Nico Taeymans

Production locations

• The jewellery is crafted in Nico Taeymans’ own studio in Antwerp, Belgium.

Working Conditions & Living Wages

Nico Taeymans ensures a short, transparent supply chain by producing everything in-house. This allows for complete oversight of working conditions and fair wages. The brand is part of the Antwerp diamond industry and follows the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, which aims to keep conflict diamonds out of the market. Additionally, Antwerp offers the Antwerp Most Brilliant certificate for jewellers who meet strict ethical standards in sourcing and selling diamonds. Curious about fair diamonds? Read our blog on blood diamonds and fair certification schemes.

Materials

• Recycled gold and silver sourced from Umicore
• Diamonds sourced following the Kimberley Process

The brand prioritises recycled precious metals, reducing the demand for newly mined gold and silver, which often contributes to pollution. Umicore, one of the world’s largest precious metals recyclers, recovers gold and silver from electronic waste, old jewellery, and industrial scrap, ensuring these materials get a second life.

Packaging

The brand does not publicly disclose details about its packaging materials.

Water usage & chemicals

As the jewellery is handmade in Antwerp, water and chemical use are minimised compared to large-scale industrial jewellery production. However, no detailed information is available on water management or chemical use.

Circular product design

Jewellery by Nico Taeymans is inherently circular. Gold and silver can be endlessly recycled without losing quality, making them highly resource-efficient. The brand exclusively works with recycled metals, helping to keep valuable materials in use.

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

Circular business models

Although the brand does not offer an official take-back or recycling programme, its timeless designs and high-quality materials ensure longevity and reuse.

Distance & complexity of the supply chain

• Production: Belgium (Antwerp studio)
• Headquarters: Antwerp, Belgium
• Sales: Benelux and international retailers

With production and retail locations close together, the supply chain remains simple and local, reducing emissions from transport. 

Transportation

• The brand does not disclose transportation methods for sourcing materials or shipping products.

The brand does not use any animal-derived materials, making it vegan-friendly.

Product design

• Handmade jewellery crafted in small batches
• Bespoke pieces including engagement rings and mourning jewellery

Slow fashion processes

Instead of following seasonal trends, Nico Taeymans focuses on unique, timeless designs. His collections feature organic, nature-inspired shapes, and he often works with raw, uncut diamonds. The brand does not engage in mass production or fast fashion sales cycles.

Transparency on product

The brand shares information about its use of recycled gold and silver and its adherence to the Kimberley Process for diamonds. However, it does not disclose further details about its supply chain beyond Antwerp.

Transparency on processes

Nico Taeymans provides insight into his production methods and material sourcing but does not publish an annual sustainability report or extensive supply chain details.