Leo de Vroomen’s jewellery is instantly recognisable for its bold sculptural presence, vibrant colour and unwavering commitment to craftsmanship.
We are delighted to include a selection of jewels by de Vroomen, a master of enamel jewels his bold designs are instantly recognisable and rare to the auction market, in our March 2026 Jewellery auction.
Born in Holland during the Second World War, the youngest of eight siblings in a family that owned a tulip farm, De Vroomen was apprenticed in The Hague before qualifying as a master goldsmith in Switzerland.
Drawn to the energy of London, he worked for David Thomas – a key figure in the new wave of British jewellery design of the 1960s who was later appointed as the Crown Jeweller in 1991 - while also teaching at the Central School of Art and Design. Through teaching, de Vroomen met Ginnie Eleni in the 1970s whom he would go on to marry. Ginnie was studying metal work at the time, having initially focused on fashion design at Kingston School of Art.
Leo and Ginnie’s partnership would also develop professionally, leading to the founding of De Vroomen Design Ltd. in 1976. Together, they honed a striking aesthetic that combined sculptural and organic metalwork with the delicate, intricate skill of enamelling. Gemstones, including diamonds, are often used to accentuate these features rather than overshadow them — a delicate balance that De Vroomen has perfected.
Their artistic approach prioritised design and craftsmanship over the prominence of large, expensive gemstones. The jewels are expressive yet eminently wearable, characterised by sumptuous flowing lines, richly worked gold and vibrant enamel. Their collaboration would span five decades and was highlighted with acclaim for their bold and meticulously crafted designs.
While maintaining a successful business that saw him working internationally and collaborating with the likes of De Beers and Boodles, Leo de Vroomen also generously volunteered his time for the development of others including working with the Goldsmiths’ Centre. Twice awarded the prestigious De Beers Diamonds International Award (in 1976 and 1984), De Vroomen’s work was also celebrated in a major retrospective exhibition at Goldsmiths’ Hall in 2017.
Quoted as saying, “However exciting visually, jewellery must also feel wonderful and function perfectly […]”, the work of Leo and Ginnie de Vroomen struck a remarkable balance between technical skill and the spark of creativity that makes their jewellery wearable works of art.
