Discover. Designer Esther Been Maravillas

Esther Been Maravillas for Discover Designers All4Chefs

Esther Been Maravillas – Founder of Maravillas Ceramics & Visionary Behind Joyas Tableware

Designing Miracles in Clay and Culture

Dutch designer Esther Been is the creative force behind Maravillas Ceramics, a celebrated brand known for artisanal, hospitality-driven tableware. Her journey began in interior styling and luxury catering before turning her focus fully to ceramics—a shift that birthed an internationally admired brand supplying handmade stoneware to over 22 countries.

But Esther’s design philosophy doesn’t stop at functional beauty. With her newest venture, Joyas (Spanish for jewels), she is expanding into a fresh chapter of accessible elegance, storytelling, and sustainability.

From Maravillas to Joyas – Two Worlds, One Vision

Founded in a historical fort in the Netherlands, Maravillas Ceramics specializes in custom stoneware made by hand, with organic forms inspired by nature and tailored for fine dining. Each piece is unique—glazed, shaped, and finished individually—and built to meet the demands of world-class kitchens: durable, stackable, dishwasher safe, and stylistically singular.

Now with Joyas, Esther brings this handcrafted DNA into a new dimension: industrially crafted stoneware designed in the Netherlands and produced in Portugal, offering the same Maravillas elegance at a more accessible price point.

In Partnership With Prestigious Tables Worldwide

Esther Been Maravillas’ ceramics are the silent collaborators in some of the world’s most esteemed dining experiences. Her pieces grace Michelin-recognized restaurants and internationally acclaimed venues across Europe—from the sun-drenched terraces of 1742 Ibiza (Spain) and the refined elegance of Latour at the Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin in Noordwijk (NL), to the innovative kitchens of Ron Gastrobar (Amsterdam) and the historic charm of Kasteel Maurick (Vught). This illustrious client list, which also includes De Kromme Watergang (Zeeland), Noble Gourmet Restaurant (Athens), and Nyn Esti (Athens), reflects a shared commitment to excellence—where timeless craftsmanship meets culinary innovation at the highest level.

Discover Esther Been Maravillas Designs

DINNERWARE COLLECTIONS

Introducing: Brisa del Mar – The First Joyas Collection

The first Joyas collection, titled “Brisa del Mar” (Sea Breeze), draws inspiration from the ocean. These pieces feature coral-inspired reliefs, finished in shimmering pearl white and deep blue-grey glazes, echoing the mystery and serenity of the sea.

Crafted with nature in mind, Joyas is more than a product—it’s a cause. Each themed collection will support a relevant environmental charity, turning every plate into a small act of giving.

“Joyas stands for affordable luxury with a story. It’s not just about the plate — it’s about the feeling, the table, and the world we create around it.”
— Esther Been

Joyas continues the spirit of Maravillas but invites a broader audience to explore high-quality, oven-, microwave-, and dishwasher-safe pieces that can be mixed and matched with the original handmade collection. Esther’s artistry lives at the intersection of touch, story, and sustainability.

Maravillas Ceramics Studio for All4Chefs Discover Designers -Esther Been Maravillas

Video & Photo Creatives
Videography: @ianstudio.co
Photography: @renske.eijsvogelphotography

A Table Philosophy Rooted in Emotion and Earth

Whether it’s a one-of-a-kind Maravillas plate or a sculpted Joyas dish, each creation reflects Esther’s belief that tableware is part of the meal’s narrative. Her collections—handmade or industrial—become co-authors of atmosphere: sparking conversation, evoking emotion, and anchoring the chef’s intent.

Her vision for Joyas includes launching four nature-themed collections over the next two years, expanding to at least eight colors and multiple formats—including dinner plates, bowls, side dishes, and dessert plates. From ocean to forest, earth to flora, Joyas will offer endless styling combinations and stories to tell.

For Those Who Set the Table with Intention

Esther Been’s ceramic collections are designed for:

Design-forward chefs and culinary creatives
Boutique hotels and fine-dining restaurants
Sustainable lifestyle brands and concept stores
Private hosts and event stylists seeking ambiance

Whether you’re crafting a sensory culinary journey or curating an unforgettable table setting, both Maravillas and Joyas provide functional elegance with a soul.