CITYSHOWCASE.CO.UK

NVK Jewellery

ArtForm: City Showcase Markets

www.nvkjewellery.com

My name is Natalie von Koettlitz and I started making jewellery not just because I felt like I could never find designs that I really loved but because the more I learnt about the industry, the all famous 'blood diamonds' and the mining industries in general it ignited a passion in me to try to make these beautiful pieces in a sustainable and ethical fashion.

I strive to only use Fair trade metal, when that isn't available recycled metal and ethically sourced gemstones. I also use eco friendly packaging and business cards. I think if you are going to try to go ethical you have to go all the way. I am still in the early stages of my business and have been working on my first collection whilst taking on commissions and collaborations.

My collection is based on an old Victorian sentiment called Acrostic jewellery, where they would use gemstones to spell out a word, like a hidden message- the most popular words were 'Dearest' and 'Regards'. To spell out 'Dearest' you would take the first letter of each gemstone- Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Topaz, and set them in a piece of jewellery. These pieces would usually be given as gifts to partners and lovers. I have made geometric modern designs incorporating these terms of endearment.

I can also take bespoke commissions so you can write your own words, offering a bespoke personalised service. I also make these pieces without gemstones and can offer an engraving service to personalise the pieces.

I hand make the jewellery using mostly recycled silver and Fair trade gold in my studio in Hackney. I try to only outsource things like stone setting and casting to small companies that are masters of their trade and I trust to do a fantastic job.

Biog as provided for City Showcase in 2016