Introduction to my 20 Years as a Jeweller
Proudly announcing celebrating twenty years as jeweller. In 1999, is the year I established my jewellery business. Since then, it has grown and shifted in many ways. Some things, however, remain constant. Still delighting in sitting at my workbench. Surrounded by my many tools and my hands blackened by working with precious metals. Here, in this intimate environment, I am like an alchemist, fusing materials with emotions. Ultimately being a long and exciting journey.
My university studies in Jewellery Design (1993 – 1998) allowed me to travel the world. Moving from Belgium to the UK, studying in Cambridge and Dundee. Furthermore, honing my skills on courses in New Zealand and South Africa. Together, these allowed me to experience a host of cultures, divers ways of learning, and different jewellery techniques.
In a nutshell
After graduating, I set-up my business in London. Designing and creating my own jewellery collections and subsequently selling these limited-edition collections through shops and galleries. Later, establishing my business in East Sussex, and joining The Guild of Master Craftsmen. Participating in exhibitions and other events around the South of England. Here, my work evolved, mostly working to commission, making bespoke jewellery in gold and platinum. These days, I usually participate in one international show a year. In 2016, exhibiting my work at Meesterlijk in Amsterdam; in 2017 at Belgian Art Design in Gent; and Wiener Schmucktage in Vienna in 2018.
Like a child in a sweetshop still celebrating 20 years as a jeweller
Gemstones are a constant in my work. Often designing my pieces around colourful gemstones. When buying them, I look for something that sparks my interest. What is different, unusual colours and/or shapes.
Searching for individuality, especially gemstones with inclusions. A few tiny specs inside the stone or even a slight flaw. It’s the imperfection which makes the gemstone perfectly unique, befitting to my work.
Brussels
Relocating to Brussels in 2009. Returning to my roots. After all, I was born in the city. But above all, due to the inspiring energy of contemporary Belgian design. Following the Antwerp Six, there is a new generation of designers, working in fashion, furniture, product design, and of course, jewellery. Choosing the Dansaert district for my workshop base, the creative hub of Brussels. Ten years on, it is still my base. Creating jewellery for clients, and developing my business to specialise in custom-made jewellery.
It’s befitting that I am celebrating my 20 years as a jeweller in my home town.Â
Bespoke jewellery is where my heart lies
Made-to-order and unique creations together with customers, is a great pleasure. Giving their ideas a three-dimensional form, and realising their dream jewellery piece. After making an appointment, customers visit me in my workshop to discuss ideas and possibilities. Handmaking jewellery in silver, gold or platinum. From recycled precious metals or Fairmined. Every detail is discussed, occasionally sketching the jewellery for visualisation, before making it by hand. All pieces of jewellery tells its own story. It is a privilege, that customers, almost always share why they are commissioning me to make a piece of jewellery for them. Whether it’s a joyous occasion like an engagement or wedding, or a deeply commemorative moment such as honouring love and loss with a mourning jewel, each piece tells a story. It’s this profound human connection that imbues my creations with their unique power and beauty.
Sustainability in jewellery
Our planet is under threat from man-made activities. Overexploitation of natural resources will take generations to resolve. I believe it is important that jewellers are aware of the origins of the materials we use to create our jewellery. Currently, there is an increasingly vocal demand for ‘green gold’ or ‘ethical gold’ that comes from traceable, precious metals.
Choosing precious metals mined from Artisanal and small-scale mining, there are only two organisations working with ASM gold. Fairtrade Gold in 2011 and Fairmined were established in 2005.
Fairmined
This is a non-profit organisation. Supporting artisanal small-scale miners. It ensures social development and environmental protection for the local fauna and flora surrounding the mine.Â
The gold and silver used to create your jewellery, are traceable all the way back to the mine it came from. My Fairmined wholesaler is Fairever and so far my Fairmined Eco gold comes from Peru.
Amoung the Fairmined gold mines there are even some that hold the Fairmined ecological certification. Meaning that the use of cyanide and mercury are abolished and the extraction of gold happens through panning or shaking. As a Fairmined licensee, I only buy Fairmined Eco gold for the customers who want their jewellery created in Fairmined.Â
Repurposed Precious Metals
Customers have two choices when ordering a piece of jewellery from me. Fairmined or remodelling their own old gold.
Gold and platinum can be easily be repurposed. Since the beginning of my career, 20 years ago, this is a resource I use regularly. The transforming of precious metals is nothing new. It has been practised for centuries, where jewellery and ornaments are melted down to make new pieces.
Retaining the sentimental value of your heirlooms is a great way to continue the story of your jewellery.
Commissions | celebrating 20 years as a jeweller
Jewellery commissions take approximately four to six weeks minimum delay. All jewellery is handmade by me in my Brussels workshop.Â
Customers can have their bespoke jewellery made using their own old gold jewellery for remodelling. Or you can opt for Fairmined eco gold.Â
Your jewellery can be created in silver, gold, palladium or platinum, with or without gemstones.
