Atelier Victor Tijssen

Production locations

• Arnhem Studio

Working Conditions & Living Wages

At Atelier Victor Tijssen, every piece of jewellery is handcrafted with care and attention in their Arnhem studio. Stefan Tijssen handcrafts each piece himself. He is committed to ethical sourcing, using metals purchased from conflict-free zones. While not yet using fair trade gold, the atelier takes significant steps towards responsible sourcing. Stefan hand-picks his gemstones from a supplier based partially in Thailand, ensuring they do not come from dubious origins.

Stefan’s supplier in Antwerp provides conflict-free gold, aligning with the studio’s ethical standards. Stefan’s hands-on approach ensures that each gemstone and metal used meets his high ethical criteria, although specific certifications are not currently applied.

Materials

• Gold
• Diamonds
• Coloured Gemstones

Atelier Victor Tijssen practices sustainability by recycling old jewellery and using customers’ existing precious metals. The studio mainly works with materials like gold, diamonds, and coloured gemstones, focusing on recycling to reduce the need for new resources. While the atelier lacks formal environmental certifications, there is a conscious effort to use responsible products, and its recycling efforts contribute directly to reducing its environmental footprint.

Packaging

The brand does not need to use many packaging materials, as most sales are conducted in person at the studio.

Water usage & chemicals

This information is still being looked into by COSH!

Circular product design

Atelier Victor Tijssen embraces a fully circular approach by using recycled materials for the jewellery and ensuring all materials are recyclable. 

NOTE: Jewellery is generally easy to recycle and lasts a long time.

Circular business models

The atelier not only recycles old jewellery but also provides repair services, reinforcing its circular business model. This practice allows the studio to offer a circular lifecycle for its products, minimizing waste and promoting the reuse of precious materials.

Distance & complexity of the supply chain

• Production and HQ: Arnhem
• Shipping worldwide

Atelier Victor Tijssen operates from its headquarters and studio in Arnhem, where all jewellery is both produced and sold, keeping the production chain notably short. While the brand sources gemstones from a supplier in the Netherlands, they are also partially based in Thailand. The metals are sourced from Antwerp, but the exact origin of these raw materials remains unclear. This suggests that, despite efforts to localize sourcing, the underlying supply chain might extend internationally. 

Transportation

As the production chain is very short, we can assume transportation emissions to be low, however details are still being verified by COSH!.

The Atelier doesn’t use any animal derived materials, essentially making it a Vegan brand. 

Product design

Atelier Victor Tijssen specializes in creating bespoke jewellery that transcends temporary fashion trends. The atelier offers both custom designs and an in-house collection, emphasizing the creation of timeless pieces designed to last for decades. Each piece is crafted using a blend of artisanal and modern techniques, combining precious metals with carefully selected gemstones. This approach ensures each item’s durability and longevity, aligning with the ethos of slow fashion.

Stefan Tijssen, the craftsman behind the atelier, draws inspiration from nature, architecture, and the urban environment of Arnhem, infusing his creations with organic shapes and industrial touches. 

Slow fashion processes

The atelier also provides repair services, including alterations and restorations of gold and silver jewellery, underscoring its commitment to sustainability by extending each item’s life.

Moreover, the personal interaction with clients during the design process is a core aspect of the atelier’s service. This collaborative approach allows customers to infuse personal significance into their bespoke pieces, ensuring that each creation is not only aesthetically pleasing but also emotionally resonant. This dedication to quality, sustainability, and customer engagement highlights the atelier’s commitment to providing high-value, sustainable jewellery options. 

Transparency on product

Overall, Atelier Victor Tijssen provides a high level of detail about its operations, making it possible for customers and partners to understand the origins and making of each piece. While formal certifications are not currently feasible, the atelier’s willingness to share information and its proactive approach to transparency are notable, reflecting a genuine commitment to ethical practices.

Transparency on processes

Atelier Victor Tijssen demonstrates commendable transparency for a small atelier, openly sharing details about its suppliers and production processes with COSH!. Stefan Tijssen acknowledges the challenge of obtaining certifications due to the high costs involved, which can be prohibitive for smaller enterprises. He expresses a commitment to pursuing certifications as the atelier grows, aiming to further validate the ethical and sustainable practices already in place.