Ghent-based jewellery designer Celine Roelens wins the Monaco Glamour Award and conquers an international audience with her rare coloured stones.
“My jewellery is an interplay of emotion, rarity and pure Belgian craftsmanship.”
In the Henegouwenstraat in Ghent, Belgium, the showcases of Celine Roelens immediately attract attention. It is not the gold that shines the hardest, but the coloured stones that sparkle in the light. For decades, the gemologist has been building up impressive expertise and a worldwide network of suppliers. The often extremely rare gemstones are valued for their emotional and investment value.
This did not go unnoticed: in June, Roelens received the Monaco Glamour Award, a recognition for her quality, refined finish and personal approach.
Power of scarcity
Roelens immediately clears up a persistent misunderstanding.
“Large diamond companies decide for themselves how many gemstones they put on the market, and thus control the price. It’s different with coloured stones,” - says Celine Roelens, Jewellery designer – gemologist.
While she makes a green emerald shine, she explains how unique her stones are.
“They react to light, subtly change their hue. This is very different from semi-precious stones such as amethyst, citrine or blue topaz. In addition to being cheaper, they are also softer, less brilliant and can be found everywhere,” - says Celine Roelens, Jewellery designer – gemologist.
The niche coloured bricks Roelens works with are only mined in a few places in the world, often by small, family-owned mining companies.
“Tsavorites, for example, can only be found in the Tsavo National Park, on the border between Tanzania and Kenya. The rock is millions of years old. When a mine gets exhausted, it’s just gone. That’s what makes these gemstones so rare,” - says Celine Roelens, Jewellery designer – gemologist.
From idea to jewel
Roelens grew up surrounded by gold and precious stones. In her father’s studio, she designed her first jewellery as a child. After an international education, she worked in the family business as a goldsmith for ten years.
“In thirty years, I have studied thousands of coloured stones. As a result, I have built up a strong network, from miners to grinders. Every day I am offered new gemstones. I often have them reworked to bring out their full potential. I always start from the gemstone. Not the motif, not the shape, but the gemstone determines everything.”
The design process at Celine Roelens is not a technical act, but a personal dialogue. Every customer sits down at the table and shares preferences, budget and feelings. This is followed by three rounds of sketches, watercolours and 3D models. Only then do the wax models and test fits come, even before the gold is set.
To have this full expierence, private jewellery designer Celine Roelens, works by appointment in
Monaco and the Benelux. She travels every 6 weeks to Monaco, don’t hesitate to make contact with her directly by WhatsApp +32(0)475 86 10 24 for special requests.
In her studio works a team of goldsmiths, engravers, gem-setters and 3D designers, each with their specialty.
“I constantly walk from table to table, guarding the harmony between idea and final result. This is the only way to create real customization,” - says Celine Roelens, Jewellery designer – gemologist.
Timeless investment
Fashion changes, but Celine Roelens’ designs remain timeless.
“I always start from the gemstone. Not the motif, not the shape, but the gemstone determines everything. Colours are allowed to speak, not shout. Timelessness is not a luxury for me, but an essential ambition.”
More and more customers are buying coloured stones as an investment that is also aesthetically satisfying.
“Prices continue to rise, often phenomenally. Every customer receives a complete file from me with origin, cut quality and certificates. Scarcity ultimately remains the most important guarantee of value.”
In this way, each jewel by Celine Roelens is created as an interplay of rarity, craftsmanship and personal emotion, with a coloured stone that transcends both time and its wearer.
More info?
Private jewellery designer Celine Roelens
By appointment in Monaco or Benelux
Contact Celine by +32(0)475 86 10 24
Design studio in Ghent Belgium, Lange Kruisstraat 14
Follow her work on Instagram celine_roelens
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Purchase a downloadable PDF file of this interview made exclusively with the Living in Monaco magazine.