Over ons

Hi there! How nice of you to visit Lembra Jewels!

My name is Evelien van Dongen and I'd like to briefly introduce myself. I am a 44-year-old creative, a mom of an amazing 8-year-old daughter, and a Brazilian-Dutch Rotterdammer Brabo. That's a mouthful!

I was born in Brazil, adopted as a baby to the Netherlands (Rijswijk, NB), after which we moved to Eindhoven in 1987. From Eindhoven, I moved to Rotterdam, where I have lived happily for 20 years this year. So I carry multiple countries and dear cities with me! Which dear locations hold a special meaning for you? Everyone has at least two!

Aha, and what is the mission of Lembra Jewels?

Well, to make your most cherished country(ies), cities, and ultimately also villages tangible and visible. I was looking for a way to proudly and lovingly carry my countries and cities with me without having to get a tattoo or a magnet for the fridge. I wanted an elegant statement and a tangible reminder of my most beautiful moments in those specific locations. That's why Lembra Jewels was created. From pure emotion and a void that I'm going to fill for all of us!

Brazil

In 2014, I returned to Brazil for the first time with the intention of getting to know my birth country, experiencing my roots, and of course, however cliché it may be, finding my biological family. Unfortunately, the latter turned into a real trauma, as I turned out to be one of the many children illegally smuggled out of the country. So I came back without the moment of happiness I was looking for and with a trauma I first had to process... But... Fortunately, I am a positive person and I had a journey where I experienced a lot of beauty and learned a lot. In addition, I now have a well-founded love for my birth country. Not "just" because I was born there.

What remained after my trip were countless memories and ultimately a great longing. A longing for a tangible connection. Stronger than ever, I felt the need to express my love for both my countries, but how? My friends and acquaintances had heard all the stories enough times by now 🫣. So I started looking for an elegant way to carry my countries and cities with me and make a statement. I come from Brazil, the Netherlands, and Rotterdam. A flag, tattoo, or t-shirt was not what I was looking for. I wanted something elegant that I could wear at any time and that was of good quality. In a jewelry box, there was a very beautiful necklace pendant in the shape of Brazil, but it had completely discolored, so I could no longer wear it with pride. By the way, throwing it away is also not an option because it is my country and identity. That's how I came up with the idea of designing location jewelry, but of good quality, and then right away for all of us!

Thanks to my multicultural environment, I know that I am not the only person who feels closely connected to specific countries and cities. So I am also not the only one who has no way to express that... And what better way to tell a story than with elegant jewelry! That's why I created Lembra Jewels. I also want to offer you the opportunity to carry your favorite country, village, or city close to you and represent it with class ♡

Ahaaa, and what does Lembra Jewels mean?

Lembra means 'remember' in Portuguese. Portuguese is also the language of Brazil, the country where my roots lie, and by wearing this location jewelry, we carry memories such as birth, wedding, travels, life, or roots close to us. Jewels stands for jewelry, so literally translated, Lembra Jewels means 'Remember Jewels'. It feels fitting, and so, Lembra Jewels ♡

Ahaaa, but what does Lembra Jewels have to offer?

Lembra Jewels offers premium stainless steel jewelry that is richly coated with 14 karat gold. This is the type of stainless steel used in surgery. Hypoallergenic and very strong. The gold layer over the stainless steel offers an extra guarantee for very durable jewelry that will last a long time. No, it is not solid gold, but it certainly gives the same luxurious appearance. And now for an affordable price. You're welcome ;-) The gemstones in the new jewelry are all Swarovski Crystals.

For more information about jewelry maintenance, functional customization, or B2B collaborations, go to the main menu and open the blog. The answer to your question will probably already be there. You will also find more facts, announcements, and releases on social media. If you like the concept and would like to support a starting entrepreneur, follow @Lembra_jewels on Instagram and/or @lembrajewels on Facebook. Your support is worth more than you think and it's free ;-)

See you soon dear people,

enjoy life and, of course, my jewelry.

Evelien van Dongen