Every year, Valentine’s Day arrives with its familiar symbols — hearts, flowers, declarations of love — and every year I find myself asking the same quiet question: what does it really mean to give a Valentine’s gift? Beyond the commercial noise, there is something deeply human about this moment in the calendar. It invites us … Read more
As the year draws to a close, I find myself pausing for a moment to take in everything that 2025 has brought. The turbulence, the surprises, the opportunities, the challenges, and the many moments of gratitude. The world of precious metals is unpredictable. With gold prices rising steadily and uncertainty shaping the broader landscape. Yet, … Read more
main image: Fairmined website My Reflections on Rising Prices, Ethics, and the Future of Jewellery Have you ever stopped to consider what truly happens when you invest in gold? I ask myself this question often—more than most, perhaps—because gold is not only my material of work but also a living thread that connects miners, artisans, … Read more
Lost wax casting is one of the oldest jewellery-making techniques known to humanity. It dates back around 6,400 years, and remarkably, the fundamentals of the process have hardly changed. Ancient goldsmiths worked with beeswax and clay, while today we benefit from modern tools and rubber moulds. Yet, the soul of the technique remains the same: … Read more
As summer shifts from July to August, one gemstone shines with the season’s vitality: Peridot. With its radiant green hue, Peridot is the perfect gift to celebrate August birthdays and the vibrant energy of high summer. This unique birthstone boasts a rich history, deep spiritual symbolism, and a personal significance that has stayed with me … Read more
Gold is timeless. It’s soft, malleable, and endlessly repurposable. You can melt it down, reshape it, and give it new life. Whether it’s from heirloom pieces, gold coins, or even dental gold, it holds value and stories. Gold never gets thrown away. It carries meaning. It endures across generations. That’s why it’s perfect for wedding … Read more
The State of Sustainability in the Jewellery Industry at The Goldsmiths’ Centre, 9 June 2025 Last Monday, I had the pleasure of attending the Fair Luxury Jewellery Conference at The Goldsmiths’ Centre in London. The event, titled “The State of Sustainability in the Jewellery Industry,” brought together makers, thinkers, and changemakers for an afternoon of … Read more
June is one of the few months honoured with not just one, but three birthstones. Each one is rich in meaning, beauty, and history. Traditionally, the pearl is June’s birthstone. But over time, moonstone and alexandrite joined the ranks, making June a month of layered symbolism and diverse aesthetic expressions. As a goldsmith and designer … Read more
As a goldsmith and designer working with precious metals for over two decades, I am often asked: “Why do you choose Fairmined gold over recycled gold?” Or: “Isn’t recycled gold the most ethical choice?” These questions are important. I am glad people ask them. To answer properly, we need to look at where our gold … Read more
Corporate gifting is often reduced to a checklist. Something nice and useful Perhaps branded with a logo and handed over during a toast or team event. However, when a gift is honouring a person. Genuinely recognising someone’s contribution. Their years of service, the story they’ve built with a company. So it must carry more than … Read more
A Day in the Life of a Goldsmith: Behind the Scenes Insights Behind the scenes in my goldsmith studio. My workshop sits tucked away in a modest setting—just 25 square metres of focused creativity and purposeful work. Though small, every corner serves the needs of my craft. I’ve set aside one area for receiving clients, … Read more
A New Perspective on Engagement Rings Traditionally, engagement rings feature solitaire diamonds. The first recorded diamond engagement ring was commissioned in 1477 by Archduke Maximilian of Austria for Mary of Burgundy. This marked the beginning of a fashionable trend among the elite. In 1886, Tiffany & Co. introduced the solitaire diamond engagement ring as we … Read more
Aquamarine is a gemstone of serene beauty, rich history, and deep symbolism. Known as March’s birthstone, it embodies the tranquillity of the ocean, the clarity of a clear sky, and the promise of renewal. It has long been cherished for its calming energy, believed to soothe the soul and bring clarity to the mind. As … Read more
Preserving the Sentimental Value of Heirlooms Transforming heirlooms allows you to preserve their emotional significance while giving them a fresh, contemporary twist. By remodelling an existing piece, you retain its essence without the cost of buying new gold. Especially important factor with today’s rising gold prices. The only expenses involved are the craftsmanship, along with … Read more
Valentine’s Day celebrates love, affection, and meaningful gestures. Every year, people exchange gifts as symbols of devotion. Jewellery remains one of the most treasured choices. But today, sustainability and ethical responsibility matter more than ever. The way we express love through gifts is evolving. Fairmined gold, ethical gemstones, and handmade craftsmanship create a truly meaningful … Read more
What Fairmined Means to Me A Commitment to Responsibility Fairmined eco 18ct yellow gold and Akoya pearl earring and pendant set Fairmined is more than a certification. It’s a commitment to ethical and sustainable jewellery-making. As a jeweller, I create meaningful pieces with a positive impact. They help me uphold these values. But it’s not … Read more
Introduction to My Family History Instigated by being nominated to the final 10, for Belgian Craftsperson of the Year Award 2019, I decided to research my family background. Where does the passion for my vocation come from? Do craftsmen run in the family? Were my ancestors self-employed craftspeople? So I started doing some digging into … Read more
