A passion for beauty and art is an ongoing theme in all my creations.

Already in my teens I was fiddling around with beads and stuff, designing jewelry and making earrings for friends. Being a bit of a science nerd in those days, I decided to study medicine instead of enrolling in a jewelry making school (anyone got an explanation for this brain twist?). After (too) many years of (too) hard work, I decided to take a step back and work as a medical translator, only to realize that my passion for jewelry making had never gone away.

At some turning point in my life, I took the leap and joined jewelry workshops with Lotte De Mey (Antwerp-Edegem), Frédérique Coomans (Brussels), and Petra Warmerdam (Louvain). Through trial and error, and above all with tons of patience, I learned all about filing, hammering, sawing, and soldering. A whole new exciting world opened up to me.

I love experimenting with materials and shapes, and I’m always looking for new means of expression. Environmental concerns have urged me to work with recycled materials as much as possible. Recently I set myself a challenge to investigate how I can introduce color in my work without using gemstones. Researching new materials and learning how to integrate them – often a challenge in itself – just adds to the fun of jewelry making!

Creativity can only thrive in a supportive environment… Hence a big thank you to my husband Frank (tai chi rules!), my daughter Lisa (check out this multi-talent @ www.lisahilte.be), and my son-in-law Thomas, who takes care of my website.

When I’m not in my studio, I enjoy the outdoor life, a good book or la dolce vita with friends.

Feel free to send me an e-mail if you’re interested in my jewelry or if you want me to create something truly personal for you (see ‘Contact’). Or just come along and visit me in my studio! Coffee’s always ready!