I stood at my booth during Juwelen aan de IJssel and watched as colleagues effortlessly struck up a conversation with visitors. One of my dear fellow goldsmiths works with movement and hidden messages in her jewellery (stunning work), and she had it down pat. One sentence, and people kept standing, listening, and asking questions.
And me?
“Hello … I work with granules. And coloured gemstones, incorporated into classic-looking jewellery.”
Yeah. #Point. Can you see that visitor watching?
But fair is fair: that ís what I do. And there is a world of choices, development and love for the profession behind it.
How I found my handwriting
Early in my career, I spent a long time searching for what my style really is. What makes my work me? What feels natural, what fits who I am?
Slowly (with much trying, failing and cursing) but surely I found the elements that work for me: a solid, often classic base ring, with a tactile texture. And on it – or in it – my signature granules, those little balls applied piece by piece by hand. In the process, I almost always work with colour. No standard white diamond, but tourmaline, sapphire, spinel. Gems that surprise. That speak.
That search took time. But it was necessary to develop my handwriting.
In my work is who I am
My work is often described as “classic with a twist.” And yes, that is true. I love solid forms and jewellery that will last for generations, but with my twist: colour, texture, and composition.
Diamond? Yes, quite beautiful. But my heart beats faster with a pink diamond, a forest green variety, or a tourmaline with an unexpected inclusion—gems with character.
Just as my jewellery exudes a certain tranquility, so does my appearance. I’m not an outspoken fashion person. Jeans, sweater, sneakers (preferably Nike), hair in a bun—and I’m done. But underneath that calm exterior is a head that is always “on.” I talk fast, think ahead, and see things happening before they even happen. And sometimes, I have just a little too much hair on my teeth (it’s a Dutch expression).
Perhaps that is why I am attracted to the over-the-top creations of fashion house Schiaparelli. Those distinct shapes, that drama, that boldness—it speaks to something in me. Not because I want to make it myself, but because it challenges me. It triggers me to look at my own work with fresh eyes: What could be more pure, more exciting, more rich?
Collections with character
Over the years, several collections have emerged, each with its face. Yet they are all recognizable as “my work.”
The Elevance collection was born out of my love for colour combinations. I used to make many rings with three gemstones or pearls together in one design. I translated that into a collection where that combination is still possible, but you can also wear one ring solo—mix and match, but refined.
The Sirius collection is my classic line. It consists of wide, solid rings with a timeless look—but with my handwriting: textures, granules, and colour. These rings will easily last a lifetime, and a good chance a generation after that.
And then there’s M.I.N.D., my creative playground. In it, I just do whatever I want to try—something new, something unexpected, sometimes with granules, sometimes without. It’s my canvas, where I get to explore.
Watching quietly, at the right time
So no, I still don’t have a set opening line to accompany my showcases, no starter talk. What I do have is a story and work that gets to speak first.
I like to let people look. Standing still at a ring, following a line with their eyes, wondering how something was made. If a question comes up, I’m there. Because that contact – that conversation – has to happen naturally, too. There must be a click, both with the jewellery and me.
Everyone in this business finds their way. This is mine.
And that feels just right.
Love, Sarah