Joseph Vander Haegen started his career in 1968 making brass, copper and silver jewelry. In 1973, he apprenticed for a time with renowned Master Goldsmith, Tony Cavelti, in his Vancouver BC Canada store. Two years later he opened his own studio and connected with Eduardo Pelegrin, Master Goldsmith from Spain, who commissioned him to design and make pieces for his Vancouver store. Joseph's inspiration comes from these two Mentors as well as the Native American South West culture.