As a teenager, Aukje Metz already liked and never lost that pleasure. For years she worked successfully in marketing, but deep inside the feeling remained that she wanted to do something else. Eventually she made a courageous decision: she sold her company and followed her heart to Goudsmid’s profession.
Now she has her own forge where she gives workshops where people can design and make their own ring. “We not only forge silver and precious, but also memories,” says Aukje, who has a full agenda.
Farewell jewelry
Every year around 500 to 600 rings are made in this forge. Sometimes someone processes the hair of a pet in a ring. Young people often make engagement rings. Mothers come with daughters to immortalize their band in a piece of jewelry. “Every piece of jewelry is unique, with its own history and meaning. Some stories are even moving,” says Aukje.
“There were once two girls of the age of sixteen, seventeen. They both had an eating disorder and sat on tube feeding. One of them would die long after. They actually made farewell jewelry for each other. I still get goosebumps.”
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