Creating a bespoke piece of jewellery,
14K gold family heirlooms re-casted into a new ring design.
A silver silhouette brooch set with multi-coloured sapphires.
An 18k and platinum articulated chain ring.
18K mixed gold wedding bands with laser engraving.
A hand carved gekko brooch, casted in silver, set with opal eyes.
18K signet ring with the couple’s initials ‘L’ and ‘E’ laser engraved.
9K yellow gold cocktail ring with a hand-cut blue Topaz.
14K white gold wedding bands with laser engraving.
Silver pendant and chain design with mother-of-pearl inlay.
Jewellery carries stories, messages and intentions. Sometimes it is just a beautiful piece to wear for fun! Whether you are looking to have something made for yourself or for a loved one, I’m happy to brainstorm and bring ideas to life.
When commissioning a piece with me, you can expect a window into the making process, as I like to involve my customers in the journey from idea to end product. We will start with sketches and a price indication, followed by a 3D prototype to double check proportions* and style. The last step is me transforming the design with skill and care to a beautiful end product.
You can send me references and inspiration, or allow ‘carte blanche’. The final result will be made within my signature aesthetic of elegant simplicity and sculptural shapes, with the possible addition of historical inspiration from my jewellery researches.
Curious to know what we can make and/or receive a price quotation? Fill out the form, or write me an email at info@juliabocanet.com. I look forward to get in touch!
Consultations are possible in Dutch, English, Romanian and French.
* If you’re located outside of The Netherlands and wish to commission a ring or wedding bands, there is no problem. I have experience with long distance consultations. We will communicate via Zoom and you can expect 3D printed samples on the post for trying on at home. Note: visiting a local jeweller to determine finger size will be essential at the start of the process.
Specialized wax work for your project,
Pyx with a wheat decoration which doubles as the closure.
Foliage carving for a bespoke brooch with garnet.
The silver casted Pyx.
Wax model for a cocktail ring with bezel setting.
Hinge carving.
Gekko carving
The lost wax casting technique is over 5,000 years old. It allows a hand-shaped piece of wax to be transformed to any metal of choice, with the help of heat and a plaster mold.
The art of hand-carving wax shapes is slowly diminishing due to CAD and 3D printing. Computer made models can look fantastic, but in my opinion they will always lack the magic of the artisanal counterpart. An eye for physical sculpture and drawing is necessary to create a successful wax model.
I studied wax carving under the guidance of master goldsmith Dan Peligrad in New York, who has made astonishing pieces throughout his ongoing career. Since day one it has been my favourite technique and today it is my strongest skill. Many goldsmiths and artists have employed me just for this step of their process.
From signet rings to highly realistic renderings of a pet* or foliage, I can carve anything in preparation of your jewellery design or small object. Of course I can also finish the jewellery piece entirely for you after casting. Interested to get a quote or hear about the possibilities? Fill out the form in the previous section of this page, or tell me about your ideas in an e-mail at info@juliabocanet.com. I look forward to get in touch!
* Carvings can be made with as little as a verbal description, and my imagination will do the rest. If you wish to have a pet, specific object or other likeness carved, at least one picture will be needed. If you’d like a carving of a face, at least three pictures will be needed: frontal, 3/4 and profile.