Hello!  Bonjour!

I am jewelry artist Sophie Van Tiggelen.
In 2000, I moved from Europe to the beautiful Centennial state of Colorado.
I was born and raised in Europe near Brussels – Belgium (French speaking part of Belgium). Brussels is now the Capitol of Europe and is situated at the crossroad of many cultures.  
Because of this, I was early exposed to and grew to appreciate many different styles and trends.  Through the years, I traveled to France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and interested myself in new ideas and techniques for jewelry making.

I live in Longmont, Colorado (near Boulder) with my husband and our three daughters, near the majestic Rocky Mountains.  I love everything about this place:  the changing colors, the perfect weather, the friendly people, the general positive atmosphere that goes with everything and the freedom of doing what I really enjoy.  

Several years ago, I started playing around with beads and gems.  I wanted then to create simple pieces of jewelry that I could wear everyday and match with my outfits, casual or classy.  Right from the start, I have been attracted to natural and soft colors that reminded me of the beauty of nature.
When I prepare food, for example, I believe that minimal processing best preserves the natural characteristics of the ingredients. Likewise, I stay with natural and genuine elements in my jewelry making.

My jewelry consists of a mix between lampwork beads, Austrian Swarovski crystals, sterling silver components, and some very unique semi-precious gemstones like turquoise, coral and chalcedony.  

I enjoy making jewelry for others.  The diversity I have in my line allows any women to match these natural yet elegant pieces with her existing wardrobe, her skin tone and her hair color.

A necklace or bracelet might be gorgeous in a picture, on display or in a case but, keep in mind that it is never as beautiful as when someone is wearing it!
 

My Designs
All my pieces are original and handcrafted using the finest materials available.  These  materials include artisan crafted glass lampwork beads, sterling silver, Swarovski crystal, freshwater pearls, and semi-precious stones.  

I love handcrafted beads and use many in my designs.  The majority of my silver beads and components are handcrafted in Bali.  Lampwork beads are also handcrafted and are by far my favorite beads.  All of the lampwork beads I purchase are from skilled artisans and are selected based upon quality, design, and craftsmanship. Each individual lampwork bead is a tiny work of art that reflects the personality of the wonderful artisan that crafted it.

I enjoy working with soft and natural colors, patterns, and textures to create designs that are feminine, distinctive, and unexpected!

My Guarantee
My jewelry is designed to be beautiful, wearable, and durable.  I use state-of-the-art techniques and components to ensure that my designs will hold up to everyday wear and tear.  

Please contact me immediately if your piece is uncomfortable, breaks, or is otherwise defective.  I will happily repair it free of charge or issue a store credit for up to 6 months after the purchase date.  After 6 months, you will have to pay a small fee for all the repairs.

Jewelry Care
The occasional use of a non-abrasive polishing cloth will bring out the natural glow of the jewelry. Chemical dips or abrasive cleaners should not be used.