Lauri JWLRY
Jewelry Designer
“DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT FOR YOURSELF AND GO GET IT”
Hi! How are you doing today?
Heya! I'm doing great! My store has been open for exactly one month today, so that's pretty exciting :)
What inspired you to start your own jewelry brand?
I've always wanted to study something creative but never knew what. My dad didn't allow me to take the creative path so I ended up going to the Antwerp Maritime Academy. In the summer between my 2nd and 3th year there I followed a workshop to make a little silver pillbox. From that day I knew what i wanted: to be a goldsmith and create pretty things. So in September 2019 I started following evening classes, and now we're here :)
What was the first piece you ever created?
hmm let me think. My first first piece was the silver pillbox from the workshop. The first piece I chose to make was a little barbie arm cast in brass that I made into an earring.
Your designs are organic, expressive and handcrafted. How would you describe your signature style in your own words?
Before I started making rings I barely wore any jewelry. I couldn't find rings that were not too traditional or let's say kitsch. I've always been attracted to organic shapes and nature so I wanted to put that in my own work. I don't want 'perfect', smooth jewelry, I want to create something thats feels 'alive', with a soul.
Your store is in Antwerp. What do you love about working in the city?
There is always something to do here, for everyone. Also, Antwerp has a huge diamond district where I have most of my suppliers for metals, casting, and stones. The beating heart of Belgium's jewelry scene is here in Antwerp, so it's really the place to be for me.
Any good lunch spots in Antwerp we need to know about?
Esco*bar!!! If I go get lunch, 9 out of 10 times it's there. I love the food, their spicy chocolate milk, the owner is super kind and in summer they also have a cosy terrace outside :)
You often work on custom pieces. What can customers expect from that process from idea to finished piece?
The process really depends on the piece. Some customers just say 'I want something with a green stone in your spiky style, the rest is up to you'. The more creative freedom the more I like making them. With other customers I make a few sketches until we like the design and composition of stones etc. I sculpt everything by hand the traditional way so I don't have 3D images to show before I start the piece, but the surpise is part of the fun ;) Once we've chosen the design and materials I start working in wax. When the wax model is finished i get it cast in the right metal and then I file, sand and polish it :)
Where do you usually find inspiration?
Basically everywhere I go, but if I have to name some things nature is on the first place (duh). I love the shapes of branches, clouds, lightning and strange insects. I like sketching in the park, but often I just start working on something without a real plan and I just see where it goes :)
Do you design in silence, or with music on? and if so, what are you listening to?
Mostly with music! I listen to a looot of different genres but lately i'm most into artists such as Chavela Vargas, Lhasa de Sela, Dijon, Blick Bassy, Bongeziwe Mabandla and Brittany Howard.
Tell us something to inspire the culture?
Do you. I was not happy in Maritime Academy because it wasn't my own choice. Decide what you want for yourself and GO GET IT.