BAARN "I love building, I could have been an architect or furniture maker." Charlotte Vogel likes to create something beautiful and she does so daily in the studio of The Gold Xperience on Laanstraat 89A. Jewelry with its own style, not minimalist, but tough, elegant, classy and funky.

Peter Beijer

Don't expect a classic jeweler when you step inside The Gold Xperience. In the back part of the cozy store, we see and hear the work of crafting, restoring jewelry. The pounding of a hammer, the screeching sound of a drill and a saw whose teeth are set into metal. Charlotte Vogel is a goldsmith, diamond setter and owner of The Gold Xperience.

,,I have a motto and that is 'Man, dare to live!' As the designer behind The Gold Xperience brand, I want to bring color and passion into life. Our jewelry should be seen. The handwriting of The Gold Xperience is tough, elegant and certainly not apologetic. The time of 'sorry I exist' is no more. More is the new less!"

On the wall is a photo of Monique Klemann. The singer, who created a furor with Loïs Lane, has a confident look. On her hand is a ring from The Gold Xperience. Monique Klemann radiates a tough 'sexyness', exactly the message we want to give with our jewelry. My inspiration comes from (interior) architecture - especially Amsterdam School - and music or the artist. Influences of Prince use in not only in the brand name but certainly also in the striking jewelry. In short, no false modesty but a classy look with a funky touch."

Each product is unique says Charlotte: "We work according to traditional methods, which means that everything in the shop and sold here is unique. We make rings in a series of up to a hundred pieces, the edition is always limited. But even those hundred rings each differ minimally. This work is custom work. For example, when someone wants a wedding ring or other piece of jewelry, I start talking. Who is the person, what exactly does he or she want and who is the person who will wear the jewelry. A piece of jewelry should be like a mirror of the person."

At The Gold Xperience, the workshop occupies an important place. Both literally and figuratively. Professionals work there on repair, restoration and refinement. Charlotte: ,,Goldsmith and diamond setter Sebastiaan specializes in setting gemstones in the most common but also rare setting techniques. He also takes care of purchasing the best diamonds and other special gemstones. Basic goldsmith Koray is responsible for all daily jewelry repairs. He has a solution for every problem. Thus, jewelry delivered to us for repair is delivered back to the customer as new!"

"Our clockmaker/horloger has earned his spurs in the trade. Whether it is a Zaanse or a Salland clock, a Cartier or a Rolex ... André overhauls and repairs everything." Charlotte Vogel cherishes her craft: ,,Creating something beautiful in an artisanal way is what makes this work so beautiful. We also work with raw material that is fair trade as much as possible. A lot of the gold we use comes from recycling."

The GoldXperience, Laanstraat 89A
www.thegoldxperience.com,
06-51203400,
info@thegoldxperience.com