Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Exquisite Handcrafted Jewelry Since 1926
Van Craeynest has dedicated itself to crafting exceptional jewelry since 1926, blending artistry with timeless techniques passed through generations. Our studio preserves century-old traditions through a European apprenticeship system, ensuring that skills like hand-finishing, carving, and die-striking remain alive in every piece we create. Our designs, inspired by Art Deco and Art Nouveau eras, reflect a deep understanding of form and composition, utilizing tools dating back to the late 19th century.We uphold a philosophy where knowledge is shared freely, maintaining techniques that might otherwise be lost to modernization. Our commitment to quality ensures that each creation carries enduring sentiment and unmatched craftsmanship, establishing us as a trusted leader in bespoke jewelry. As stewards of this legacy, we guarantee transparency, ethical practices, and personalized service, ensuring client satisfaction with every handcrafted masterpiece.
Services
Engagement Rings
Wedding Bands
Vintage Reproductions
Custom Designs
Jewelry Repair
Details
- Year established: 1920
Highlights and features
- We uphold a 100-year-old apprenticeship system preserving lost jewelry-making techniques.
- Our designs integrate authentic Art Deco and Art Nouveau aesthetics with modern craftsmanship.
- We guarantee hand-finished pieces using tools dating to the 19th century.
- Our team combines generational expertise with rigorous quality standards.
- We provide transparent, ethical production processes and personalized client service.
Services
Art Deco Wedding Bands
Authentic Art Deco wedding bands crafted using century-old tools and techniques. Each piece features intricate geometric patterns and precise metalwork reflecting the 1920s design ethos while maintaining modern comfort standards. Our artisans combine historical accuracy with contemporary wearability.
Hand-Finished Engagement Rings
Custom engagement rings featuring hand-carved motifs and diamond accents. Created through traditional chasing and engraving methods, these rings incorporate floral patterns and acanthus leaf designs that showcase our mastery of pre-industrial jewelry techniques.
European Apprenticeship Training
Three-generation apprenticeship program preserving endangered jewelry-making skills. Trainees learn die-striking, hand-finishing, and antique tool operation under master artisans, ensuring the survival of techniques dating to the Victorian era.
19th-Century Technique Reproductions
Authentic reproductions of Victorian-era jewelry using original production methods. Our workshop maintains machines and tools from the 1800s to recreate period-accurate pieces with identical construction to historical examples.
Custom Ornamental Jewelry
Elaborate jewelry designs featuring organic flowing lines and floral motifs characteristic of the Art Nouveau period. Each piece combines hand-forged metalwork with strategically placed gemstones to create wearable works of art.
People
Larry Van Craeynest
Master Artisan
Third-generation jewelry craftsman dedicated to preserving traditional techniques. Trained in art and jewelry making, he oversees the European apprenticeship program and maintains the company's historical standards while mentoring new artisans.
Questions
What jewelry styles does Van Craeynest specialize in?
We specialize in Art Deco and Art Nouveau inspired designs, creating historically accurate pieces using traditional techniques dating to the 19th century.
How are Van Craeynest pieces made?
Each piece uses hand-finishing, carving, and die-striking techniques taught through our three-generation apprenticeship system, incorporating tools and methods from the late 1800s.
Do you offer custom design services?
Yes, we create custom jewelry using our historic techniques, allowing clients to commission personalized pieces while maintaining our traditional craftsmanship standards.
What is the lead time for orders?
Custom orders typically require 4-6 weeks production time to ensure proper hand-finishing and quality control through our traditional methods.
How does Van Craeynest train its artisans?
Our European apprenticeship system trains artisans in endangered techniques, requiring knowledge sharing between generations to preserve century-old jewelry-making skills.
Videos
Reviews (3)
H.-John T.
Nov 04, 2016
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My wife and I purchased one of his rings 24+ years ago when Larry was in San Francisco and she still loves it today. Larry was very thoughtful, considerate and patient as we looked at everything he had. He actually took us through a tour of his shop explaining in detail the differences between the old world craft and what they make now in a high volume. The striking process is so much superior to the molding process that the added strength creates a ring that will last a lifetime without showing noticeable wear. My wife ring looks exactly like we purchased it 24+ years ago.
Jody B.
Feb 27, 2014
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I had fallen in love with the artistry of Vancayenest rings when I saw them in a shop years before I met my husband. When I got engaged I knew I had to find out where they were made! We had my engagement and wedding rings made by Larry Vancrayenest in 2000. Impeccable, and patient service. And, it was such an amazing experience to enter the gallery where these rings are made; to see the artisans at work... I was in awe. All of the tools that are used to make the rings are art pieces themselves. Nothing compares to the rare and almost obsolete craftsmanship that survives within these walls
Tammy N.
Dec 11, 2013
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I purchased a beautiful platinum wedding band from Van Craeynest. It is beautiful and very detailed. I spent a lot of time (months) looking at jewelry and chose Van Craeynest. Customer service was great, and I will definitely be purchasing from them again.
