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, despite all this, I stepped into the year with intention and conviction. Promising myself that I will embrace change, chasing new possibilities, and continue championing the values that guide my work. Responsibility, transparency, empowerment, and the beauty of ethical craftsmanship.
Looking back now, I realise I did exactly that.
This year became one of profound professional growth, recognition from unexpected places, and meaningful connections with likeminded creators who believe — deeply — in a future where luxury and ethics are inseparable. So, sharing my reflections, allows me to extend my warmest seasonal greetings to you. And inviting you into the journey that made 2025 so unforgettable.
Honoured with the Ecodynamic Label — A Sustainable Milestone
A Recognition of My Environmental Journey
I began the year with extraordinary news. Receiving the Ecodynamic Label from Brussels Environment. Awarded by Alain Maron, Minister for the Cabinet of the Brussels-Capital Region, and Barbara Tracht, Secretary of State. Before receiving the label, my workshop underwent a detailed sustainability audit carried out by 21 Solutions. Examining my practices with care and precision. Their assessment affirming the many adjustments and improvements I made over the years. Feeling genuinely proud when the final approval came through.
The label reflects a journey that spans more than two decades. Sustainability not a trend for me. It is woven into the way I work. Over the past 25 years, gradually replacing traditional chemical products with bio-based alternatives. Rethinking processes and routines, and continuously seeking safer, environmentally conscious methods. For anyone curious, I share more about this ongoing journey at the bottom of the My Story page on my website. My workshop practices are just as important as my resourses.
Why This Label Matters
This recognition is much more than a certificate. Representing a shared belief that craftsmanship can be both beautiful and responsible. Every piece of jewellery begins its life in the earth. I feel a profound duty to honour that origin by treating the environment with respect at every stage of my work.
Receiving the Ecodynamic Label reaffirmed that independent workshops can make a meaningful difference. That sustainability thrives when living it day by day, detail by detail.
A customer commission: A bespoke bracelet
In May I received a commission from someone who wanted to surprise her husband with a bracelet for his birthday. She arrived with ideas she had seen online, and together we honed them into a design that felt personal and meaningful.
This project allowed me to collaborate with Niyona, a talented leather designer whose expertise brought a beautiful dimension to the final piece. One of the challenges was determining the correct wrist size without spoiling the surprise. Despite our careful detective work, the bracelet returned for resizing and alterations — but that is entirely part of the joy of bespoke jewellery. Custom-made work adapts to the wearer, not the other way around.
Sharing My Voice in London — Fair Luxury Conference at the Goldsmiths’ Centre
June brings another meaningful milestone. Speaking at the Fair Luxury Conference, held at The Goldsmiths’ Centre in London. Returning to Fair Luxury as a guest speaker felt both grounding and energising. The conference gathers some of the most thoughtful and committed voices in the ethical jewellery space. Being part of that conversation is an honour.
Sharing my perspectives on reducing my carbon footprint in the workshop, and short supply chains. Themes sitting at the heart of my practice. A room full of jewellers, designers, educators and industry professionals who care deeply about the future of our field. The exchanges that followed are rich, supportive and full of momentum.
I’ve already written a dedicated blog post with my deeper reflections from the day, but it felt important to mention it here as well. The Fair Luxury community has accompanied my journey for many years, and speaking at this year’s event added a layer of connection and purpose that shaped the tone of the months that followed.
A Summer of Surprises — Awards and International Recognition
A Double Nomination that Left Me Speechless
In July, I received what I can only describe as a double whammy of joy and disbelief.
- Nomination for the Trends Impact Award in the category Equity and Inclusion.
- Finalist for the Sustainability Award at the Jewellery World Award.
I was stunned. As an independent jeweller, walking my own path and working on a small-scale, artisanal rhythm. Never taking recognition for granted. These nominations are like a celebration of the values I refuse to compromise on. Fairness, transparency, and responsibility throughout the supply chain.
A Journey to Hong Kong — And a Seat at the Table
To my great delight, being a finalist allowed me to travel to Hong Kong in September for the official award ceremony. A whirlwind experience I will treasure for years. Also having the honour of joining a panel discussion titled “Luxury Meets Responsibility: Evolving Consumer Values in Fine Jewellery.”
As the only independent jeweller on the panel, I felt proud. And admittedly a little emotional. Sharing my voice among large corporate representatives. Their global reach is impressive, and many of them are driving important industry changes. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with them. Offering the perspective of an artisan goldsmith who works directly with responsible supply chains, feels truly empowering.
Luxury and Responsibility — A Future We Must Shape Together
During the discussion, emphasising something I wholeheartedly believe:
The future of luxury depends on responsibility.
Not as a marketing slogan. Nor as an optional extra. But as a structural foundation.
Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM), when guided by strong frameworks like the Fairmined Standard, can offer a sustainable path for the industry. It creates a circular model. Reusing, reporposing and recuperating materials. And crucially, Fairmined premiums going directly back to miners. Ensuring fair wages, clean working conditions, environmental regeneration, and the replacement of toxic chemicals such as mercury and cyanide.
Seeing the interest and engagement from the audience reminding me that consumer values are indeed evolving. And we, as makers, must evolve with them.
A transformation commission: from old gold into a gemstone ring
One of the most technically demanding pieces this year was a ring I remodelled in September. The original 14ct gold was exceptionally tough to work with, and the new opal settings required extremely delicate soldering onto a large chunky ring. It was a project that tested patience, heat control and precision.
Working closely with my setter, we brought the ring to life. The final piece has a striking character — colourful, vibrant and full of movement — and it stands as one of my favourite transformations of the year.
Trends Impact Awards — an inspiring evening at Maison de la Poste
Later in the year, in November, I attended the Trends Impact Awards at the elegant Maison de la Poste in Tour & Taxis.
Although I wasn’t selected as a finalist, the ceremony was a nourishing experience: a day full of interesting speakers, thoughtful discussions about equity and inclusion, and plenty of opportunities to connect. After the eleven winners were announced we enjoyed a walking dinner — a relaxed, convivial moment that became a valuable networking opportunity. I met other contestants, exchanged ideas and left feeling energised by the generosity and curiosity in the room.
Championing Mercury-Free Gold — Reciprocity Jewels in Chicago
A Trunk Show with Purpose
As the year moved into autumn, another beautiful opportunity came my way: participating in the Reciprocity Jewels trunk show in Chicago.
The event coincides each year with the Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference, and its mission is clear: to prove that responsible mining is not just possible — it is happening.
The participating jewellers, myself included, worked exclusively with gold and silver extracted mercury-free by artisanal miners in Peru. This is a powerful statement in an industry that still relies heavily on mercury — a practice that has devastating consequences for miners, surrounding communities, and the environment.
A Collaboration Rooted in Integrity
I was truly delighted to join the fourth edition of Reciprocity Jewels, alongside a group of remarkable international designers who share a deep commitment to ethical sourcing. For the show, which was first exhibited during New York jewelry Week in November 2024, each of us created a capsule collection created entirely from mercury-free precious metals supplied by a network of Peruvian artisanal miners.
These miners, working in the Amazon region, are pioneering safer, more sustainable extraction techniques. Their dedication is extraordinary.
To honour their work by transforming these materials into jewellery felt incredibly meaningful.
A Celebration of Craftsmanship, Transparency and Connection
This year’s exhibition opened on 18 September at Gallery 2052 in Chicago and continued for six weeks. It was a beautiful moment of exchange — a place where designers, miners, activists, and clients came together to reflect on what responsible luxury truly means.
The collaboration highlighted one essential truth:
When the story behind a piece of jewellery is rooted in dignity and fairness, the beauty of the final piece shines even brighter.
A November commission — an engagement ring with a twist
In November, I received a commission that warmed my heart. Someone reached out for a bespoke engagement ring, and only later did I discover that the recipient was one of the judges on my Trends Impact Award panel. This added such a personal layer to the project — a gentle reminder that craftsmanship creates connections in the most unexpected ways.
Designing engagement rings is always emotional, but this one carried a sense of circularity, as though the year folded in on itself. This makes me smile.
Reflecting on 2025 — What This Year Has Taught Me
The Power of Independent Voices
One of the recurring themes of 2025 for me was the strength of independent artisans.
It can sometimes feel as if larger players dominate the conversation in the jewellery world — but this year proved that independent makers not only have a voice, but one that is sought after and valued.
Sustainability Is a Journey, Not a Destination
Receiving the Ecodynamic Label reminded me that sustainability isn’t something one achieves once and then sets aside. It is a process of continuous learning, improvement, and experimentation.
Every time I adjust a method, change a product, shift a workflow, or deepen a relationship with miners and suppliers, I take another small step forward. Those steps add up — over years, over decades — and together with you, they shape the future of my work.
While awards and travels add visible highlights to a year, the heart of my work lies in the quiet, intimate world of bespoke commissions. These pieces anchor me — they remind me why I care so deeply about materials, ethics and craftsmanship.
Thank you to all of you for being part of my 2025 — for reading, supporting, sharing and choosing craftsmanship rooted in responsibility.
Wishing you a peaceful festive season and a bright, hopeful 2026.
Warm creative greetings,
Saskia
