Kirsten Spuijbroek’s mourning jewelry is of a macabre beauty.

A personal loss of a close relative, gave Kirsten the idea to design her first mourning jewelry. If there is one time in a life that dressing is precariously done, it is in a time of mourning.

Kirsten Spuijbroek studied Product Design and then went on to specialize in Jewelry Design. She currently lives and works in Rotterdam. Her noteworthy pieces pop up every now and then in creative market stalls and exclusive shops.

Mourning jewelry
Trying to move on after losing a loved one, Kirsten was caught up by her emotions. What she tries to say with her jewelry is this: take time to mourn, do not run away from your feelings, because death is a part of life.
Using flowers as a cast, Kirsten makes a poetic attempt at capturing fragility in rough stone material. When the porcelain is heated in the kiln, the flowers are burnt out, leaving their imprint behind. Just like the imprint a persons life leaves behind in the memory of his loved ones.



Contemporary jewelry design
According to Kirsten, jewelry is a product and not only a piece of art. Contemporary jewelry designers seem to forget that. Kirsten always makes sure wearablility comes first place in her designs. The message comes next.



ZWARD
Kisten is currently working on a new line of jewelry, that will appear under the name of ZWARD. This company is a collaboration between herself and Jelmer Noordeman (illustrator). Deconstructed toys are their main influence for the items in this new series. Part of it will be prêt-a-porter priced, other items more exclusive. You can keep a look out on their website when they will be available.

Production
So far, Kirsten has always handmade each piece of jewelry she sold. For ZWARD she would like to aim for a bigger production, but she would still like to keep it handmade and made under her strict supervision. When something is handmade with love and attention, this will be reflected in the product. It gives it more value, Kirsten firmly believes.

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