About us — the story of Mad Monk
Once there was a monk who did not fit the mould. He was livelier and more eccentric than the rest: he celebrated with the villagers, helped wherever he could, wore jewelry and never tired of gemstones and the stories that surround them.
The other monks did not approve. They mockingly called him “the Mad Monk” — and banished him from the monastery.
What was meant as punishment became his freedom. Ever since, he travels the world, collects stones and tells his stories in every village. And everywhere he is welcome. Because those who are simply themselves always find people who belong with them.
Be yourself. That is the whole story.
From frustration to workshop
Mad Monk Jewelry did not start with a business plan, but with a frustration: gemstone jewelry that looked beautiful online but disappointed on arrival. Uneven beads, mediocre stones, elastic that snapped within weeks.
That had to be done better. So dozens of types of elastic were tested for strength and stretch. Batches of beads were compared one by one, until only A-grade stones of equal size remained. And one decision was made: everything by hand, piece by piece.
The characteristic logo bead is handmade in Bali. Every stone is genuine gemstone — and since no two stones are alike, no two pieces of jewelry are either.
What we stand for
Real gemstones
Every bead is a genuine, carefully selected natural stone. No two are alike — exactly as it should be.
Handmade
Every piece is made and checked by hand, one by one. The logo bead comes handmade from Bali.
Honest about meaning
We love sharing what stones traditionally symbolize — but we never promise that a stone “works”. Honest story, beautiful stone.
Built to be worn
Tested elastic, A-grade beads of equal size. Made for every day, not for the drawer.
Today — and tomorrow
Today we craft handmade gemstone bracelets, ready-made in the shop. Tomorrow? The monk's collection keeps growing — his journey is far from over.
One thing never changes: real stones, real craftsmanship and a story that reminds you to simply be yourself.
“Stone by stone, bead by bead — being yourself is all you need.”
— the Mad Monk
Handmade in the Netherlands
Every bracelet is handmade in our Dutch studio
De Mad Monk