Enchanted Forest begins with a memory. The collection draws on a personal reference point: growing up in the English countryside, shaped by woods, open space and the shift between structure and freedom. That contrast — between the defined and the untamed — underpins the narrative.

Rather than recreating nature directly, the collection focuses on a specific state within it — a moment where imagination and reality begin to overlap.

The World of Bibi van der Velden

The Enchanted Forest collection sits within a wider body of work shaped by the perspective of its founder, Bibi van der Velden, whose approach to jewellery is rooted as much in sculpture as it is in traditional fine jewellery.

Born in New York and raised between the Netherlands and the English countryside, van der Velden trained in fine art before launching her namesake brand in 2005 from her Amsterdam studio. 

That background continues to define the brand. Each piece is developed as a small-scale object, often described as a “miniature sculpture”, with an emphasis on form, movement and storytelling rather than purely decorative design. 

Nature and transformation are recurring themes throughout her work. From animal-inspired pieces to collections built around movement and change, the designs consistently blur the line between jewellery and object, combining precious materials with unexpected elements to create pieces that feel both technical and expressive. 

Over the past two decades, this approach has developed into a distinct identity — one that merges craftsmanship with a sense of playfulness and narrative, positioning the brand within a space where jewellery is not only worn, but experienced.

Bibi van der Velden in her studio, where sculpture, storytelling and fine jewellery come together

Transformation as the central idea

At the core of the collection is the idea of transformation.

This is expressed most clearly through the recurring frog motif — a form long associated with renewal and change. Positioned between tadpole and frog, water and land, it represents a transitional stage rather than a finished state.

The jewellery reflects that same thinking. Shapes are fluid, silhouettes shift, and forms appear to be in motion rather than fixed. The result is a collection that focuses less on static design and more on progression.

Pieces from Bibi van der Velden’s Enchanted Forest collection, where sculptural frog forms meet carved crystal and gold

Materials that build depth and movement

The material selection plays a key role in reinforcing this idea.

The collection is produced in 18ct recycled gold, combined with elements chosen for their ability to reflect light and create variation across the surface. Abalone introduces iridescence, shifting in colour depending on movement, while clear quartz is used to build depth and transparency.

New carving techniques applied to quartz allow stones to be shaped into softer, more organic volumes, creating a sense of fluidity without losing structure.

Diamonds are used sparingly, appearing as small points of light across the pieces, while opal and moonstone are introduced in selected designs, including the one-of-a-kind “Big Frog” necklace.

Rather than acting as decoration, these materials work together to create a layered visual effect that changes depending on how the jewellery is worn.

Bibi van der Velden’s Enchanted Forest collection worn close to the skin, with layered frog motifs in gold and carved crystal

A collection that unfolds through scale and form

The Enchanted Forest collection moves across different scales, from smaller, wearable pieces to more sculptural designs.

Mini frog studs and ear huggers sit alongside rings and bangles that carry more presence, while chains are used to introduce movement across the body. At the top end, the “Big Frog” necklace acts as a central statement piece within the collection.

Across each category, the same idea is maintained. Forms evolve, elements repeat and shift, and the jewellery is designed to feel part of a wider narrative rather than individual standalone pieces.

Frog motif brooch in 18ct yellow gold with rock crystal and abalone, capturing a moment of transformation through layered materials and sculptural form

Guardians of the Forest

At the centre of the Enchanted Forest collection sits the one-of-a-kind Guardians of the Forest necklace, a piece that brings the collection’s themes into a single, concentrated form.

Constructed in 18ct yellow gold, the necklace builds across the neckline as a dense composition of frogs, tadpoles and organic elements. Rather than relying on a single focal point, the design expands outward in layered relief, creating depth and movement across the entire structure.

Material plays a defining role. Abalone, positioned beneath rock crystal, introduces shifting iridescence, with tones of blue, green and violet appearing as the piece moves. Opal and moonstone add softer light, while selenite beads and pearls create contrast through matte and translucent surfaces. Brown diamonds are dispersed throughout, contributing warmth and controlled brilliance without disrupting the overall composition.

Despite its complexity, the piece remains structured. Each element is hand-crafted and assembled with consideration for balance, allowing the necklace to carry visual density without appearing chaotic. Its physical weight reinforces that presence, giving the piece a sense of permanence as well as scale.

Rather than enlarging a single motif, Guardians of the Forest operates as a complete composition — a layered, interconnected structure that reflects the collection’s central idea of transformation through form, material and movement.

Guardians of the Forest necklace by Bibi van der Velden, a one-of-a-kind composition in 18ct gold set with abalone, rock crystal, opal, moonstone and brown diamonds

The Jewels Club Take

Collections centred around narrative are nothing new, but Enchanted Forest works because the concept is carried consistently from idea through to execution.

The focus on transformation is not limited to storytelling. It is visible in the forms, the materials and the way the pieces are constructed.

What stands out is the balance between wearability and sculpture. Some pieces remain close to the body, understated and personal, while others move into more expressive territory without losing cohesion.

It is this consistency — between concept, design and material — that gives the collection its strength.

Behind the scenes: materials, references and natural elements come together in the studio as the Enchanted Forest collection takes shape

Discover More

Explore the Enchanted Forest collection and its full range of pieces, from smaller designs to one-of-a-kind creations: bibivandervelden.com/collections/enchanted-forest-collection

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