by Alix Spooren

At GroundJewels, we define precious materials not by their material worth, but by their ecological value. Ethical choices give materials their true value. We believe true preciousness comes from sustainability, by selecting materials that respect both craftsmanship and the planet.

What makes something valuable?

For jewellers, the idea of value is important and intriguing. Where it used to be linked to rare and precious metals and gemstones, it now has other meanings. Is gold really precious, or is it just worth a lot of money? Does the value of a diamond lie in its rarity, or in the memories attached to it? We believe that there is a difference between real preciousness and what is merely the material value of something.

Challenging values

Since humans walked the earth, making and wearing jewellery and body adornments has been of great importance for the expression of identity, status and values. In a lot of cultures jewellery gets passed down through generations, this jewellery has emotional weight and carries stories. In the 1960s, a new wave of jewellery makers emerged, these jewellers were trained at art academies and challenged the medium of jewellery. They confronted their own historical conventions and entered into discussions about power, privilege and preciousness.

Time, patience and craft

Preciousness is much more than money. It is in the artist’s working process, in the patience, skill and dedication that the jeweller brings to their art. Creating jewellery requires a certain precision, attention to detail and a deep understanding of materials. Time is a valuable element in the creation of the precious object. It takes a lot of time and patience to create meaningful, well-crafted jewellery. Not only in the physical creation of the piece, but also in the conceptual development. In addition, time is also the key element that enables the viewer to absorb the secrets of the object. The time to explore and contemplate.