March Meet the Maker: meet Lore Segers

March is more than the start of Spring, it’s also the start of March Meet the Maker. This challenge allows us to discover new creative talent and it gives us, the makers, the chance to reach out to a new audience.

The goal of this initiative? Introduce yourself and the personal side of your business. Having said that, I feel I should be the first to answer some questions about myself and my brand.

1. What is your favorite part of the creation process?

My favorite part is when during polishing this final image, which was only in my head up until then, becomes reality. 

In just a few minutes the raw design you’ve been working so hard on, becomes a fully finished jewel. A wonderful moment!

2. What materials do you work with?

Mostly I work with materials that’d be viewed as inferior. Such as messing, copper, silver: materials that oxidize. Because of that oxidation process it creates the most beautiful and unique textures and colors, those imperfections are what I consider interesting. 

With the latest collection, Fast Forward Fusion, I’d like to encourage women to feel great about themselves. Whether it's wearing two different earrings, or ones that match, it’s entirely up to you. With Fused by You you can create your own design.

3. Where does your inspiration come from? 

From all kinds of things, even the most mundane daily encounters. Although it might not show on first glance. I’m also inspired by nature. My collections are inspired by the natural process of oxidation.

4.  How long does it take to design a custom jewel?

It all depends on how quickly we find the right concept design. Sometimes the first design is perfect, other times it needs adjustments. Generally it takes around 4 weeks.

I always ask my clients if they’re looking for a jewel designed in my style. They can even take a look at my existing designs and see if anything catches their eye.

The next step would be a meeting to talk about the clients expectations and other topics. On the basis of the meeting I can get to work. During this time we can keep in touch through whatever media depending on what suits us both, e-mail, texts, phone calls...

5. Out of all the workshops you’ve attended, which would you say interested you the most and why?

Workshops on using minerals interest me most. ‘Geological experiences’ in Idar-Oberstein was very fascinating, partly because we were offered the freedom to go on our own. 

Because of this we all had made very different designs at the end of the week, it was great to compare and see the design made by others.

I’ve had a passion for minerals ever since I was little, my mother collected them. They were scattered all over the house and we’d attend conventions on them as well. We also visited Idar-Oberstein every few years.

6.  Any plans for the future? 

The ultimate goal would be to be able to keep making new jewelry, bringing out a new collection every year. I’d love to work with minerals or partner up with some creative soul from another discipline. But more on that later. ;-)

7. Can I view your designs before buying?

I certainly understand clients want to see certain items before making a decision. This can happen in the following ways:

• Do you live near Leuven? My workshop is open on appointment, contact me if you’d like to visit: mail@loresegers.eu

• My collection is available with retailers in different locations. Discover them right here: https://www.loresegers.eu/retailers

• You can also find my work at conventions in and out of Belgium.