Interview with Laurence & Thierry Spitaels from Bigli

In this interview they speak Bigli Founders Laurence and Thierry Spitals talk about the history of the manufactory, the special features of the brand and plans for new jewelry and collections. Have fun while reading!

Why did you decide to design jewelry?

Laurence & Thierry Spitaels: Over 20 years ago we looked at the jewelry market and we missed the type of jewelry that we personally would like to wear every day for years. Jewelry that is like a talisman and can be passed down from generation to generation. There was no jewelry back then that combined the lightness of the south with the geometric shapes of the north. We wanted to fill this gap with the jewelry designs Bigli to fill.

Bigli ring in rose gold with pink quartz & mother-of-pearl cabochon

Where did you get the ideas for creating the brand and why did you choose the name Bigli?

Laurence & Thierry Spitaels: The idea for the brand came very naturally, like everything else Bigli in the last two decades. For the logo, the process was pretty simple: I'm a very visual person (Laurence) and I thought the letters would make a nice logo. The name Bigli is also not too long and easy to remember. In the first few years after the company was founded, we immediately realized that we were right with the name. Many customers told us: “I know this brand,” even if we were not yet active as a jewelry brand in the customer’s country. Because the name is so simple and memorable, you feel like you know the brand before you even see it.

Laurence & Thierry Spitaels (middle) with daughters and granddaughters

Bigli in one sentence

Laurence & Thierry Spitaels: Bigli stands for fantastic colors, endless combination possibilities and high-quality pieces of jewelry that are easy to wear every day and on every occasion.

What inspires you to create Bigli's jewelry designs?

Laurence Spitaels: The natural and flowing shapes in nature give me ideas for new jewelry designs. That's why I spend some time in nature every day to get inspired. The designs of the jewelry are based on nature in their simplicity and balance. New designs from Bigli must be harmonious and flowing. I am also inspired by the colors in nature and the wonderful nuances of the colored gemstones that decorate our pieces.

What were the milestones since Bigli was founded over 20 years ago until today?

Laurence & Thierry Spitaels: In 2005 we developed our first collection in which two or three rings could be worn together on one finger. That was the start of the endless combination possibilities.

• In 2007 we introduced the first pieces of jewelry from the Waves collection
• We presented the collection in 2009 Mini Sweety , which remains the most popular jewelry series to date
• In 2015 we were the first jewelry brand in the world to offer 50 different shades of natural colored stones (and we still are ; ) )

When you look back: What makes you particularly proud?

Laurence & Thierry Spitaels: We are proud that our collections are absolutely timeless. We even still like the first models we developed. We are particularly happy when long-standing customers come back for another piece of jewelry from Bigli. We then often hear that every piece of Bigli remembers a unique moment. That's why our creations are more than just jewelry. They tell the stories of our customers.

Bigli ring in rose gold with London Blue Topaz & mother-of-pearl cabochon

What is special about the Mini Sweety, Mini Waves and Infinity collections?

Laurence & Thierry Spitaels: At the collection Mini Sweety What is special is the timeless shape of the jewelry, the 50 wonderful colored stones and the endless combination possibilities. The Mini Waves collection made wavy settings special, in which perfectly set diamonds develop a unique brilliance. The Infinity collection impresses with filigree shapes, a special lightness and selected diamonds.

What is the process of developing a new jewelry collection?

Laurence Spitaels: It's a classic thing. It starts with an idea, then I make a few sketches in my sketchbook that we discuss with our production team. Then a 3D graphic is created so we can see the design and shapes of the new model. If necessary, the stone cutter makes a sample. If everything about the design is right, the new piece of jewelry goes into production.

Where and how are Bigli's jewelry made?

Laurence & Thierry Spitaels: All Bigli jewelry is handcrafted by trained goldsmiths in our factories in Italy.

What is special about jewelry production?

Laurence & Thierry Spitaels: Each piece of jewelry is made with great attention to detail until our high quality standards are met.

Bigli earrings with cabochon made of rutilated quartz and mother of pearl

What is your most popular piece of jewelry from Bigli and why?

Laurence & Thierry Spitaels: we like all the pieces of jewelry so much that we can't name a favorite piece?

In which direction will new collections develop?

Laurence & Thierry Spitaels: We would like to expand worldwide and therefore it is better for Bigli if we stick to our brand DNA and develop jewelry within the existing collections. This means that in the near future our customers will find many new models related to our best-selling collections. That's why we try to stick to our brand identity as much as possible (round color stones, our way of cutting the stones, rings in sets). Our customers can also look at the collections Mini Sweety and Waves look forward to larger necklaces and earrings that are voluminous but easy to wear and can be easily combined.

What are your plans for the future?

Laurence & Thierry Spitaels: With Bigli we want all new models to develop into a system of perfectly interchangeable elements. But it's a difficult process to make the perfect puzzle...

Profile of Laurence Spitaels

• Family: Wife of Thierry Spitaels, 2 daughters (Chloé and Virginia), 2 granddaughters (Milla and Lilly)
• Education: School of Life
• Professional career: Bigli ; )

Profile of Thierry Spitaels

• Family: Husband of Laurence
• Education: Marketing
• Professional career: various positions in the jewelry industry

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