About
My name is Hendri van Witteloostuijn, goldsmith and jewelry designer.
As a child I was always looking for 'treasures' like stones, shells, shark's teeth, etc.
I guess my love for jewelry started a long time ago when I visited India and bought my first semi-precious stone (a Black Star!). In Nepal we went to a shop where they set our stones in silver rings. Even though I saw the setting was kind of sloppy, I was happy with it. A precious memory.
Many years later I went to Curacao with my family and entered a little jewelry shop of a goldsmith; from that moment on I realized: this was what I wanted to do as well! Still, it took me about 2 years to take the first step.
At that time I worked at the Art Department of a big company; I have been working there for many years and it was a fun job. However, when I was pregnant of my third child I had to reflect. Was this what I wanted to do for the rest of my life? I finally decided to quit my job to do something completely different; something I have dreamed of for a long, long time... a study to become a goldsmith at the 'Vakschool' in Schoonhoven. It was the best choice ever! After a study of 4 years I graduated in 2012 and from that moment on I have been working on my own collection.
I find my inspiration in traveling, especially to Indonesia (Bali) where the techniques are passed on from generation to generation. I am also fascinated by jewelry from Ancient periods as well as primitive and tribal jewelry. In my jewelry I am always looking for something extra: a special gemstone, various combinations or an asymmetrical accent; quality and a comfortable fit of my jewelry is very important to me. A feminine and elegant look in contrast with a robust look and feel with a touch of glamour. Gemstones and pearls are an important part of my designs and I am always looking for unique items, mostly abroad.
Beading is another part of my jewelry designs. Beadwork is a technique where every tiny bead is beaded by hand with needle and wire. Many beading techniques date from Ancient history and have been found all around the world. Playing with color is also a very important part of the design, as well as using color combinations that you might not choose at first hand. It is also a very laborious technique; it takes many hours before a bracelet is finished.
Every jewelry is made by me from start to finish by using traditional techniques with care for the smallest details. I love every step of it: the design process; the sketching; the realization of my ideas; playing with materials, gemstones & pearls; and the photography of my work. I hope you will enjoy wearing my jewelry as much as I enjoyed making them!
Every piece is unique and handmade with ♡
x
http://www.mafesi-jewels.nl
As a child I was always looking for 'treasures' like stones, shells, shark's teeth, etc.
I guess my love for jewelry started a long time ago when I visited India and bought my first semi-precious stone (a Black Star!). In Nepal we went to a shop where they set our stones in silver rings. Even though I saw the setting was kind of sloppy, I was happy with it. A precious memory.
Many years later I went to Curacao with my family and entered a little jewelry shop of a goldsmith; from that moment on I realized: this was what I wanted to do as well! Still, it took me about 2 years to take the first step.
At that time I worked at the Art Department of a big company; I have been working there for many years and it was a fun job. However, when I was pregnant of my third child I had to reflect. Was this what I wanted to do for the rest of my life? I finally decided to quit my job to do something completely different; something I have dreamed of for a long, long time... a study to become a goldsmith at the 'Vakschool' in Schoonhoven. It was the best choice ever! After a study of 4 years I graduated in 2012 and from that moment on I have been working on my own collection.
I find my inspiration in traveling, especially to Indonesia (Bali) where the techniques are passed on from generation to generation. I am also fascinated by jewelry from Ancient periods as well as primitive and tribal jewelry. In my jewelry I am always looking for something extra: a special gemstone, various combinations or an asymmetrical accent; quality and a comfortable fit of my jewelry is very important to me. A feminine and elegant look in contrast with a robust look and feel with a touch of glamour. Gemstones and pearls are an important part of my designs and I am always looking for unique items, mostly abroad.
Beading is another part of my jewelry designs. Beadwork is a technique where every tiny bead is beaded by hand with needle and wire. Many beading techniques date from Ancient history and have been found all around the world. Playing with color is also a very important part of the design, as well as using color combinations that you might not choose at first hand. It is also a very laborious technique; it takes many hours before a bracelet is finished.
Every jewelry is made by me from start to finish by using traditional techniques with care for the smallest details. I love every step of it: the design process; the sketching; the realization of my ideas; playing with materials, gemstones & pearls; and the photography of my work. I hope you will enjoy wearing my jewelry as much as I enjoyed making them!
Every piece is unique and handmade with ♡
x
http://www.mafesi-jewels.nl