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The ArtBook of the West
Cornelis Hollander
Exquisite jewelry design is unique art form in its manner of display. No still life, hanging upon a wall in a private home, jewelry is art in motion, appreciated by both the wearer and those who admire its beauty. Fine jewelry can enhance the self-confidence and style of its owner, project one’s personality, and of course, symbolize love, commitment and beliefs. Cornelis Hollander is a master of fine jewelry design, and has spent his life crafting innovative and superior jewelry to adorn the body and spark the imagination.
A native of the Netherlands, Hollander studied art and jewelry design at the Vrije Academie in Den Haag, Holland. As a young graduate, he apprenticed with Hatton Garden, the jewelry center of England. From there, his path led him through South Africa before emigrating to the United States nearly twenty years ago. Over the years, his natural talent was refined by education, travel and experience to make him one of the premiere designers in the world.
Hollander is a founding member of the American Jewelry Design Council, founded to promote and encourage up-and-coming talent in the states. As a member of the Contemporary Design Group, he is in company with some of the nation’s elite designers, and on an international level, Hollander is an Associate of the prestigious international Jewelry Design Guild, Inc. His list of awards extends like a string of pearls. Hollander is a three-time winner of the DeBeers “Diamond of Distinction”; three-time consecutive winner in the “Platinum Design of the Year” competition: eight-time winner of the coveted Spectrum Award, a national contest sponsored by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), and the only competition in the United States to recognize design quality in the use of colored gemstones; and nine-time winner of the “International Pearl Design Contest” in Japan. To have this world-renowned jewelry artist available for one on one consultation in Scottsdale is a rare, not-to-be missed experience for the truly discerning clientele.
The "Gem Direction" line allows customers to personalize both style and color to create truly unique jewelry that will fit their individual lifestyles. "Airband", his appropriately named Designer Bridal Collection, is a notion he created to keep wide bands in minimal contact with the finger, allowing greater airflow and comfort. This design concept was so innovative Hollander was permitted a patent on the design. Now the dazzle of a large, other wedding set can be as comfortable as a plain gold band.
Hollander’s popular "Signature" collection was inspired by one of his Spectrum award-winning rings, and incorporates vibrant color into contemporary sculpture to create exceptional works of art. These incomparable pieces are highly collectible, and known throughout the art world.
Old-world training and experience, combined with state-of-the-art innovations, make Cornelis Hollander a jewelry designer of distinction. Hi passion for beauty, his dedication to excellence, and his unique vision promise a future filled with elegant, wearable art in motion.
Designer or Sculptor?
Artist profile by Oriana Parker
A master of imaginative designs, Cornelis Hollander was destined to cut a wide swathe in some form of artistic pursuit. Born and raised in The Netherlands, he is the son of an engineer father and an artistically inclined mother. Hollander studied sculpture and jewelry design at the Vrije Academie in Den Haag, The Netherlands. Endowed with what others might deem an unfair degree of talent, the young jewelry artist honed his skills in Hatton Garden, England, and refined his capabilities as a designer in Sough Africa. Coming to the United States, he and his wife, Christa, found the casual yet upscale style of Scottsdale irresistible.
About a decade ago, this resort city became an acknowledged center of progressive jewelry designs and Hollander, by virtue of awards and experience, is the acknowledged dean of designers. One glance at his creations, and you can see why. In terms of design, his rings, necklaces and bracelets are unique pieces of miniature sculpture (When applied to many of Hollander’s designs, the world “jewelry” seems frivolous!) Just look closely at the pink sapphire, canary tourmaline and diamond ring set in 18K white and yellow gold. The canary tourmaline is a very rare and beautiful stone. This bold, dynamic creation reminds one of a virtuoso piece of sculpture guarding the entrance to a world-famous museum. Another showstopper is a gem-within-a-gem pendant where Hollander has ingenuously chambered a diamond within a large, beautiful citrine and set into an 18K white and yellow gold mounting. Many of the artist’s signature, high-tech designs seem to be inspired by geometric forms. Triangles and circles of platinum and gold intersect with precious stones in ways that are reminiscent of futuristic plane designs. (If Hollander had decided not to become a sculptor of precious metals and gems, perhaps he might have become an aeronautical designer!) His stunning "kaleidoscope" necklace captures reflections of precious stones – amethyst, rubellite, sapphire, pink tourmaline – that dwell within the 18K yellow gold pendant.
Hollander is particularly fond of tourmalines from Paraiba, Brazil. “During the last decade, Paraiba has become as synonymous with exceptional tourmalines as Kashmir for sapphires and Mogok, Burma, for rubies.”
For nearly tow decades, Japan continues as Hollander’s best international customer where his imaginative, high-tech designs are extremely popular. “Working with the Japanese is always a pleasure. They are very innovative and inspire me with even more creativity in my work.”
In addition to a sculptor’s eye, one of Hollander’s greatest strengths is his appreciation of beautiful stones. “Just by looking at a beautiful gemstone, I can envision a finished piece,” he stresses. “That’s why I say creativity is like a waterfall-all of the elements fall together”.
Over the years, Hollander has become one of the most awarded jewelry designers in America. He is a three-time winner of the De Beers Diamond of Distinction Award: three-time consecutive winner in the Platinum Design of the Year competition; nine-time winner of the “International Pearl Design Contest” in Japan. He has also won the coveted Spectrum Award nine times, which is given by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) – the only competition to recognize designs utilizing colored gemstones.
The honors never cease. A founding member of the American Jewelry Design Council, Hollander is also a member of the elite Contemporary Design Group. Expanding his sphere of influence internationally, this master jewelry designer is an associate of the prestigious International Jewelry Design Guild, Inc.
When he’s not being honored by his peers or traveling in Japan, Hollander is most likely working in his Marshall Way gallery along with his highly-skilled craftsmen who can be seen crafting his fabulous designs on the premises.
“I really enjoy meeting with clients to achieve a creation that could easily become an heirloom. From rings for prospective brides and grooms to designing a new piece around a treasured gemstone, the satisfaction of seeing the reaction of my client upon completion of the piece is pure pleasure."
Clients obviously appreciate the charming man who gives new meaning to the term “innovative designer". While visiting his gallery recently, a client was overhead exclaiming “I just love your work! These pieces are beyond beautiful and I feel so special wearing them….thank you!!”
