Behind
FREDEN
FREDEN is Handmade Fine Jewelry, created and made by me, Lauren Kuizenga.
Each piece is artfully unique, and made to be worn, and enjoyed like you would a piece of art
Making Jewelry that is Comfortable, Timeless and Sublimely Imperfect are the Staples of Each Piece
Rooted in the Heritage of my Grandparents, FREDEN combines Elements of their Classic European Elegance, and my Laid-back Coastal California style
Inspiration
The name FREDEN is inspired by my Grandparents, Margaret Wege, Alice Kuizenga and Frederic Richard Wege. My Grandmothers cared for my siblings and me during our school days and are a significant part of who I am. One of my earliest memories is playing with my Grandma’s and my Aunt’s stacked Gold bangles, and the sound they made, all chiming together
Heritage
My Grandfather was a classically trained Watchmaker & Jeweler from Hamburg, Germany. He and my Gran migrated their family from the U.K to Sacramento, California (with a few other places in between). My Grandpa opened a Jewelry Store that he ran with my Aunt for 20 years in Downtown Sacramento
He and I never had the chance to talk about making jewelry, but through my Grandmother's, Mom and Aunt, I have inherited many special pieces. They are my so special to me because of the moments I remember, and the feeling of connectedness through wearing the pieces
Meaning of the Name
As I pursued expressing my creativity through the arts, I found jewelry because of the memory of my Grandpa, and the memory of his store and jewelry workshop
My favorite part of making jewelry is the creative process, from idea, to tangible, wearable piece. Each piece of jewelry being created and finished, I feel a connection to my heritage
FREDEN is a casual combination my name and my Grandpas, and is loosely translated to “talk” and "peace" in German and Danish
I love the connection that jewelry has to Memories and Moments
The power of wear, symbolizing connection, individuality, and love