Neo-Gemstones is not your typical gemstone brand. It’s a conceptual playground where science meets symbolism, and where crystals don’t just sparkle—they glow.

Founded by jewellery artist and researcher Dr. Sofie Boons, Neo-Gemstones is the culmination of her PhD research into lab-grown crystals and their potential to redefine value and meaning in jewellery. Her work challenges the traditional hierarchy of materials, exploring how synthetic gems can be just as precious—if not more so—than their mined counterparts.

Sofie Boons is a jeweller working as Senior Lecturer in Design Crafts at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol)

Collaborating with Swiss physicist and crystal grower Daniel Rytz, Boons has delved into the creation of phosphorescent crystals—materials that absorb energy and emit their own light. These innovations, developed through Rytz’s company BREVALOR, have led to the development of materials like BRG and BRB, which possess the hardness and optical qualities of classical gemstones, but with the added ability to glow in the dark. 

Boons’ experimental approach doesn’t stop at material innovation. She has also explored growing crystals directly within jewellery pieces, allowing the gems to form in situ. This method not only creates unique, unrepeatable forms but also invites a rethinking of the relationship between setting and stone.

The Neo-Gemstones project has been showcased at international events, including Munich Jewellery Week 2025, where Boons’ exhibition at GABRIELE SPACE invited viewers to reconsider what constitutes a gemstone and what qualifies as ‘precious.’ 

Neo Gemstones at the Gabriele Space

In a jewellery landscape increasingly focused on sustainability and ethical sourcing, Neo-Gemstones offers a radical reimagining of luxury. By embracing lab-grown materials and challenging conventional notions of value, Boons and Rytz are not just creating beautiful objects—they’re sparking a broader conversation about the future of adornment.

For more information and to explore their work, visit www.neo-gemstones.com