People thrive when their talents are recognised and nurtured.
In memory of my grandparents.
My grandfather began working in the Limburg coal mines at twelve, his family unable to afford further schooling despite his intelligence. Determined to give his children a better future, he and my grandmother, with her discipline, bridged the gap between talent and opportunity.
He worked tirelessly, often taking extra Sunday shifts to fund their education. As a blaster, he drilled and placed explosives, wich is a dangerous job that made others' work safer. The brooch’s copper wire shows his resilience, the iron wire my grandmother’s strength, and the six balls made from both metals symbolise their children.
Although the mine was a burden, it became the foundation for their family’s future.
The creation of this brooch—awarded Best Jewellery at the Amber Trip art jewellery contest and exhibited in Vilnius, Lithuania, from 12–14 February 2026—embodies that legacy.
Brooch They Energized Talent
2026
one-of-a-kind
coal found, recycled copper installation wire, recycled iron binding wire, brass wire, ammonia patina, nickel silver brooch pin.
hallmarks master's mark.
height 27 mm / 1.06 Inch
width 77 mm / 3.03 Inch
depth 62 mm / 2.44 Inch
Accompanying box:
Recycled spruce wood from a wine box, recycled wool.
height 57 mm / 2.24 Inch
width 90 mm / 3.54 Inch
depth 70 mm / 2.75 Inch
This brooch was created for the Ambertrip open call, Mind the Gap. It received Best Jewellery Award in the Amber Trip art jewellery contest. It was exhibited in Vilnius, Lithuania, from 12 to 14 February 2026.
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