Christine Rio is a Canadian jewelry designer based on the West Coast in Victoria, BC, though she has ties to the UK with family connections hailing from Bexleyheath. After many years in the corporate world, Christine began experimenting with jewelry making as a hobby in 2012. However, once she discovered her passion for metalsmithing and silver fabrication, she launched her contemporary brand, Slate Jewelry, in 2016 at Vancouver Fashion Week.

Her design mantra is a quote by one of her favourite directors, Alfred Hitchcock, who said, “ideas come from everything.” Christine is more often influenced to start a design by seeking to create a texture or highlighting the shape of the gemstone, rather than planning any specific outcome in the piece. While this may appear to be a random way to create, once the piece begins, each hammer strike and torching of the silver is intentional as the piece evolves. The fluidity of the metal under the hammer is almost a meditative process for her, creating a flow in the materials that brings them to life, so that each piece seems to be infused with movement, playing on the light and textures within.

The timeless jewelry that Christine creates is meant to forge a human connection, initiate conversations, and draw attention. As an introvert, Christine’s statement pieces are intended to draw people in and create intimate connections, providing a way for the quieter among us to seek out meaningful dialogue.

Working from the freedom of being primarily self-taught, Christine has embraced designing without the constraints of traditional rules in silversmithing. She works within her natural ability to create balanced, yet dramatic pieces, married to a love of sculpture and surrealism.

She has coined the term “modern relic” to describe her work, drawing from her degree in Classical Studies and her admiration for ancient artisans, paired with a respect for bold architectural design.