CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE BACKGROUND OF BOLOU FINE JEWELLERY?
Named after its founder, Bolou Fine Jewellery was created by Bolette Louise Sig Mathiasen, a trained goldsmith, appraiser and gemstone, pearl and diamond grader and designer. Bolette initially wanted to be an illustrator, but after moving to Italy for university, she soon discovered her passion for jewellery and decided to study goldsmithery instead. This led Bolette on a journey that saw her working for several renowned jewellery workshops in and around northern Italy before moving to New York to attend the Gemological Institute of America and become a gemstone specialist.
In 2006, she launched Bolou Fine Jewellery, in Copenhagen, after buying her long-time mentor’s smithy shop. By 2017, the company had expanded and had a select team of master goldsmiths and stone setters. In June 2021, I joined the company as CEO to take on the continued growth journey of Bolou Fine Jewellery.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY FACTORS THAT HAVE LED TO THE BRAND’S SUCCESS?
The core of everything we do is always to have the highest quality and never waver from that. This means the best raw materials, artisans, durable methods, and unparalleled service and expertise.
Bolou Fine Jewellery is making jewellery that is not necessarily seen anywhere or currently in fashion but is guided by the unique potential of the precious materials.
We pride ourselves on having the in-house workshop, which means customers always have the opportunity to discuss projects with the craftsman and create one-of-a- kind keepsakes.
WHERE DOES INSPIRATION FOR THE COLLECTIONS COME FROM?
Inspiration can come from anywhere, but it often comes from the raw material. When we come across something like a unique stone or strand of pearls, we work out what special ‘vessel’ it needs to show its utmost beauty.
All our bespoke and one-of-a-kind pieces use only untreated natural gemstones, which gives them a unique colour palette, so in that way, we also carry some inspiration from southern Europe, Italy in particular, but without ever losing the Scandinavian aesthetics.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES FACED IN THIS INDUSTRY?
At Bolou Fine Jewellery, we firmly believe it is essential to be honest and transparent with our clients. We are constantly trying to improve ourselves, which I think we do pretty well, given that we are still relying on some processes for which man has not yet found an entirely sustainable solution. We buy recycled gold, and we only source stones from vendors that we know well and keep close track of their supply chain and certifications. We also only work with vendors that adhere to fair labour laws regarding their workforce.
Bolou Fine Jewellery, of course, has an advantage in that almost all of our production is in-house in Denmark, this means we can keep a very close eye on the entire supply chain, and we constantly evaluate and upgrade our production methods.
TELL US ABOUT THE KINDS OF PIECES AND COLLECTIONS YOU PRODUCE?
The majority, ninety percent, of the jewellery we make is custom-made for clients or one-of-a-kind designs for our store. We also make two more commercial lines, Boloucino and Gioia, which reach a wider audience.
All our jewellery is made in eighteen-carat gold or platinum (unless a client desires something else). We are known for our high-quality craft, choice of diamonds and stones, and carefully curated and selected colour combinations, which are often uncommon in the Scandinavian market.
Our signature style is that we cast very little of our jewellery or elements. Instead, most of our jewellery is refined, and we enhance the structure by forging rather than casting. This means that utmost quality and durability are achieved using more traditional methods, enabling our jewellery to be a treasure for generations.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BEST-SELLING PIECES?
We make a lot of engagement and wedding rings, statement earrings and exceptional keepsake jewellery — mostly everything is bespoke or one-of-a-kind. What makes us and our jewellery popular is that Bolou Fine Jewellery is a natural “go-to” place if you want the best. Being honest and the best in class has always been and always will be an excellent way to sell yourself.
TELL US ABOUT SOME OF THE LATEST COLLECTIONS…
The latest collection is Gioia and the Boloucino Bar line extension. Gioia is symbolism, and besides being a pretty element with a meaningful Italian name, it is also a classic diamond collection with a twist.
The collection spans from simple classics to opulent one-of-a-kind stunners. Boloucino Bar is a simpler and more classic version of the original Boloucino collection but works great as an add-on to the existing pieces. Many of our clients own quite a wide selection of our Boloucino pieces, mixing and stacking sizes, colours, and details
HOW DO YOU HOPE THAT YOUR CLIENTS WILL FEEL WEARING YOUR JEWELLERY?
We really hope that our clients feel empowered, unique, and happy and that they thoroughly enjoy their jewellery coming from us.
We like to think that they choose us because our jewellery underlines their personality and makes them feel the best version of themselves, knowing they carry a unique piece of the utmost handmade craftsmanship.
Bolou Fine Jewellery