BE-DIAMOND: A LEGACY OF BESPOKE JEWELRY CRAFTSMANSHIP
Be-Diamond emerges as a pioneer of bespoke jewelry creation that resonates with the essence of each client. The brand’s unwavering commitment to design excellence is mirrored in its meticulous selection of diamonds and its exclusive craftsmanship—proudly Made in Belgium. At Be-Diamond, each piece of jewelry is not just an accessory; it is a finely crafted expression of one’s identity.
At the heart of Be-Diamond’s philosophy is a dedication to utilizing only the finest materials. From high-quality diamonds and luxurious gold to exquisite pearls, every element of their creations is carefully chosen to transform your jewelry vision into reality. Whether you are searching for a timeless engagement ring, a striking statement necklace, or any other distinctive piece, Be-Diamond offers custom creations that are meticulously tailored to capture your unique essence and style. When you choose Be-Diamond, you are not just purchasing jewelry; you are embarking on a personalized experience that allows you to articulate your personality and taste through handcrafted masterpieces. The brand’s meticulous attention to detail and dedication to craftsmanship ensure that every piece is unique, much like the individual wearing it.
The narrative of Be-Diamond is deeply rooted in the Anastassian-De Santis family’s long-standing connection to the diamond industry. With multi-generational expertise, the family’s passion for this treasured gemstone is palpable. The journey began with Anastassian’s mother, who spent more than three decades cultivating her knowledge and skills within the diamond world, laying a strong foundation for the family business. Her son continued this legacy by becoming an expert diamond cutter at a young age, ensuring that every diamond chosen for Be-Diamond jewelry is treated with the utmost precision and care. Adding a fresh perspective to the brand is Nathalie, the daughter-in-law, whose artistic talent and design flair create the visually stunning jewelry pieces that define the brand. Whether opting for contemporary flair or classic elegance, Be-Diamond’s designs represent a harmonious blend of modern aesthetics and traditional craftsmanship, with strong ties to their Antwerp heritage.
Situated in Antwerp, a city celebrated as the global hub of the diamond trade, Be-Diamond’s craftsmanship flourishes in an environment steeped in a rich history of diamond cutting and trading. The brand’s commitment to crafting all their jewelry in this esteemed location reaffirms their dedication to quality and authenticity. In an industry often dominated by mass production, Be-Diamond distinguishes itself by focusing on personalization and uniqueness. Customers are empowered to modify existing designs or create entirely new pieces from scratch, appealing to those who value exclusivity and self-expression. The brand’s innovative use of black diamonds—often overlooked in mainstream jewelry—adds an edge to its offerings and fosters a distinctive identity. Be-Diamond intentionally avoids maintaining inventory, ensuring that each piece is a special creation. Every order is directly supervised by the founders, adding a personal touch that distinguishes the brand from larger, impersonal jewelry houses.
Collaboration with Master Craftsmen
Be-Diamond’s collaboration with the finest artisans in Antwerp fortifies its commitment to quality. This partnership not only enhances the craftsmanship of their pieces but also solidifies the brand’s reputation as an exclusive purveyor of high-quality jewelry.
Be-Diamond is more than just a jewelry brand; it is a manifestation of a familial legacy intertwined with a deep-rooted passion for diamonds. Each member of the Anastassian-De Santis family contributes their expertise, crafting stunning pieces that embody both the modern elegance and the rich heritage of Antwerp’s diamond industry. Find below our exclusive interview for Trend Privé Magazine:
Nathalie, your evolution from a commercial pilot to a jewelry designer is not a conventional path. Could you share with us the formative experiences from your childhood, particularly your fascination with aviation, that you believe laid the groundwork for your future as a designer? How did those early impressions shape your aspirations and creative instincts? Was aviation merely a childhood dream, or did it instill in you a deeper understanding of design and functionality that you now apply to your jewelry creations?
My childhood dream was to become an airline pilot, and I achieved it. I was the youngest female pilot on a Boeing in Belgium. Alongside aviation, I have always loved fashion. My aunt worked at DIOR and gave me a taste for beautiful things. Studying aviation also taught me a lot about the attention to detail that can be applied to design. Behind a great design, whether it’s an airplane or a piece of jewelry, there are many technical characteristics to master. The result is always the culmination of a long journey of creativity as well as technical expertise.
You mentioned that your early inspirations in jewelry design emerged during layovers, particularly during a memorable trip to Barcelona. Can you take us through the emotions and thoughts you experienced at that moment? What specific elements were you captivated by, and how did they translate into your first sketches? How did the juxtaposition of your world as a pilot and the blossoming passion for design influence your approach to creativity?
Being a pilot means traveling a lot. It allows you to discover many new cultures and architectures. Each destination is a different way of seeing the world. My first ring (Black Trio) was designed in Barcelona. It was during a time when I missed my family, and the three stones represent my husband, my son, and me.
Transitioning careers, especially from a well-established profession like commercial piloting, can be daunting. Could you elaborate on the series of motivations and realizations that led you to make that leap into full-time jewelry design? What were the turning points, and were there any challenges or fears you had to confront during this pivotal moment in your life? In what ways did your piloting experiences lead you to embrace risk, and how does that influence your current artistic philosophy?
I was an airline pilot for 12 years, but I had to stop for medical reasons. I had already started my jewelry brand as a hobby while I was still working as a pilot. So turning my hobby into my profession felt natural. The training and experience as a pilot helped me stay well-organized and quickly understand that creating a brand involves dealing with many different areas. Creativity is important, but so are marketing and customer relationships.
The concept of personalization stands at the heart of Be Diamond. Could you explain the philosophy behind bespoke jewelry as you understand it? Why do you believe that offering a unique, customizable experience resonates so deeply with your clients, and how do you facilitate the creative process for them? Can you share anecdotes or examples from your clientele that highlight the significance of personalization in their jewelry journey?
Buying or gifting a piece of jewelry is often a unique moment,a marriage proposal, a birthday… Giving jewelry is not just an act; it’s a symbol. It’s important to support clients during these significant moments in their lives. One anecdote that comes to mind is that, for marriage proposals, men are often confident they have the right ring size, but in reality, it’s rare to get it exactly right. This is why guidance and the personalization of each creation are so important.
The logo you designed for Be Diamond is inspired by the very first ring you created. Could you describe the creative thought process behind that logo? How does it symbolize not just your brand but also your personal journey and the mission of Be Diamond? In what ways do you see this logo influencing your customers’ perceptions and emotions toward your jewelry?
The logo indeed symbolizes the first ring I designed. This ring truly marks the beginning of this beautiful adventure, and I believe making it the logo that represents the brand is a strong statement. It symbolizes new beginnings, creativity, and faith in one’s dreams.
With your background in translation studies, how do you feel it has equipped you with valuable skills in communicating your brand’s narrative? Could you explore how being multilingual has impacted your ability to connect with a diverse clientele and convey the story behind each unique piece you create? Have there been specific examples where your language skills allowed you to bridge gaps and create a deeper connection with your customers?
Speaking multiple languages is always an advantage, no matter the field in which you work. Each language represents a different way of seeing the world. Of course, this helps me in my work. We participated in Milan Fashion Week, and it’s always easier when you know the language of the country you’re working in. There, we met people from very diverse nationalities. My husband speaks seven languages, I speak three, and my son already speaks four. This is a great advantage when approaching clients or simply exchanging with people from different backgrounds,it makes communication easier and is truly enriching.
Your extensive travels fuel your creativity and provide inspiration. Reflecting on this, could you share a particular journey that profoundly impacted your design aesthetic? What elements of that experience do you find yourself weaving into your jewelry designs? How do you consciously incorporate these cultural perspectives into your creative work to make it more relatable and meaningful for your customers?
Inspiration is a complex process that cannot always be explained. It can come suddenly, without us even understanding where the idea comes from. I believe that the accumulation of experiences and travels shapes us and guides our inspiration. There have been times when I stopped to admire a lamp in a hotel because I thought its design could work well as a piece of jewelry. Often, my ideas come to me at night:I wake up with an urgent need to sketch a design without always knowing where the idea originated.
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