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My Story

Gallery 79 | About the Designer & Vision

#NotMainstream #Eye-opening #TypicalAtypical #Wonder #Discover #SmallBusiness #WomanEntrepeneur #Craftsmanship 

 

Jewellery with Purpose and Modern Elegance

Welcome to Gallery 79, a jewellery design and goldsmith atelier based in Ghent, Belgium. Founded by Ans—scientist turned designer—it blends traditional symbolism with contemporary craft. 

At Gallery 79, every piece reconnects with jewellery’s original purpose: protection, connection, expression, and marking life’s milestones. With inspiration drawn from architecture, textures, and contemporary art, the designs invite reflection and spark emotion.

From brooches echoing Maman by Louise Bourgeois, to rings flowing with Jenny Holzer’s luminous words, each piece carries meaning—beyond trend, beyond ornament.

Crafted with care, made to last, designed to speak.



Gallery 79 Manifesto

Jewellery has always been more than an accessory. From its earliest use as a symbol of protection, status, wealth, and rites of passage to its role in connecting people and communicating meaning, jewellery has long carried a timeless purpose. Yet over the years, much of that significance has been overshadowed by fleeting trends and fashion cycles.


At Gallery 79, I aim to bring jewellery back to its original purpose—infused with a modern, artistic twist. I create pieces that honour the rich history of adornment while making these enduring values accessible to today’s world. It’s a blend of precision, expression, and intention.

Each design at Gallery 79 is inspired by something meaningful—architecture, texture, contemporary art. You might come across a brooch inspired by Maman, Louise Bourgeois’ iconic tribute to motherhood. My Serra collection translates Richard Serra’s weathered steel textures into jewelry, while my Jenny Holzer–inspired series captures flowing words in metal, turning luminous text into wearable thought.

At Gallery 79, every piece is made with the understanding that jewellery is more than decoration. It’s about connection—between wearer and object, between meaning and material. It’s about marking a moment, expressing identity, or simply carrying a quiet story close to the skin.

Gallery 79 is for those who seek jewellery that goes beyond trends. Pieces that connect, protect, and communicate—while embracing a spirit of modern craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and subtle distinction.

Meet The Designer & Founder, Ans, the Hands & Heart behind Gallery 79

I originally trained as a physiotherapist and earned a PhD as a clinical scientist. After 15 years of working as a scientist in academic and corporate settings in Belgium and abroad, I came to realise that I craved a professional role with more creativity and autonomy. I discovered I had been missing the joy of developing and designing ideas (especially artistic ones!). My passion for creativity drove me to train in visual arts at the Academy for Visual Arts in Ghent, goldsmith craftsmanship and jewellery design. To build a strong foundation, I undertook technical training in goldsmithing at Syntra and studies in precious metals and jewellery design at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp. I am committed to continuing this journey and expanding my artistic and technical expertise as I grow as a jewellery designer.

 

"You can never escape being a student."

 

I did not come up with this quote. It's a light installation displayed in the Antwerp Academy building, and that catches my eye every single time. :-)

Gallery 79 values

Every piece is made to order, ensuring thoughtful use of resources and fostering local partnerships. Gallery 79 is dedicated to sustainable entrepreneurship and craftsmanship, by 

  • Sourcing locally (in Belgium or the EU) as much as possible;
  • Working with retraceable precious metals and stones (to the best of our knowledge), and also considering lab-grown stones for designs;
  • Using eco-friendly packaging as much as possible and recycling packaging and paper for b2b or other (transport) needs behind the scenes;
  • Using public transport for professional trips.
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