Karla Mertens

Using precious materials and age-old techniques, jeweller Karla Mertens creates unique pieces that are as beautiful as they are personal. Clients come to her workshop in Leuven in search of gifts, to rework existing pieces, and to commission bespoke jewellery – including remembrance pieces containing the ashes of loved ones. “I make pieces to order for clients, and each one tells its own story,” Mertens says. “Lots of people come to me to make a creation to hold the ashes of a loved one – a partner, a parent, a child. I take the time to listen to their story then go away to reflect and come up with my design. My designs always come from a place of meditation and silence.”