2_2_DiscoverBenelux_23_Nov_2015_Scan Magazine 1 30/10/2015 13:01 Page 28
Discover Benelux | Antwerp | Top Jewellery Boutiques
Shine bright like a diamond TEXT: TOYAH MARONDEL | PHOTOS: DIAMOND BLUE JEWELLERY
The Reuveni family established Diamond Blue more than 30 years ago in Israel. The first shop opened its doors in Antwerp in 1994 and a second was established in 2009. Over the past three decades, the family-run company has created a luxurious brand, which continuously focuses on high-quality, innovative design. Diamond Blue is one of Antwerp’s most visited jewellery meccas.
If you see a piece of jewellery displayed in a shop, surrounded by hundreds of other designs all dazzling you at the same time, it can be hard to pick out the right one. “Firstly we offer every client a nice cup of coffee and give them a full introduction on diamonds,” says manager Tomer Reuveni, continuing: “You may have time to ask for something truly unique made, and you won’t spend more than your budget since you will have time to look around and price things out.” Reuveni points out that the jewellery boutique runs its own atelier, designs and creates individual pieces within 24 hours so even weekend visitors can get the unique piece within a day. “The styles range from classic to modern and you're presented with a curated selection of pieces tailored to your budget and style preferences,” he comments.
The beauty of bespoke TEXT: ELLA PUT | PHOTOS: SALIMA THAKKER
Jewellery designer Salima Thakker strikes the perfect balance between individuality and wearability. Her designs, ranging from earrings, necklaces, cufflinks, rings and more, showcase her love for the craft and are the prized positions of her customers from around the world. A few years after graduating from the Antwerp Royal Academy of Fine Arts and the London Royal College of Art, Thakker started her own jewellery atelier in 2001. Fuelled by passion and creativity, Thakker’s business became a success: “I did many collaborations with international galleries
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and received enthusiastic responses from customers directly at fairs. This helped me to slowly but surely expand my atelier.” Currently, Thakker is located in the Kloosterstraat, in the heart of the diamond city of Antwerp. Apart from producing her own collections, she also designs for the exclusive Italian jewellery brands Damiani and Salvani as well as creating bespoke jewellery.
Every diamond comes with a certificate either from the GIA laboratory or the Antwerp Diamond High Council, the top diamond certification organisations. “That way, you know exactly what you're getting,” says Reuveni. Diamond Blue is part of Antwerp’s Most Brilliant, one of the 12 most qualitative and reliable jewellers located in the diamond world capital. So no matter what you are looking for, you can find something you will love at Diamond Blue Jewellery.
Vestingstraat 77, 2018 Antwerp +32 3 213 15 22 info@tomjewelry.be www.tomjewelry.be
She says: “In this age of mass production, people seem to want something special and unique. My work is handmade and connects with clients’ personal wishes. I work with traditional materials such as gemstones and diamonds but as I have a short production cycle, I can keep the prices realistic.” Nature, colours and life itself are important inspirations for Thakker. Her eye for detail and technical accuracy help her to craft original yet highly wearable jewellery that highlight Thakker’s expert skills. “Making jewellery is a fantastic craft. I love to express myself creatively. Aside from that, it is wonderful to see happy customers with a personal piece of jewellery. It can sometimes even draw a tear to their eyes.” www.salimathakker.com