What Does a Goldsmith Do? Behind the Scenes at Cami Caubergh

Goldsmith. It sounds like an ancient profession from a fairy tale. But the reality is that today’s goldsmiths are a unique combination of craftsperson, designer, and artisan. Here I tell you exactly what I do.

Designing

It always starts with an idea. Sometimes that idea comes from a client, sometimes from myself. I translate that idea into a sketch, and then into a concrete design. Every piece is different, every design is a new puzzle.

Making by hand

The heart of goldsmithing is handwork. Melting gold, rolling it out, cutting, filing, bending, soldering, setting. Every piece of jewellery is literally made by hand, using tools that have existed for centuries alongside modern techniques.

Repairing and reworking

A large part of my work involves repairing damaged jewellery and reworking old pieces. A ring that has broken. An heirloom that deserves a new life. I restore its shine.

Advising

Clients do not only come for a piece of jewellery. They come for advice: which metal, which stone, which design suits them? I listen, think alongside them, and help make the best choice.

Why I chose this profession

Because no two days are the same. Because I make something with my hands that people carry with them for a lifetime. And because there is nothing more beautiful than seeing a client beam with a piece of jewellery I have made for them.

Would you like to meet? My studio in Oud-Heverlee is open for a no-obligation conversation.