Sometimes the reasons for the ties that bind are inexplicable. Cultures that are not even remotely connected with your roots suddenly have a strong pull on you. An accidental encounter with a person from a foreign land, a small gift from a particular country, an invigorating talk or an inspiring quote can be reasons enough to act as a catalyst or a turning point in life, and help you chart your future.
In the case of Bernadette van Gelder–van der Ven from the Netherlands, it was a Chinese jewellery suite gifted by her brother, Clemens van der Ven, a dealer in oriental art. The gift came with a clause – that Bernadette should learn more about the crafts from the region to appreciate the gift. The dutiful sister did just that, but providence had other plans. Her research sidetracked her to Indian jewellery – and the beauty and intricacy of the work hooked her for life. Her love affair with Indian jewellery and the country started from then on. In 1980, she established Van Gelder Indian Jewellery, a firm that would go on to specialise in traditional jewellery from India and grow into one of the leading international dealers today.
This fascination and love for the country’s unique aesthetics rubbed off on her two daughters Fleur Damman–van Gelder and Noëlle Viguurs– van Gelder, who joined the company in 2000. The sisters took over the business in 2012, and carried forward the legacy of their mother with equal determination and dedication to quality and originality.
In an email interview, NOËLLE VIGUURS–VAN GELDER talks about their past, present and future to Shanoo Bijlani.
Your mother, Bernadette van Gelder–van der Ven, founded Van Gelder Indian Jewellery (VGIJ) in 1980. Was she a jewellery artist or an art historian?
In the late ’70s, Bernadette was gifted a suite of Chinese jewellery by her brother, a dealer in fine antique oriental art. He said to her: ‘To really appreciate these pieces you have to research and study the history behind it.’ The set was not only very beautiful, but also held an entire story linked to culture. Bernadette was familiar with the history of the Dutch East India Company, and their original focus on the East led her from China to India.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة September - October 2018 من Adorn.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
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هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة September - October 2018 من Adorn.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
designing for a better world
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Pallavi Foley's Take On Jewellery Trends
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The Rising Star
Disha Patani, the new actor on the block, has wowed all with her million-dollar smile and has won over critics with her acting chops. Wrapped in diamonds set in contemporary gold silhouettes, Disha looks stunning in metallic ensembles teamed with silk, leather and lace. In a fashion flashback to the '80s, Disha plays the part of a seductive, glamorous gal from the golden era to perfection!
Desi With a Difference
Human rights-lawyer- turned jewellery designer PRIYANKA MURTHY’S designs spell modern minimalism to the tee. Just one look at her jewellery is enough for you to know that despite its simplistic clean lines, there is an unmistakable wow factor in every piece. The designs are extremely fresh and unique and tailored for the independent working woman.
Toranj Kayvon - Born Star
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Siren Song
Italian maestro of erotica MILO MANARA has helmed ten illustrations, depicting an underwater rendezvous between a beautiful, alluring mermaid and a woman, for watchmaker Ulysse Nardin. The series was unveiled for the first time at the SIHH in Geneva in January 2019.
‘Rarity & Authenticity Distinguish Orevermark Diamonds'
SACHIN JAIN, president, Forevermark India, speaks to ADORN about the growing popularity of jewellery set with hand-picked, rare diamonds that are as unique as each wearer.
Summer Splash
The Mood Is Classy Chic This Summer Season. An Enticing Clash Of Glamorous Ingredients Are Seen In These Audaciously Bold Jewels. Designed By Harshad Ajoomal Of H. Ajoomal Fine Jewellery, The In Vogue Jewels Highlight Unique Pairings Of Colour Gemstones And Diamonds.
Butani's Ingenious Wonders
Exquisite elements make for organic creations that bring Butani’s craftsmanship and artistry to the fore. The brand’s distinctive style and creative harmony tie together the jeweller’s Indian heritage and Asian aesthetics.The Hong Kong-based haute joaillerie brand recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. A capsule collection – unveiled at Basel world earlier this year to mark the forty-year milestone – featured nine exquisitely handcrafted pieces that boldly embrace the brilliance of diamonds, while highlighting the subtle flowing lines and gentle drops. Among the show-stealers were opulent pieces that brilliantly distilled the beauty of fancy yellow diamonds.
