
It started with a question about price.
My journey into jewellery began in a rather unconventional way. I had always been drawn to fine jewellery, craftsmanship and the individuality of custom-made pieces, but the turning point came when I commissioned jewellery for myself and began questioning the prices I was being charged.
I wanted to understand what went into creating these pieces, from the materials and manufacturing process to the craftsmanship behind the finished product. What started as curiosity quickly became an obsession. I invested in my own casting equipment, a small 3D wax printer and polishing tools, and began teaching myself how jewellery was made.
I still remember creating my first pendant. It wasn’t the most expensive or technically complex piece I’ve ever worked on, but seeing something go from an idea to a finished piece changed everything for me. It led to my first commissions, my own workshop and, in June 2019, to NTB Jewellers.
I’m largely self-taught. Rather than following the traditional route into the trade, I learned through research, experimentation, investing in equipment and, most importantly, hands-on experience. As the business grew, I began working alongside experienced professionals and specialist manufacturers.
“That practical foundation means I understand not just how jewellery should look, but how it should be made.”João, founder




