My Story

My journey began when I was just 13 years old. On a trip to the seaside, a friend and I stopped over at my grandfather’s farm in the Free State. With a day to spare and a workshop at our disposal, we decided to try our hand at crafting. It was here that we created our first pieces of jewellery – copper and galvanised wire bracelets. This was in 1991. This experience sparked a passion in me, with my friend remarking, “Derik, you were born for this.”

When it came time for university, I initially sought to enrol in dental tech schools. However, fate had other plans. All the dental tech schools were full, but I was informed about a newly established jewellery school. Seizing the opportunity, I began this formal education in jewellery design and craftsmanship.

A year into my studies, I started working for a jewellery company, performing various tasks and learning the trade from the ground up. My passion and dedication led me to establish DB Custom Jewellers in 2007. After gaining valuable experience working for numerous well-known establishments over the years, I decided to go solo in 2021.

Today, DB Custom Jewellers stands as a testament to my lifelong passion for creating beautiful, custom jewellery. We invite you to explore our collections and experience the dedication and craftsmanship that goes into each piece. Welcome to DB Custom Jewellers.