“Jewelry has the power to be the one little thing that makes you feel unique.” – Elizabeth Taylor
THE BUBBLE RING
Among Hunefeld’s collection, the Bubble Ring holds a distinctive place. This bold and unconventional piece, crafted from 18-karat rose gold and set with three exceptional Edison pearls, is an homage to purity in both form and technique. Inspired by the fragile perfection of soap bubbles, the ring explores the interplay between organic curves and precise geometry. Where the spheres meet, delicate planes emerge, subtly influencing how light interacts with the surface, creating dynamic variations in reflection. This constant play of brilliance and shadow is a source of endless fascination for Hunefeld.
The design also reflects Hunefeld’s affinity for the ancient technique of granulation – an art that demands patience and precision. This method involves fusing tiny gold spheres onto a surface through eutectic bonding, without the use of solder. Granulation has a history spanning over 5,000 years and was mastered by the Etruscans and other early civilizations to create intricate goldwork of remarkable refinement. The Bubble Ring encapsulates this idea of interconnected spheres, capturing the essence of her artistic identity: striking yet timeless, and executed with an unparalleled attention to detail.
Photo Rob Mussert, Model Geertsje, Dress Victorian Dolls
In 2023, the Bubble Ring was awarded the Visionary Award
in the International Division of the International Pearl Design Competition (CPAA).
This prestigious honor of the CPAA recognizes designs that bring a fresh perspective to classic pearl jewelry, infusing tradition with contemporary elegance. With the Bubble Ring, Hunefeld challenges conventions, proving that pearls – when combined with innovative design and masterful craftsmanship – can achieve a strikingly modern and unexpected allure.
As a couture piece, the Bubble Ring stands as a singular work of art. However, within each thematic concept, Hunefeld also creates variations and bespoke designs for collectors and connoisseurs of extraordinary jewelry. Each piece is made to order, reflecting her unwavering dedication to craftsmanship and her ability to transform the seemingly impossible into exquisite reality.
THE HALLMARKS EXPLAINED
The image shows four hallmarks, each providing essential information about the material, maker, and year of production of the piece.
Official Gold Mark (750 with a tulip) – This hallmark, applied by the Dutch Assay Office, confirms the piece is made of 18-karat gold (750 parts per thousand pure gold). The tulip symbol represents the Dutch Assay Office.
Year Mark (2023 in a square) – This is the ODINSKI year mark, indicating the year the piece was made, in this case, 2023.
Responsibility Mark – This is the registered maker’s mark, consisting of a rectangular shield with the initials S and H (Sonja Hunefeld). Between them is a symbol intended to represent two wings, though it unintentionally resembles a broken heart. It guarantees the piece was crafted by Sonja Hunefeld.
Unofficial Gold Mark (750) – This is an additional maker’s mark also confirming the piece is made from 18-karat gold.
Together, these hallmarks ensure the authenticity and quality of the Bubble Ring.
Currently on display by VKD Jewels at TEFAF Maastricht 2025
Our father, Jan, founded his company “van Kranendonk Duffels” in 1969 in the heart of Amsterdam. We grew up around the most exquisite jewellery both at home, on the kitchen table and in boutiques around the world.
After 25 years of working together as a family team, our father passed us the torch in 2013 and we founded “VKD Jewels”. Working from London and Milan, VKD Jewels has established an international client base ranging from individual collectors to museum curators.
Our goal is to build collections – finding unique pieces through our extensive knowledge, connections that span generations and ultimately our deep passion for the highest quality jewellery’.
Aimée & Fleur
Visit us at booth 234 at TEFAF Maastricht
GOLDSMITH SONJA HUNEFELD
Crafted with profound respect for tradition and an unmistakably contemporary signature, the jewelry of Sonja Hunefeld embodies a seamless fusion of craftsmanship and artistic vision. After graduating from the renowned Vocational School in Schoonhoven in 2003, Hunefeld continued her training in The Hague under master goldsmith Herman Romberg. This was followed by a period as a production manager in the jewelry industry, during which she spent an extended time in Asia. It was there that she realized a deep-seated desire to return to the workbench and create unique pieces herself – a realization that now defines the core of her artistry and craftsmanship. In 2011, she established her goldsmithing studio in Leiden, and since 2019, her atelier and boutique, Odinski Jewels, has been based in The Hague. Here, she devotes herself entirely to creating exceptional pieces that embody enduring beauty.
Hunefeld’s work is distinguished by the use of centuries-old goldsmithing techniques applied to modern jewelry, with a particular expertise in granulation. These methods demand extraordinary precision and an in-depth understanding of both material and form. Her designs are at once sculptural and delicate, centering on the intrinsic qualities of her chosen elements, like intensely colored gemstones and luminous pearls. Her approach is uncompromisingly artisanal: each piece is meticulously handcrafted without the use of prefabricated components, ensuring every creation possesses a distinct and singular character.
Hunefeld also masters the complex process of alloying precious metals, a skill she honed through relentless experimentation. She continuously refines the balance of silver and copper to achieve the precise hue and hardness of raw, unprocessed gold. In addition to working with standard 14- and 18-karat gold alloys, she also crafts pieces in the rare metal electrum and produces jewelry in 22- and even 24-karat gold, lending her work remarkable depth and authenticity. This deep-rooted craftsmanship, combined with an experimental and conceptual approach, transforms her jewelry into iconic works of art imbued with soul, skill, and a relentless pursuit of perfection.
