Photo (above): Jewelry: De l'or dans les mains_ - Photographer: Lola Zerbo
Article in collaboration with De l'or dans les mains
‘De l'or dans les mains’ offers various types of jewelry, including earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings and custom-made wedding rings. These pieces are available in two materials: 18-carat gold and 925 silver. All jewelry is handmade with expertise and care, featuring a refined style with delicate details. “My creations are adorned with fine, precious gemstones—or they shine in their purest simplicity,” says Anne-Claude.
Strong values and missions
When she founded her jewelry brand, Anne-Claude wanted to make the world more beautiful: “I want to create happiness by designing jewelry that captures the depth of emotion and honors the people who buy and wear it.” She is committed to strengthening the know-how and passion she gained during her training at Les Métiers d'Art in Namur, and to preserving traditional jewelry heritage and encouraging people to (re)discover it. Anne-Claude explains: “I draw my inspiration just as much from traditional jewelry heritage as from a timeless, minimalist style.”
The brand ‘De l'or dans les mains’ is built on four core values: aesthetics through refinement, excellence through attention to detail, authenticity through transparency, and finally, respect. Anne-Claude says: “All these values are at the heart of my brand, thanks in part to the use of high-quality materials and careful craftsmanship. My approach is always refined, subtle and emotional. The jewelry I make reflects my emotions, my imagination and my technique. The harmony between shapes, colors and materials makes the gemstones and metals I bring together even more beautiful.”
Sustainable jewelry
“Making jewelry can have a major impact on the environment,” Anne-Claude explains, “especially due to the use of precious materials that involves mining, human exploitation, deforestation, and the use of highly toxic products such as mercury. Ethical jewelry is designed to be in balance with our planet. This means committing to the principles of sustainability (designed to last), social responsibility (respect for human conditions), environmental awareness, and finally openness throughout the entire production process (from the origin of the materials to the sale of the end product).” In the way she addresses these issues, Anne-Claude takes many initiatives.
Shared values
To purchase her materials, Anne-Claude mainly works with a recognized French supplier in the jewelry world. This supplier meets a set of ecological and moral standards. She clarifies: “These metals are recycled or RJC (Responsible Jewellery Council) certified—a certification that tracks production from the mine to the sale of the metal. It respects human rights, labor rights, environmental rights, mining practices and product information.”
Lab-grown diamonds
These diamonds—also known as laboratory or artificial diamonds—are made in India by a Belgian diamond trader. “They carry the CO2-neutral label because the diamonds are produced using green energy (this technology is not yet applicable in Belgium). They are then cut locally (90% of diamonds are now cut in India) and then return to my supplier in Antwerp.”
Sustainable packaging
The packaging is made from FSC-certified cardboard, which means the wood comes from a forest where no more trees are cut down than the forest can sustain. “This means better protection for plants and animals,” Anne-Claude explains. “In addition, the loggers receive good training, safety equipment and a decent wage.”
Recycling jewelry
To stay true to her principles, Anne-Claude agrees to use old jewelry as raw material, but she sets one condition: refining the materials. She explains: “In addition to nickel, old jewelry often contains cadmium, which is considered highly toxic (and has been banned in jewelry since December 2011). Recasting old jewelry therefore goes completely against my goal of promoting sustainable production—especially because I choose to use as few harmful products as possible during the design process.” She adds: “Because gold—together with many other jewelry—is processed on a large scale, I prefer to refuse a commission when the family jewel has high emotional value.”
Meticulous craftsmanship
The jewelry you’ll find at ‘De l'or dans les mains’ is carefully handmade by Anne-Claude. “I imagine, design and make all my jewelry by hand in my workshop, using artisanal techniques. To create such refined jewelry, the time required depends on the complexity and the work involved. It can range from two hours for a simple ring to several days if a prototype is needed before the final piece is made. Each piece of jewelry I create tells a story and invites you on a journey through space and time.”
Anne-Claude’s advice
Anne-Claude shares the following jewelry advice with engaged couples and wedding couples:
Personal style
“You need to think carefully about your personal style, so that the wedding rings reflect your personality and taste.”
The materials
“Choose together the materials and, if desired, the gemstones you find most beautiful.”
Comfort
“These rings will stay with you for your whole life, so keep in mind that your wedding rings need to be comfortable enough to wear every day.”
Appointments
“Plan your appointments well in advance, because making the jewelry can take a lot of time, depending on the personal touches you have chosen.”
Your personalized wedding rings at ‘De l'or dans les mains’
Anne-Claude also explains how the design process works at ‘De l'or dans les mains’: “I offer a personal service by answering all the couples’ questions. The wedding rings and jewelry I create will become valuable memories for couples, and I want to help them make well-informed, meaningful choices.”
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