By Robin Van Der Vleuten
Monique van Wel, an award-winning goldsmith and custom jewelry designer, specializes in unique designs, turning Something Old into something New. She recalls growing up in Holland as a little girl, attracted to glittery, shiny stuff.
"I remember being lost for a short time on a family vacation in Italy when I was two or three years old. We were with a big group. My mom thought I was with my dad, who thought I was with my mom. I was oblivious as I had my nose pressed in front of the window of a jewelry store."
Always interested in the Arts, Monique graduated from the School for Goldsmithing/Silversmithing in Schoonhoven, the Silver City of Holland. She completed her apprentice year in Rochester Hills, Michigan, learning techniques such as wax carving, which she picked up quickly and played with from the early stages of her career. Working in the retail industry did not align with her values and personal world. She felt disconnected and did not want to belong to that part of the commercial sale without connection to the clients.
"A friend said I could do so much more, and it made me realize I could do more than create a blingy piece of jewelry," she explained.
Focusing on custom work, she began using older pieces of jewelry from people, transforming them into something new. "It started with my mom. She had some old gold from her mother and auntie sitting in a box. She did not want to throw it out even though she did not like it. So, I created a family tree pendant for her, which became the family tree pendant. I use old gold and stones from the family and brand-new ones. It is one of my signature pieces."
Some old jewelry may not have a monetary value, but according to Monique, it has sentimental value, with a story attached. It is a big part of what she focuses on when she creates pieces. "I am more of a storyteller and collector, and that is what my whole practice is about now: redesigning. I have some collection work for the studio tour for people to see, but I am playing with gemstones and focusing on redesigning them for people. The process involves using the old gold and keeping the sentiments, as it keeps the stories alive."
Monique points out families often inherit jewelry from a loved one, but it does not have stories attached to it for them. Redesigning this piece into something new allows them to have something they can wear and develop stories to go with it, in addition to the special connection of who gave it to them. It now has more meaning. A quote she likes to use to connect with her Jewelry Collection Journey is, 'Life isn't measured by time; it's measured by moments. Keep those close to your heart by celebrating and treasuring those moments every single day by wearing meaningful jewelry'.
Monique often displays her pieces during the Uxbridge Studio Tour, which she has participated in for nineteen years. She enjoys what she does and is not ready to retire, as turning Something Old Into Something New is her passion.
You can check out her work on her website, Facebook page, and Instagram, where she posts reels showing the design process. (IG/FB @moniquevanweldesigns).
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