Kees van Andel and Karen Peace are a creative design team who met up in Amsterdam in the 80’s and are now based in Goa, India. Travelling in India in the 90’s they fell in love with the rich culture, vibrant colours and dazzling selection of high-quality gemstones available in this magical subcontinent. Finally settling in Goa in 1999, they opened their studio in a secluded inland leafy village fa
r away from the bustle of mainstream tourism, known as the Cheshire Cat Gallery Goa. Now the showroom has re located to the village of Parra
Their lives are filled with magic and spirituality and through their jewellery designs, they seek to share with us their inner chest of fantastical treasures. Using ancient techniques of goldsmithing such as granulation and filigree, and working with rich 22ct gold, they select gemstones for their depth of colour and purity, and create eye-catching combinations of light and textures that delight and amaze. Van Andel & Peace draw their inspirations from ethnic Indian, as well as Victorian designs, blending traditional motifs with very contemporary styling. Their singular creations have been described variously as “Fairytale”, “Baroque” and “Chic-Antique”, where each piece begins as a vision that gradually evolves as the work progresses. Following no set rules and confined by no boundaries, their jewellery is designed for women with a strong sense of individuality and style.
