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

Shipping containers on a ship
Policies & IssuesAug 06, 2025
Tariff on India to Rise to 50%, Trump Says

An additional 25 percent tariff has been added to the previously announced 25 percent.

Claire’s storefront
MajorsAug 06, 2025
Claire’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Again

The jewelry and accessories retailer said its stores will remain open during the proceedings.

Smith & Son Jewelers storefront Springfield Massachusetts
IndependentsAug 06, 2025
Smith & Son Jewelers to Close 107-Year-Old Location

Its Springfield, Massachusetts, store is set to close as owner Andrew Smith heads into retirement.

rio-article photo-diamond.jpg
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine Jewelry

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Zahn-Z Beluga Spout Grey Spinel Ring and Beluga Spout Mandarin Garnet Ring
CollectionsAug 06, 2025
Zahn-Z Swims With Whales in ‘Beluga’ Collection

Designer Hiba Husayni looked to the whale’s melon shaped-head, blowhole, and fluke for her new chunky gold offerings.

Weekly QuizJul 31, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Paola De Luca presenting Trendbook 2026+ at Vicenzaoro
TrendsAug 06, 2025
Paola De Luca to Release Trendbook 2027+

She will present the 23rd edition of the trend forecasting book at Vicenzaoro on Sept. 7.

Omar Roy mugshot
CrimeAug 05, 2025
Report: Suspect Arrested in 1992 Murder of Miami Jeweler

Omar Roy, 72, was arrested in connection with the murder of jeweler Dionisio Carlos Valladares.

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.

Mignon Faget Beyond Katrina Pendant and Beyond Katrina Pin
CollectionsAug 05, 2025
Mignon Faget Commemorates 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

The New Orleans-based brand’s “Beyond Katrina” jewels honor the communities affected by the storm.

National Jeweler columnist Lilian Raji
ColumnistsAug 05, 2025
The PR Adviser: Affiliate Marketing Is the Cost of Coverage

Lilian Raji explains why joining an affiliate network is essential for brands seeking placements in U.S. consumer publications.

Jewelers of America Logo
Events & AwardsAug 05, 2025
JA Announces Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship Winners

The organization has awarded a total of $42,000 through its scholarship programs this year.

2026 Gem Awards logo
Events & AwardsAug 04, 2025
Gem Awards, David Yurman Introduce $50K Grant for Emerging Designers

The winner of the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant will be announced live at the 2026 Gem Awards gala.

Marlo Laz peridot and diamond Alexandra earrings
TrendsAug 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: August’s Bright Baubles

As summer winds down, celebrate the sunny disposition of the month’s birthstones: peridot and spinel.

Surveillance image of Watch King robbery suspect
CrimeAug 04, 2025
‘The Watch King’ Assaulted, Robbed in Queens

Moshe Haimoff, a social media personality and 47th Street retailer, was robbed of $559,000 worth of jewelry by men in construction outfits.

Xavier Dibbrell
MajorsAug 04, 2025
Borsheims Welcomes New Assistant Facilities Manager

Xavier Dibbrell brings more than a decade of experience to the role.

Signet Jewelers logo
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Helzberg President Julie Yoakum Moves Over to Signet Jewelers

The addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.

Mike Alexander
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names Mike Alexander as President

The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.

 Gemfields rough rubies
SourcingAug 01, 2025
Gemfields’ Auction Revenue Drops 50% in H1

The nearly six-month pause of operations at its Kagem emerald mine earlier this year impacted the miner’s first-half results.

Hernsdorf Tears of Aphrodite Necklace
CollectionsAug 01, 2025
Piece of the Week: Hernsdorf’s ‘Tears of Aphrodite’ Necklace

The necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.

Stock image of a polished diamonds being held by tweezers
SourcingJul 31, 2025
De Beers Records $189M First-Half Loss

The diamond miner and marketer warned last week that it expected to be in the red after significantly cutting prices in Q2.

Lindsey Scoggins Studio convertible flower earrings
Events & AwardsJul 31, 2025
These Are the 2025 CASE Award Winners

Jewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.

Matthew Tratner, new president of Continental Buying Group
IndependentsJul 31, 2025
Matthew Tratner Takes Over as CBG President

Tratner succeeds Andie Weinman, who will begin stepping back from the buying group’s day-to-day operations.

Stock image of rough diamonds from the Kimberley mine
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2025
Tariff on India Will Be 25%, Trump Says

The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.

Pomellato Mini London blue topaz and diamond bracelet
FinancialsJul 30, 2025
Kering's Jewelry Brands Resilient As H1 Sales Slide 16%

The luxury titan’s star brand Gucci continued to struggle amid a "tough" environment.

Zadok Rolex Austin
WatchesJul 30, 2025
Peek Inside Zadok Jewelers’ New Rolex Showroom in Austin

Its opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.

Crowd of people in a shopping mall
SurveysJul 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in July

Respondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”

Making a Killing in Diamonds by Rob Bates
SourcingJul 30, 2025
Rob Bates to Release Latest Book in His ‘Diamond District Mystery’ Series

“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.

×

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