Francis Mertens is a Belgian designer who pushes the boundaries of conventional jewellery creation with his experimentation of high-tech metals like titanium.

Based in Antwerp, Belgium, he employs the aid of 3D computer models to visualise designs that are too intricate for the naked eye. His fascination with titanium’s featherweight properties and pliability has led to the pairing of the versatile metal with precious gemstones for fine jewellery pieces.

Designs such as his Titanium Diamond and Tsavorite Bonsai brooch demonstrate his ability to fashion life-like pieces of Nature by highlighting texture and form. In addition, Mertens’ pair of Tanzanite and Diamond Cuffs recently captured the attention of the media and fellow industry players with its 495,000 USD price tag.

This pair of cuffs displays 69 diamond carats and 15 tanzanite carats that took 4 months to perfect. For Mertens, "It is an endless battle to reach perfection", and perfection sure has its benefits; for he counts gem connoisseurs and members of the European royalty as his regular clientele.