Bo of gftd.

gftd. jewelry was born from an important moment in my life: my wedding day.

I wanted to give my bridesmaids something personal. A symbolic, one-of-a-kind piece full of feeling. But what I was looking for simply didn't exist. So I started designing it myself. That first bracelet, made with love and intention, became the beginning of what is today a fully-fledged jewellery brand.

Almost 6 years ago, I decided to turn my life around completely. I left my steady office job behind and chose to give my idea, my dream, a real chance.

It wasn't an easy decision. Letting go of all that security meant launching my own jewellery brand with a racing heart and a lot of uncertainty. But looking back, I'm so glad I took that step. I work harder than ever, but it feels different now. I draw so much energy from every part of running a business and creating new pieces, but what motivates me most is your reactions and gratitude. Making you smile, moving you with a personal piece of jewellery — that's what gets me up every morning.

Since then, gftd. jewelry has come a long way. In 2022, I won the Livia Jong Geweld award from Unizo Limburg, a recognition that meant the world to me.

Jong en vrouwelijk geweld: Bo Tijskens - Made in

Livia Award Unizo Limburg Caroline Rigo Bo Tijskens | HBVL

In 2025, I was nominated as one of the most inspiring female entrepreneurs in Limburg. When that call came in, I was genuinely moved. Because I pour everything I have into this work.

Bo Tijskens: "Miss Limburg op 17e: daar leer je enorm veel van" - Made in

Is Bo Tijskens de Strafste onderneemster van Limburg? | HBVL

Both my dad and grandfather are goldsmiths. That means I carry more than 60 years of knowledge and expertise with me every day, in every piece I design and make. I'm incredibly proud to follow in their footsteps. We don't do exactly the same thing, but we share the same passion and love for the craft and the product.

My grandfather sadly never got to see gftd. launch, but my dad did. And even though he was very sceptical about my plans at first, he's now my biggest fan. He still comes into the workshop every week, and I can always count on him for technical advice.

My first and favourite creation is the Originals collection: a playful yet elegant line of initial necklaces and initial bracelets that you build yourself, choosing your own letters, symbols and birthstones.

What makes these initial jewellery pieces so special? They grow with you. Whether you become a mum, lose someone dear to you, or mark a milestone, you can keep adding to or adapting your piece over time. Your bracelet or necklace evolves with your own unique story, keeping close to you what truly matters.

As a mum, I know how intense and powerful the breastfeeding journey can be. It's a time of unconditional love, but also of perseverance, exhaustion and deep connection. That's why this collection is one I hold very close to my heart.

Each breastmilk jewellery piece is a tribute to that unique chapter. A tangible keepsake of something so incredibly precious.

Memorial jewellery is an essential part of gftd. Jewelry. Because every piece has a story. Stories of joy and love, but also of comfort and grief.

All remembrance jewellery pieces are understated and refined, holding a small, symbolic amount of ashes or hair. They allow you to keep someone you miss close to you, in a deeply personal way, without the piece announcing itself as a memorial. Because grief is intimate, and memories can be gentle.

For this collection, I made a deliberate choice to work with trusted partners. I'm grateful for the wonderful partnerships I've built across Belgium and the Netherlands. This means you can visit a point of sale near you, where you'll receive personal, unhurried guidance. It matters to me that every moment, from placing your order to receiving it, feels warm and serene.

I don't know what the future holds. But what I do know is this: I hope I get to keep doing this for a very long time. Your gratitude, your stories and your trust mean everything to me. They give me the energy to keep creating, with heart and soul.

I genuinely have the most wonderful customers, and my mission remains the same: to move you and to bring a smile to your face.

Do you have questions, are you unsure about something, or are you looking for a piece of jewellery with a special meaning? Feel free to send me a message. I'd love to help you find exactly what you're looking for.