Creating a bespoke piece of jewellery or small object,

Bespoke gimmel ring handcrafted by a goldsmith, inspired by historical rings and traditional European jewelry craftsmanship. — A 14k gold gimmel ring with flush-set mixed gemstones.

This bespoke silver baby rattle is handcrafted by a goldsmith and features a bear chasing a diamond star. A traditional silver baby rattle, designed as a luxury baby gift and heirloom piece, combining fine craftsmanship with precious materials. — A silver baby rattle with a polar bear chasing a diamond star.

This bespoke gold bracelet is handcrafted by a goldsmith and set with many differently coloured gemstones. A luxury gold gemstone bracelet combining fine craftsmanship, vibrant precious stones, and custom design. — A 14k gold bracelet set with multi-coloured gemstones.

This bespoke gold ring is handcrafted by a goldsmith and set with tourmaline and diamonds. Designed as a meaningful first birthday gift, this luxury gold ring celebrates motherhood and marks a daughter’s first year with a timeless heirloom piece. — An 18k celebratory ring with flush set diamonds and tourmaline.

Bespoke silver brooch inspired by Japanese motifs with autumn-colored gemstones. — A silver silhouette brooch set with multi-coloured sapphires.

Custom made gold engagement ring with baguette diamonds, inspired by art deco style, made by a goldsmith in Amsterdam. — A 14k gold engagement ring with baguette diamonds.

White gold brooch with lab kite diamonds in the form of a shooting star, handmade by goldsmith Julia Bocanet in Amsterdam. — A 14k white gold brooch with lab diamonds.

Cocktail ring in 9k gold with custom cut topaz, made by hand by goldsmith Julia Bocanet in Amsterdam. — A 9k yellow gold cocktail ring with a hand-cut blue Topaz.

Wedding bands mixed silver and gold, with sapphire and tourmaline princess cut, made by hand by goldsmith Julia Bocanet in Amsterdam. — Silver wedding rings with sapphire and tourmaline set in 14k gold.

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,

Wax model carved by hand in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Europe, for the lost wax casting technique. Hand carved by a goldsmith. Custom design for a baby rattle. — A baby rattle with a polar bear and a star.

Wax model carved by hand in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Europe, for the lost wax casting technique. Hand carved by a goldsmith. Custom design for a catholic host box. — Hinge carving.

Hand carved wax leaves with setting for cabochon for lost wax casting, made by goldsmith Julia Bocanet. — Foliage carving for a bespoke brooch with garnet.

Hand carved wax ring for lost wax casting, made by goldsmith Julia Bocanet. — Wax model for a cocktail ring with bezel setting.

Hand carved wax lizard for lost wax casting, made by goldsmith Julia Bocanet. — 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.