Geraldine Saddal is the creative mind behind Atelier Saddal, which has been around for almost 30 years. The focus of the jewelry house is on custom made jewelry. “It is so satisfying to design something personal for someone. This way, you really connect with your customer.”
Education
“I started at IVKO, an art vocational school. After that, I went to the Vocational School for Goldsmithing in Amsterdam. There, I learned the basics of the trade. I have always been interested in beautiful objects and how they are designed and made. I enjoy looking at great designers like Fawaz Gruosi from the brand De Grisogono and Marina Mulgari.”
Personal Connection
“After my studies, I worked at a jeweler. I noticed there that working with an existing collection and selling it was not satisfying for me. These are jewelry pieces that are made standard and in high volume. It is much more enjoyable to create something special and personal for someone, as it allows you to connect with your customer. Shortly after that, I started working as a goldsmith with my husband Arnold. He started Atelier Saddal in 1994. We began collaborating, and within the workshop, I learned the finer points of the trade. Additionally, I took courses in England, such as 3D design. At that time, it was one of the first courses in that field, and I still work with it today. With this technique, there are actually no limits to your creativity.”
Career Path
“I am glad that my husband and I took the step to have our own workshop; that is the best decision I have made in my career. In designing, I can express my creativity. I am grateful that we get to make jewelry for customers from all over the world.”
Mentor
“First of all, I learned a lot from my father. He is also very creative, and from him, I learned to look at art, including Picasso and designers like Philippe Starck. Additionally, I learned a lot from my husband, a very good goldsmith and also a good businessman. It’s wonderful to be able to do this together.”
You can read the entire interview with Geraldine Saddal in Elegance.
