Editors

Q&A: Meet the Edgy and Elegant Dries Criel

EditorsOct 25, 2022

Q&A: Meet the Edgy and Elegant Dries Criel

The Antwerp-based designer is a fine jewelry name to know now.

20221024_DriesCriel-1.jpg
Dries Criel’s “Lotus Ring” in 18-karat gold with diamonds and enamel ($4,290)
Working as a jewelry editor requires being hyper-tuned in to the industry’s pulses and murmurs. 
 
Between in-person meetings and hours of Instagram scrolling, it can feel (amazingly), like I’ve seen everything there is to see, with several talented voices dominating the conversation about what’s exciting the industry at large.
 
This year, I’ve found that temporary illusion crumbling before me, however. What’s piquing my interest lately are young brands that may have hovered beneath my radar, but now are emerging as an exciting cohort of designers to watch.

20221024_DriesCriel-2.jpg
A mix of signature Dries Criel hoop earrings, all in 18-karat gold, some with diamonds and enamel

One of them is Dries Criel, the designer’s eponymous line out of Antwerp, Belgium. You might already have encountered the brand once known as Bare Jewelry—it has since rebranded—and its graphic shapes and sharp angles. 
 
My reintroduction to Dries Criel in 2022 has captivated me with the collection’s vivid pops of enamel color and inherent genderless quality, perhaps more a reflection of society’s changes rather than the brand’s sophisticated and fun ethos. 
 
Criel only launched his brand five years ago and possesses serious design maturity for someone who just entered his 30s, but befits his well-rounded life so far.

20221024_DriesCriel-3.jpg
“Brute” bracelet in 18-karat yellow gold with diamonds and enamel ($10,500)
 
I chatted with the designer about his influences, including dance, Ancient Egypt, and architect Zaha Hadid, and why he doesn’t play favorites with his collection.
 
National Jeweler: Where are you originally from and where do you reside now?
 
Dries Criel: I was born in Ghent, Belgium, and have been living in Antwerp for several years now.
In my opinion, it is a wonderful place to live; a small-scale city but filled with art, history, art, originality, and, of course, a good base for both jewelry craftsmen and the diamond trade.
 
NJ: How did you get into the jewelry world?
 
DC: I always had a natural admiration for the craft and beauty of jewelry and the natural treasures we can present in them. 

20221024_DriesCriel-4.jpg
“Signet Reversible Ring” in 18-karat white gold with rhodium and pink sapphires ($5,815)

I followed my passion to launch my own line. I gained my first experience in the craft and trade working for a diamond dealer and jeweler here in Antwerp.
 
NJ: What was your professional path prior to launching?
 
DC: When I was 14 years old, I entered the ballet and contemporary dance school here in Antwerp, chasing my childhood passion. 
 
At a certain point I was obliged to end my professional dream, and during the first year of my studies in law and real estate, I was blessed to have my first acquaintance with the diamond and jewelry world through a mutual friend.
 
“I truly hope my pieces speak to a colorful character and that they give strength and confidence to the wearer, giving them the power to express themselves and be whoever they want to be.” – Dries Criel
 
NJ: You have a distinctive point of view. What inspires your strong shapes and angles?
 
DC: There is nothing more wonderful than extracting inspiration in life, past and present. 
 
I find a continuous inspiration in my attraction to Ancient Egypt—the color combinations, the distinct shapes—and blend it with my contemporary vision of fine jewelry.

20221024_DriesCriel-5.jpg
“Flow Earrings” in 18-karat yellow gold with diamonds ($5,750)
 
I redefine a classic, both in terms of inspiration and material-wise, and fuse it with geometric lines inspired by my background in dance and movement.  

 In today’s world, there is nothing more inspiring to me than a Zaha Hadid creation, the absolute pinnacle in my view of contemporary, architectural beauty. 
 
NJ: Who do you view as the Dries Criel customer? A lot of the designs seem unisex; do you view the brand as suiting any gender?
 
DC: I never think in terms of gender, not actively as least. I truly hope my pieces speak to a colorful character and that they give strength and confidence to the wearer, giving them the power to express themselves and be whoever they want to be. 
 
My friends, family and clients will confirm, I truly believe in freedom and we should do everything within our power to celebrate it and protect it.
 
20221024_DriesCriel-6.jpg
Scarab pendant in 18-karat yellow gold with tiger's eye and diamonds ($4,200)
 
NJ: Do you have a favorite piece from your current collection?
 
DC: No, I don’t.
 
I believe in the timelessness of jewelry, and even though sometimes my feelings toward some pieces may change, I always come back to them at some point.
 
NJ: Where are you stocked currently?
 
DC: Currently I am in the following stores in the United States: Twist, Tiny Gods, Marissa Collections, Nordstrom, Jo Latham, Sabbia, Commonwealth Marin, Tucci, and Belle Cose. 
 
In Europe I’m at Mad Lords, Auverture and several more.
 
20221024_DriesCriel7.jpg
“Sphinx B” earrings in 18-karat white gold with diamonds and blue enamel ($8,100)

Learn more about Dries Criel on the brand’s website.

 Related stories will be right here …

The Latest

Gemist
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech Platform

The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Jeff Preolo, David Stout, Levi Higgs, David Benavides
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, Promotions

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

Blake Graham and Jessica Kohoutek
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Buddha Mama Monstera Ring
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap Ring

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Cashier handing Rocksbox bag to customer
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers Downsizes

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

Penny Ruston
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

Jewelers of America logo with meetup, State of the Majors, giveaway and massages
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Stock image of woman shopping
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

Sorellina Playlist: Electric Dreams Campaign
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired Jewels

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.

The Jewelry Symposium event
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 Event

The event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.

Exterior of Marissa Collections’ new store in Nantucket, Massachusetts
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight Continues

The Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.

Counterfeit Cartier “Juste Un Clou” bracelet
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef Jewelry

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

Karine Choudhrie Big Splash Circus Starfish and Lantern Fish
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus Performers

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

Jewelers of America
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund Recipients

The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.

John Dyer Montana Sun Sapphire
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for Entries

The organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.

Lori Tucker
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local Retailer

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.

“Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch for the new The Fantastic Four movie
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super

The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.

XO Tacori diamond ring
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Collection

The “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.

Pritesh Patel
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO

Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.

Graphic for Las Vegas recap episode of “My Next Question”
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.

Luanda Accord
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural Diamonds

Signatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.

Penny Preville, Maggie Hess, Stella Song, and Benjamin King
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry Designers

The winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.

24th Gem Awards Show Logo
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

Single Stone Bryn Ring and Grace Lee Marquise Demi Demi Ring
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement Ring

The singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.

Yvonne Léon Python Gold Bracelet
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ Bracelet

The bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.

Stock image of handcuffs
CrimeJun 18, 2025
7 Men Indicted in $100M Brinks Jewelry Heist

The heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy