Grief changes us. It arrives quietly for some, suddenly for others, but when we lose someone we love, life never quite returns to the way it was before. The world continues moving, while a part of us stands still, holding memories, conversations, gestures and moments that suddenly become precious beyond words. Throughout history, people search … Read more
Handmade wedding rings in platinum – hers is set with seven rubies – photograph: Saskia Shutt Fairmined Gold, Remodelling Heirlooms, and the Provenance of Love Spring is often described as a season of renewal. In nature, dormant plants begin to grow again, trees form new buds, slowly shifting the landscape from winter stillness to movement … Read more
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
Gemstone Inclusions: Nature’s Unique Touch Gemstone inclusions are natural imperfections that make each gemstone one-of-a-kind. Often called “nature’s fingerprints,” they tell the story of a gemstone’s journey from formation to discovery. Rather than detracting from the stone’s beauty, inclusions enhance its character and make it truly unique. What Are Gemstone Inclusions? Inclusions in gemstones are … Read more
A 25 Year Journey of Passion and Crafstmanship This year, I am proudly celebrating 25 years of craftsmanship in jewellery. It’s a milestone that gives me the chance to reflect on my journey. The challenges, and the countless moments of joy that shape my career. I begin my journey in London, at the iconic Oxo … Read more
Exploring Sustainable Diamond Mining and Lab-Grown Alternatives On October 28, 2022, Artemis GEO hosted an event featuring guest speaker Iris Van Der Veken. Iris shared insights into her start-up collaboration with Cartier & Kering, focusing on sustainability and gender equality. During the evening, an audience member asked, “Why do we still mine diamonds when laboratories … Read more
Diamond for Life: A Story of Grief, Memory, and Jewellery that Lasts Forever Introduction Some of you may have already read my previous blog post, Little Pleasure, the beginning of my series Stories Behind the Jewel. If so, I hope it gave you a small glimpse into the intimate and emotional world that often lies … Read more
Personal choices First of all, choosing jewellery is an extremely personal affair. The choices we make, are influenced by our taste, mood, purpose and occasion. For what ever reason, buying jewellery is very specific to each individual… Buying a piece of jewellery from an artisan jeweller like myself, opens other doors. Therefore, you can realize your dream jewel. Customers … Read more
My inspiration I love the simplicity of a line or the curve it makes. There is an elegance in the way a line flows, look at a river or a hilly landscape. I believe the design for a jewel should flow easily. The curves and forms are the strength of a jewel’s characteristics. The elegance in its … Read more
Exciting news Exciting news. Over the summer, I received the label of certified craftsmanship. So, this is what happened… During the month of June 2016, I put together a portfolio of my work and career. It was this portfolio which was sent to the “Ambacht Commissie” (Board for craftsmen). So, after presenting my portfolio and defending … Read more
Design September month First of all, what is Design September? Design September is an organisation with a strong reputation. It engages a multitude of venues to participate within its various concepts. A yearly event, during the month of September. Another exciting time of year in our capital. This event consequently makes Brussels buzz. Most of all, … Read more
Meesterlijk Event The month of November is upon us, hence it’s an exciting time at Saskia Shutt Designs. An open-door workshop event with Journée de Artisan, on Sunday 22/11. Also an expo with Meesterlijk, the last weekend of November, held in Amsterdam, which sees the launch of Saskia’s new collection of jewellery. Unveiling of new work … Read more
Design September 2015 Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary As summer ends, autumn begins to make its way in. September is a buzzing month filled with creativity. This year, Design September celebrates its 10th anniversary. It promises to be the most exciting one yet. A Month of Design and Creativity Design September 2015 brings a fresh lineup … Read more
Peridot: The Birthstone for August 18ct yellow gold set with a large oval peridot Peridot, the vibrant birthstone for August, dazzles with its vivid olive-green colour enhanced by hints of gold. Known as “the gem of the sun,” this gemstone symbolises warmth and vitality. Its rich history, which begins in ancient Egypt, highlights its enduring … Read more
Jewellery repair A Specialised Skill Not all jewellers offer repair as a service. Many jewellery shops lack on-site workshops or skilled craftsmen, which prevents them from providing jewellery repair services. Repairing jewellery requires specific skills through training. It is a unique specialisation within the jewellery trade. Antique 18ct yellow gold ring set with a sapphire … Read more
In the featured image you see a handmade silver ring. It is set with a beautiful large oval shaped, pale pink tourmaline. The tourmaline is 10mm x 12mm in size. It was designed as a cocktail ring. Created for an elegant lady to wear during special events. The success of it’s design lead to a … Read more
The international Arts Crafts Design Awards are upon us again Exciting news received today! Saskia Shutt Designs has been nominated by the International Arts Crafts Design Awards 2015. For the second consecutive year, her talent has been recognised by the AC&D Awards. They have invited Saskia to submit 3 pieces of jewellery, to partake in … Read more
