Rotterdam designer turns Icelandic volcanic landscapes into jewellery

ROTTERDAM, 5 November 2026 | What do Iceland's volcanic landscapes and handcrafted jewellery have in common? For Rotterdam designer Iris van der Weijde, the answer lies in the shapes and transformations found in nature. Her new jewellery collection, TREMOR, draws inspiration from volcanic basalt, combining her background in architecture with traditional goldsmithing and a more considered approach to precious materials.

_{Image: Rotterdam designer Iris van der Weijde, founder of Studio-IRIS. Photo: Studio-IRIS.} 

The collection was unveiled on 10 October at Het Nieuwe Instituut in Rotterdam, during Dutch Sustainable Fashion Week. Created through her Rotterdam-based studio, Studio-IRIS, TREMOR features rings, necklaces and other pieces crafted from gold, silver and gemstones.

From architecture to jewellery design

Before becoming a jewellery designer, Iris van der Weijde studied Building Technology at Delft University of Technology and worked in architecture. She later trained as a goldsmith at Vakschool Schoonhoven.

That architectural background continues to influence her work. Rather than approaching jewellery primarily as decoration, she considers structure, materials, proportions and the relationship between an object and the person wearing it.

For TREMOR, she turned to the geological formations of Iceland. Volcanic basalt, formed when lava cools and solidifies, provided inspiration for the collection's shapes and textures.

The underlying theme is transformation. Just as landscapes change through geological forces, people experience periods of stability, upheaval and renewal. The collection attempts to capture those ideas in objects intended to be worn and kept over time.

A different approach to jewellery production

Another part of Van der Weijde's approach concerns the materials used to create her jewellery.

Rather than producing large quantities in advance, Studio-IRIS works primarily on a made-to-order basis. Pieces are created for individual customers, allowing designs to be adapted to personal preferences and reducing the need for unsold stock.

The studio also uses recycled precious metals and offers customers the possibility of incorporating gold from existing jewellery, including inherited pieces that might otherwise remain unworn.

According to its published sustainability information, Studio-IRIS works with a Dutch casting partner whose fine gold contains approximately 97 per cent recycled material. The studio also reports on its environmental impact and acknowledges that improving traceability within the jewellery supply chain remains an ongoing challenge.

These choices reflect a broader discussion within the fashion and jewellery industries about material origins, production volumes and how long products are intended to last.

TREMOR, a jewellery collection inspired by Iceland's volcanic landscapes. Photo: Studio-IRIS.

Launched during Dutch Sustainable Fashion Week

TREMOR made its debut at Het Nieuwe Instituut on 10 October 2026, as part of Dutch Sustainable Fashion Week.

Alongside the collection presentation, Van der Weijde organised a discussion about the meaning of value, looking beyond the price of an object to questions about craftsmanship, sustainability and personal attachment.

The programme also included a screening of ONE, a short film exploring the relationship between people and the natural world.

The launch provided a fitting setting for a designer whose work connects architectural thinking, natural forms and traditional craftsmanship.

Designed and handmade in Rotterdam

Studio-IRIS operates from Rotterdam, where Van der Weijde designs and creates her jewellery by hand. Alongside her collections, she develops custom pieces with customers, including jewellery inspired by personal memories, milestones or inherited materials.

TREMOR is the latest expression of that approach, combining the textures of volcanic landscapes with precious metals and individually selected gemstones.

The collection can be explored on the Studio-IRIS website, where more information about the designs, materials and production process is available.