1 January 2026
Ruth Davis
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. He moved to London in 1965 and, while lecturing at the Central School of Art, met his wife and lifelong artistic partner, Ginnie de Vroomen.
Since the early 1970s, working in close creative partnership, Leo and Ginnie have developed a distinctive aesthetic that prioritises design and craftsmanship over the prominence of large, expensive gemstones. Their jewels are expressive yet eminently wearable, characterised by sumptuous flowing lines, richly worked gold and vibrant enamel.
Repoussé work, which enhances the warm, sculptural qualities of the gold, together with their masterful use of richly coloured enamel, has become a signature of their style. Gemstones, including diamonds, are often used to accentuate these features rather than overshadow them — a delicate balance that De Vroomen has perfected.
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.
