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, I stepped into the year with intention and conviction. Promising myself that I would embrace change, chase new possibilities, and continue to focus on the values that guide my work: the way I choose my materials, the people I work with, and the craftsmanship at the heart of my practice.
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 like-minded creators who believe — deeply — in a future where luxury can be personal, thoughtful and rooted in craftsmanship. So, sharing my reflections allows me to extend my warmest seasonal greetings to you, and invite you into the journey that made 2025 so unforgettable.
Honoured with the Ecodynamic Label — A Sustainable Milestone
Recognition of My Workshop Practices
I began the year with extraordinary news: receiving the Ecodynamic Label from Brussels Environment. The label was presented by Alain Maron, Minister for the Cabinet of the Brussels-Capital Region, and Barbara Trachte, Secretary of State.
Before receiving the label, my workshop underwent a detailed assessment carried out by 21 Solutions, examining my workshop practices, processes and the changes I had made over the years. Their assessment recognised the work I had undertaken to review and improve the way my atelier operates, and I felt genuinely proud when the final approval came through
The label reflects a journey that spans more than two decades. Over the years, I have gradually changed many of the products and processes I use in my workshop, including replacing traditional chemical products with bio-based alternatives, reviewing my workshop routines and looking for practical ways to reduce the use of certain materials.
These changes have developed gradually alongside my business and continue to evolve. For anyone curious, I share more about this journey at the bottom of the My Story page on my website.
For me, the way I work in my workshop is just as important as the materials I choose.
Why This Label Matters
Why This Label Matters
My workshop was awarded the full three-star Ecodynamic Label — the highest level of the Brussels-Capital Region’s Ecodynamic Label.
The label has three levels — one, two and three stars — and receiving the full three stars was a particularly proud moment for me. It followed the detailed assessment of my workshop practices carried out by 21 Solutions.
For me, this recognition is significant because it reflects changes I have made to the way my atelier operates over more than two decades. From the products and chemicals I use to the way I handle materials and workshop processes, I have continually reviewed how I work and looked for practical improvements.
Receiving the three-star Ecodynamic Label was therefore more than simply receiving a certificate. It was an acknowledgement of the work that has gone into developing and reviewing my workshop practices over many years.
A customer commission: A bespoke bracelet
In May I received a commission from a client 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. 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 jewellers, designers, educators and industry professionals from across the jewellery sector. Being part of that conversation is an honour.
Sharing my perspectives on workshop practices and short supply chains, two subjects that have been an important part of my professional conversations. Themes sitting at the heart of my practice. The room brought together jewellers, designers, educators and industry professionals from across the 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 gave me new conversations and connections that continued to influence my work in 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 – in the category Environmental Stewardship
I was stunned. As an independent jeweller, walking my own path and working on a small-scale, artisanal rhythm. Never taking recognition for granted. For me, these nominations were recognition of the work I have been developing as an independent jeweller, particularly my focus on material choices, craftsmanship and the way I work with people and suppliers throughout my business.
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. It was a whirlwind experience that 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 independent artisan goldsmith who works directly with her materials and suppliers felt truly empowering.
Luxury and the Future, is a Future We Must Shape Together
During the discussion, emphasising something I wholeheartedly believe:
One point I emphasised during the discussion is something I wholeheartedly believe: the future of luxury should be shaped by the choices we make about materials, craftsmanship and the people involved in bringing jewellery into being. But as a structural foundation.
Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM), when operating within frameworks such as the Fairmined Standard, can provide a defined set of requirements for participating mining organisations, covering areas including working conditions, environmental practices and economic conditions. The Standard also includes a Fairmined Premium paid to certified mining organisations and sets requirements relating to the use of mercury.
During my visits to Fairmined mining organisations, I saw first-hand how some of these practices can work in reality. At the mines I visited, disused mining areas were being refilled and replanted, creating new green areas. Water was being reclaimed and reused rather than discharged as waste, with losses occurring primarily through natural evaporation. Solar panels had also been installed to generate electricity. Seeing these practices first-hand gave me a very different understanding of what circularity can look like in a mining environment.
Reusing, repurposing and recuperating materials are also important parts of the wider conversation around precious metals.
Seeing the interest and engagement from the audience reminded me how important these conversations have become. As makers, we have a role to play in continuing to question how jewellery is made, where its materials come from, and the choices we make along the way.
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, bringing together jewellers and others working to explore different approaches to sourcing and producing jewellery.
The participating jewellers, myself included, worked exclusively with gold and silver extracted mercury-free by artisanal miners in Peru. Mercury is used in some forms of artisanal and small-scale gold mining, and its use can have serious consequences for people and the environment. Working with metals extracted without mercury therefore gives these pieces a very specific story about the way the material was produced.
A Collaboration with a Story to Tell
I was truly delighted to join the fourth edition of Reciprocity Jewels, alongside a group of international designers. For the show, which was first exhibited during New York Jewelry Week in November 2024, each of us created a capsule collection using mercury-free precious metals supplied through a network of Peruvian artisanal miners.
These miners, working in the Amazon region, are using mercury-free extraction practices at the Fairtrade Sotrami mine
To honour their work by transforming these materials into jewellery felt incredibly meaningful to me.
A Celebration of Craftsmanship, Exchange 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 share experiences and discuss the materials and practices behind their jewellery.
For me, understanding more about the people and places connected to the materials gives the finished jewellery another layer of meaning.
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. This year proved that independent makers not only have a voice, but one that is sought after and valued.
Continuing to Learn, Improve and Experiment
Receiving the Ecodynamic Label reminded me that there is always more to learn, improve and explore in the way I work.
Every time I adjust a method, change a product, shift a workflow, or deepen my understanding of the people and places connected to my materials, I take another small step forward. Those steps add up over years and decades, but they also happen through the personal relationships I build with my clients. Every commission brings a conversation, a story and a new opportunity to create something meaningful together. It is this connection with the people who entrust me with their jewellery that continues to inspire and shape 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 and remind me why I care so deeply about materials, craftsmanship and the people connected to them.
Thank you, to all of you for being part of my 2025, for reading, supporting, sharing and choosing craftsmanship with a story behind it.
Wishing you a peaceful festive season and a bright, hopeful 2026.
Warm creative greetings,
Saskia
