on your package, there is no information available to us as to when your package will arrive or where it is at any given moment. We offer this option so you can save a little on shipping costs though it gives us a bit more worry and more work responding about shipping delays. Please consider this when selecting your shipping option. Many thanks!
Welcome to This Ilk, the original lace jewelry shop! Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, body jewelry and more, handmade with love in Montreal, Canada, since 2008.
Je parle aussi français!
♥ Join This Ilk on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/this.ilk
♥ Follow us on Instagram or Twitter @thisilk
♥ Visit our website at www.thisilk.com
Read my "featured seller" interview here: http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2013/featured-shop-this-ilk/
If you're into vintage lace or the mod 1960's (think Edie Sedgwick) and are looking for some lightweight extraordinary dangling earrings, necklaces, harnesses... you're in the right place.
Each piece is carefully crafted into wearable art in limited quantities in our Montreal studio. Sourcing rare fabrics, designing, hand dyeing, meticulously treating against fraying, stiffening, hand sewing, and assembling are all part of the process. The sheen and softness of the lace is preserved wherever possible. Due to the nature of our production method, each item may vary slightly. Most of the pieces are limited editions as they are created from vintage lace as well as other vintage or exotically sourced materials.
Most hooks are silver or gold plated brass and they happen to be the only ones that don't give me an infection (they are nickel free) so I do recommend them... I can also provide clip-ons, gold-fill or sterling silver for anyone who doesn't have their ears pierced or have severely sensitive ears.
*Wholesale and custom colors available when possible... Don't hesitate to ask any questions!
Announcement
♥NEW free standard (NO TRACKING) shipping to Canada & USA. ♥
♥TRACKED shipping upgrades available at checkout. ♥
Make sure you select a shipping upgrade option if you would like to be able to follow your package's whereabouts. If there is no tracking on your package, there is no information available to us as to when your package will arrive or where it is at any given moment. We offer this option so you can save a little on shipping costs though it gives us a bit more worry and more work responding about shipping delays. Please consider this when selecting your shipping option. Many thanks!
Welcome to This Ilk, the original lace jewelry shop! Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, body jewelry and more, handmade with love in Montreal, Canada, since 2008.
Je parle aussi français!
♥ Join This Ilk on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/this.ilk
♥ Follow us on Instagram or Twitter @thisilk
♥ Visit our website at www.thisilk.com
Read my "featured seller" interview here: http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2013/featured-shop-this-ilk/
If you're into vintage lace or the mod 1960's (think Edie Sedgwick) and are looking for some lightweight extraordinary dangling earrings, necklaces, harnesses... you're in the right place.
Each piece is carefully crafted into wearable art in limited quantities in our Montreal studio. Sourcing rare fabrics, designing, hand dyeing, meticulously treating against fraying, stiffening, hand sewing, and assembling are all part of the process. The sheen and softness of the lace is preserved wherever possible. Due to the nature of our production method, each item may vary slightly. Most of the pieces are limited editions as they are created from vintage lace as well as other vintage or exotically sourced materials.
Most hooks are silver or gold plated brass and they happen to be the only ones that don't give me an infection (they are nickel free) so I do recommend them... I can also provide clip-ons, gold-fill or sterling silver for anyone who doesn't have their ears pierced or have severely sensitive ears.
*Wholesale and custom colors available when possible... Don't hesitate to ask any questions!
Items
Featured items
All Items
Reviews
-
![]()
brittany on Aug 11, 2022
5 out of 5 starsAmazing earrings!! Speedy shipping! Thank you so so much! I love them!
-
![]()
-
![]()
Olivia on Aug 6, 2022
5 out of 5 starssoooo good!! I bought these for work and have already received so many compliments i LOVE them they’re so unique🤩🤩
-
![]()
Vivian on Jul 26, 2022
5 out of 5 starsEarrings are as described, well made, arrived quickly, and packaged well. Overall a pleasant experience, and I would definitely recommend seller!
-
![]()
Reviewed by Inactive on Jul 8, 2022
5 out of 5 starsThese are even more stunning in person! They are also lightweight, I can’t wait to wear them at my wedding! I chose these instead of a floral headpiece and think it’s a much more creative use of floral decoration, they are such a unique look!
-
![]()
Jennifer on May 19, 2022
5 out of 5 starsEverything I get from Thisilk is beautifully made, packaged and shipped with care! I love this shop and the beautiful ways it lets me express my uniqueness through jewelry!!!
-
![]()
kellynicoleivey on May 15, 2022
5 out of 5 starsEarrings are absolutely amazing! Super great quality, lightweight, and stunning! Definitely will be a return customer!
-
![]()
Julie on Jul 30, 2022
5 out of 5 starsGorgeous! These are a gift for my dear friend. She’s going to LOVE them.
-
![]()
Michèle on Jul 28, 2022
5 out of 5 starsBeautiful, fast shipping. Will definitely buy again. Thank you 🙂
-
![]()
Kim on Jul 23, 2022
5 out of 5 starsSo beautiful! Love these earrings! They are lightweight and so chic ❤️
Updates
About thisilk
-
-
![]()
When we hold a booth at events! -
![]()
Hard at work in the studio Photography by Bianca Iasenzaniro -
![]()
Parlay in production Photography by Bianca Iasenzaniro -
![]()
Sometimes, I turn my vintage van into a mobile shop! -
![]()
Smack in the middle of a photoshoot!
Industrial Design, Edie Sedgwick and lace...
After a bachelor's degree in Industrial Design in 2007, and a little existential questioning, I needed a change.
A big one.
So after nearly 20 years of long hair, I decided to chop it off into an unconventional retro bowl cut. Knowing that a touch of femininity would be lost together with my long locks, I turned to the era of awesome short dos with women who knew how to pull them off, the 1960s... More precisely, I was struck by Andy Warhol's muse, Edie Sedgwick's amazing style. Extra large statement jewelry and bold make-up seemed to do the trick so off I went looking for a way to mimic a pair of Edie's earrings which although they were not made of lace, reminded me of fabric. And that is how it all started...
A stroke of genius, as I soon realized that lace is to textiles what gold is to metals and diamonds to rocks and that nothing beats lightweight statement earrings!
Today, the hair has grown again but the passion for statement pieces never fades. This Ilk was born in late 2008 and has come a long way since. With help from believers in my art at various stages along the way, This Ilk has managed to become my life and full time job.
Working alone in my Montreal studio I developed my own techniques. Cutting, dyeing, treating the lace so it doesn't fall apart, stiffening it strategically and precisely for structure, painting and assembling the various jewelry pieces, are all part of the process. I do not cut any corners as good design and quality are what counts. Another part of the challenge is seeking out the lace, that will inspire new pieces or fit my designs, from a variety of sources (mostly vintage). Always rethinking the definition of jewelry itself, the idea of body jewelry was born when I inadvertently placed a necklace on my shoulder. Skirting the fine line between jewelry and clothing, leggings and a dress also became part of the collection.
Finally, as design at large is my passion, the packaging as well as promotional photography also have my personal touch. In addition to all these aspects of the business, collaborating on photo shoots always makes me happy. Seeing what other artists do with my art is inspiring and motivating...
This Ilk has been featured in various magazines as well as at Montreal's Fashion week and festival. It also won a spot on the "Who's Next" trade show in Paris as well as a large grant with Incognito ( a local company) and Elle Quebec to enable me to expand my business.
By the way... "ilk" means a "type" or "kind"...
Shop members
-
Tamara Bavdek
Owner, Maker, Designer, Curator, Photographer, Graphic Designer
Following a degree in Industrial Design, Tamara founded This Ilk in late 2008 after designing her first pair of lace earrings in 2006. Inspired by all facets of design, she believes that lace is to textiles what gold is to metals & diamonds to rocks.
Shop policies
Accepted payment methods
Returns and exchanges
I gladly accept returns, exchanges, and cancellations
The following items can't be returned or exchanged
- Custom or personalized orders
- Perishable products (like food or flowers)
- Digital downloads
- Intimate items (for health/hygiene reasons)
- Items on sale
Returns and exchange details
If unfortunately you have changed your mind upon reception of the item, you may return it to us at your own shipping expense and we will be happy to refund the value of the item excluding the initial shipping price as this money will already have been spent. We expect to receive it in the same condition you received it in (unworn). We reserve the right not to issue a refund if we see obvious signs of wear. Feel free to reuse our packaging!
Exchanges :
We favour exchanges over returns therefor we will be happy to cover the price of the new shipment sent out to you.
Damaged items :
A lot of love and care goes into the making of This Ilk jewelry. If by misfortune damage is due to a default in my work, please let me know before leaving negative feedback and I will see what the best solution is to accommodate you wether it be repair or replacement. Errors are human after all...
Make sure you send us a photograph of the problem to help us better understand it. Do note that lace or assembly may be imperfect or slightly different than pictured because there is often a human behind its fabrication and dyeing. This may not be considered damage. Treat it like you would your precious jewels, feather jewelry or delicate nylons :) I also suggest laying it flat when storing so it keeps it's shape as best as possible. Storing in an airtight container (or ziplock) does wonders to keep them beautiful longer as humidity in the air can affect metals in the long run.
Lost packages :
Please note that we cannot be held responsible for lost packages sent out via standard mail. However, although we reserve the right to make all decisions regarding responsibility and ways to remedy this situation, we will favor replacing the item when possible and are not obliged to issue refunds. If your package seems to be lost in the mail (see shipping delay details in shipping policies) please contact us directly so we can work something out together. Please remember that this is as much a problem for us as it is for you. We understand your concern and want you to be super happy with your This Ilk piece so don't worry too much, we'll figure something out ;) If you have any doubts, feel free to visit our feedback section.
Delayed packages :
Note that in all cases, we do not offer refunds for delayed shipments as we have no control over delays caused by postal services and customs.
Wear :
Also a quick note to remind you to wear the backings to the earrings because they are very lightweight and you may not notice if you lose one. If you do lose one, we may be able to provide you with a single earring depending on the style, just let us know :)
Messaging :
We will do our best to answer your inquiries as fast as possible but please be indulgent as we are only a team of 2 and may not be available to instantly answers questions.
It's pretty simple, we will treat you as we would like to be treated and as best we can to the extent what is possible for us !
Payment
Taxes will be applied to purchases within Canada.
Shipping
- 2 to 6 business days for Canada (usually 1-3 days of transit)
- 4 to 14 business days for the USA (usually 4-6 days of transit)
- 6 to 21 business days for international destinations (usually 6-10 days of transit)
To the USA, we also offer upgraded shipping options:
- 6 business day shipping with tracking - 12$ - tracked packet
- 4 business days shipping with tracking - 16$ - express shipping
- 2 to 3 business days shipping with tracking - 27$ - priority shipping
To Canada, we offer upgraded shipping for 12$ which includes tracking and express shipping of 1-2 business days.
If you are based outside of the USA or Canada, please inquire for shipping prices if you would like tracked or express shipping, we will put up a special listing for you!
Also note that we can not be held responsible in the case where an address is incorrectly spelled or incomplete on Etsy. If the item is returned to us, we will happily resend it to your corrected address for the equivalent of the shipping fees so please double check your shipping information before purchasing!
We use eco-friendly packaging and try to keep the shipping weight and sizes as low as possible to have a lower impact on the environment.
If you have a special request (deadlines, gift wrapping, etc.) just ask and I'll definitely make the extra effort!
Additional policies and FAQs
PS. The EU and Canada has introduced a new trade agreement which eliminates custom fees. This is a great opportunity to hold This Ilk in your shop as you would local brands!