The German Precision

With historic craftsmanship and modern, cutting edge manufacturing techniques that has been evolving, Germany stands tall as one of the finest makers of jewellery

Germany is one of the largest economies in Europe with machinery, metals and articles thereof, consumer goods, chemical and fuel products and food and agricultural products contributing as major export commodities. It ranks number 4 when it comes to GDP, with $3684.82 billion as of 2017. For hundreds of years, Germany has been applauded for its jewellery and distinct styles that are exclusive to the country, making the “German” craftsmanship tag world famous. The Germans are known for its precision and meticulousness, and this as with most products, can be seen in their jewellery too.

Quality is of utmost importance, which comes from extensive research and development, education, a high level of technology and years of experience. That is why German The German Precision jewellery and silverware is valued so highly in over 160 export markets around the world. Although the main export markets are located in Europe, in which about 70 per cent of the business is carried out, German jewellery and silverware has increasingly turned to the Far East countries in recent years and especially to Hong Kong as the gateway to the Asian market.

Golden City

The idyllic town of Pforzheim may not ring a bell for many, especially those who are not from the jewellery industry. Situated in the state of Baden- Württemberg, the robust jewellery and watch market in this town is historic, dating back to 1767 when the chieftain of the town decided to set up a jewellery and watch factory in an orphanage. Skirted by the Black Forest, almost 70 per cent of German jewellery is manufactured in this town, which is also home to a jewellery museum with artifacts that are more than 5000 years old and a renowned jewellery school at Pforzheim University.

In addition to the jewellery centre of Pforzheim there is the gemstone cutting centre of Idar- Oberstein. This international trading place has its origin in the rough stones that were once mined there. Today the term “Idar-cut” is well-known all over the world for superior cutting, innovative gem design and distinguished qualities. In a field of strong international competition Idar- Oberstein has been able to maintain its place as one of the top gem centers of the world.

Meissen, Atelier Zobel, Schreiner Fine Jewellery, Wellendorff, CADA, Atelier Munsteiner, Christ, Thomas Sabo, Wempe, Hemmerle, Niessing, Hellmuth and Bijou Brigitte are some of the famous jewellery brands from Germany.

Schreiner Fine Jewellery’s Gerhard Schreiner’s fascination with precious stones moved him to immerse himself in the world of jewels. His endeavours led him to Colombia in 1988, the land of emeralds, where the extraordinary success sstory of Gerhard Schreiner began. Today, there are 300 employees working in Schreiner’s enterprise, which has its headquarters in Germany. Designers in Italy as well as Spain are producing Schreiners “haute joaillerie”. His name represents, throughout the world, the highest luxury imaginable, the absolutely highest standards of quality and the highest demands.And today one can find jewellery from the Schreiner Collection in the treasure chests of numerous noble residences throughout the world.

Carriers of the German Legacy

Meissen, Atelier Zobel, Schreiner Fine Jewellery, Wellendorff, CADA, Atelier Munsteiner, Christ, Thomas Sabo, Wempe, Hemmerle, Niessing, Hellmuth and Bijou Brigitte are some of the famous jewellery brands from Germany. Schreiner Fine Jewellery’s Gerhard Schreiner’s fascination with precious stones moved him to immerse himself in the world of jewels. His endeavours led him to Colombia in 1988, the land of emeralds, where the extraordinary success sstory of Gerhard Schreiner began. Today, there are 300 employees working in Schreiner’s enterprise, which has its headquarters in Germany. Designers in Italy as well as Spain are producing Schreiners “haute joaillerie”. His name represents, throughout the world, the highest luxury imaginable, the absolutely highest standards of quality and the highest demands.And today one can find jewellery from the Schreiner Collection in the treasure chests of numerous noble residences throughout the world.

Set up over 300 years ago by emperor Augustus the Strong, Meissen has evolved from a porcelain manufacturer into an international luxury lifestyle brand. Today, Meissen is a truly global company that encompasses fine jewellery as well as couture gowns, luxury accessories, interiors and artwork. Since 2012, the Meissen jewellery collections have been produced by Meissen Italia, based in the fashionable city of Milan.

Hemmerle is a fourth generation family run house at the vanguard of jewellery design. Today, the heritage brand has at its helm Stefan and Sylveli Hemmerle with their son, Christian and daughter-in-law, Yasmin. Hemmerle is known for its stunning designs backed by craftsmanship that is inimitable – the pieces are bold yet exude minimalist aura. The brand’s story began in 1893 in Munich when brothers Joseph and Anton Hemmerle took over an established goldsmiths’ company specialising in medals and orders, whose clients included the Bavarian Royal family. The brothers brought their own flare and ideas to the business, rebranding themselves as Hemmerle

The Market Today

According to Euromonitor, growth in the number of marriages was more than 3%, which had a positive influence on the sales of jewellery in Germany. However, global economic volatility and Brexit have eclipsed the manufacturing sector, dampening the spirit of the jewellery industry. Lab-grown diamonds are playing a significant role in the industry as jewellers are combining this cheaper product with state of the art technology which Germany is anyway known for, to manufacture cutting edge designs. The millennial cohort in the country tend to break free from the crutches of “trends” and look for designs that are different – this is why German designs are more often than not one of a kind and modern with a strong design philosophy. The German jewellery market has luxury brands like Cartier on the one end, while heritage, family owned brands and fragmented retailers dominate the sector on the other end. Jewellery and watches continue to be growth drivers for the market, with online retailing and brick and mortar format giving the industry a much needed impetus.