Alexis Smith

I have been creating jewellery since I was ten years old. It is a passion which I have embraced and perfected ever since. After completing my Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts in Toronto, I followed my heart, pursuing my education as a Goldsmith and Jewellery Designer.

In the past 12 years, I have brought thousands of dreams to life, in the form of custom engagement, wedding and commemorative jewellery.

Each piece is handcrafted in Toronto, with great care and attention to detail, alongside our clients. Those who know me say that I’m a total perfectionist.

I believe that jewellery should be personal, expressive and comfortable. In the past decade, we have perfected a custom design process which is highly collaborative, intimate and exciting.

I take pride in building long-lasting relationships with our clients. Nothing brings me more joy than hearing: ‘WE’RE ENGAGED!”

Being hands-on with every client and project is a commitment that I welcome. Every day I wake up excited to create and connect – it never feels like work.

-Alexis

Mercedes Smith

With a background in design and communication, and a love for my sister’s creativity and perfectionism; leaving the corporate world in 2017 to become Alexis’s partner was a no-brainer.

I have always had an eye for design, which earned me a Bachelor of Design at Toronto Metropolitan University.

As a Designer, I love working with clients one-on-one; guiding them to make informed design choices to bring their unique vision to life.

I’m a true romantic, (and married my high school sweetheart). I delight in being a small part of so many love stories.

-Mercedes

Rachel Black

I like to consider myself a jack of all trades, master of some (the AG team would say master of many). Learning and creating is my passion. Discovering in my early childhood that I have artistic talent, I have always been encouraged to work with my hands and learn a trade.

After graduating from Welding Techniques, I was compelled to explore more artistic forms of metallurgy.  I completed Georgian College's Goldsmithing program and advanced my 3D modeling skills. 

My passion for metal and gemstones has opened so many doors in my life, leading me to my role as a Designer at Alexis Gallery.  Everyday, I am energized and uplifted as I see our delightful clients through the custom design process.  From helping clients examine and evaluate stones, to seeing that look of amazement when they see their ring for the first very time - I LOVE MY JOB!

In my free time, I listen to gem podcasts (they exist!), and help organize the Georgian Bay Steam show. I'm the first female head blacksmith in its 56 year history.

I am currently in a committed and loving relationship with myself - which is great because it gives me more time to play video games and watch anime.

-Rachel

Randi Maragos

I moved to Toronto nearly a decade ago from Thunder Bay, Ontario. Growing up in a hometown steeped in nature's beauty; with a bounty of gemstones (like amethysts) and talented local market artisans, sparked my passion for handmade jewellery.

I’ve always had a love of crystals and gemstones, adding all different types to my collection. Like Pokémon, I want to catch em all! I love to let my gem flag fly high; I am a certified gemologist and have studied under the GIA, George Brown and the Canadian Gemmological Association.

I find so much joy in connecting with people during their engagement journey. It’s such an important time in their lives, the excitement is contagious!

On the weekend, you can find me at home watching a movie and enjoying a cup of tea, or on nature walks with my husband.

-Randi

Jacinthe Burton

I grew up in Edmonton, Alberta as a dancer and someone who has always loved creating with my hands.

I continued my dance training at The Ailey School in NYC. Once I graduated, I danced professionally throughout the United States and Europe and went on to complete my 500-hr yoga teacher training. 

After leaving the dance industry, I started re-exploring a childhood hobby of creating jewellery, which led me to goldsmithing classes, where I fell in love with the art. Eventually, I landed in Toronto and soon after I enrolled in the George Brown College Jewellery Arts Program.

I love working one-on-one with clients to help find their dream gemstone, perfect their ring size and make sure the fine details are on point (dance pun intended).

I met my the love of my life in 2019, in a boring Hinge conversation (from both sides). Later on, quite by accident, we met in-person and decided a first date didn’t sound so bad…. Let’s just say we're recently engaged!

-Jacinthe

Rachel Miller

Since I was little, I have always had a passion for crafting with my hands.

Taking a fashion course focused on garment creation was a turning point for me. Seeing my designs come to life fuelled my passion, driving me to seek out new paths for creative expression. It was during this exploration that I stumbled upon jewellery making and I was instantly captivated.

I graduated from the George Brown College Jewellery Arts Program, with a focus on goldsmithing techniques and creative design.

Today, I combine my skills and creative calling to help our clients design their most momentous rings. Being able to help clients feel confident to make informed decisions makes my day.

When I'm not working, you can find me exploring museums, supporting local artists, and trying new restaurants in Toronto.

-Rach

Orla McConaghy

Born and raised in Ireland, my journey into creativity began in my mum’s art classroom, where I’d sneak in to craft my own ‘masterpieces’. Pursuing my design passion, I studied Textile Design at the University of Dundee, Scotland, specializing in knitwear. 

After returning to Ireland, I launched my own knitwear business which flourished thanks to my social media and marketing strategies. Alongside this, I collaborated with a leading bridal accessory designer, sparking my interest in the wedding industry. Eventually, I pivoted towards my newfound love for social media and marketing. 

I met the love of my life on my first day at university. It turned out we grew up in neighbouring towns in Ireland. We decided to pack up and leave Ireland together to explore the world, eventually finding ourselves in Toronto. 

Now, I channel my creativity into crafting engaging content and marketing strategies, showcasing the beauty and craftsmanship behind each unique ring. It brings me so much joy to bring to life the love stories of each and every client! 

- Orla 

Jill Gallucci

For my whole life, I've followed my creativity wherever it leads me; down avenues in the visual arts, floral design and jewellery design. In both education and occupation, I’ve gained knowledge from different creative disciplines and endeavours before arriving here, at Alexis Gallery. As Production Manager, I have the pleasure of seeing each project begin as an idea, become a design, then come to life as it’s handcrafted. The excitement and elation of our clients, as they see their ring for the first time feels like the perfect ending to an expertly written love story.

After finishing my Bachelor's degree at OCAD, majoring in Jewellery Design and Metalsmithing, I studied gemmology and diamond grading, receiving both my Canadian and British gemmologist designations. With my specialized knowledge, I adore curating the perfect centre stone for each unique client.

My husband and I have been married for 10 years. After we began dating, we discovered that we grew up only streets apart. I truly believe that we met at the perfect time. We spend our days chasing after our son, Rocco, who toddles his way into new adventures daily.

-Jill

Samuel Quartier

After making my mark on the Toronto food & wine industry, while watching Alexis Gallery grow, I was eager to join the ‘family business’.

Having managed some of Toronto's most prestigious high volume restaurants, I am an organizational guru. My international career began with an old world hospitality education in France and Europe. I was born in Nice, and learned from the best, training at France's most respected luxury establishments.

The secret to exceptional service, no matter what the industry; is going above and beyond for every client. Overseeing the organizational aspects of Alexis Gallery fills me with a sense of pride. Especially when clients remark on the ease of their experience and compliment our level of communication throughout the custom design process.

I met my wife (Alexis) 18 years ago on a spring evening in Ireland and having never set foot in North America, followed her back to Canada. I love our story- and I love being a part of our clients'.

-Sam