)
THE HISTORY OF WELLENDORFF.
THE FAMILY BUSINESS SPANNING FIVE GENERATIONS.
Tradition and family form the core of the Wellendorff Jewellery Manufactory. Over five generations, the goldsmiths have perfected the processing of 18-karat gold, crafting extraordinary creations since 1893.
)
)
1893.
THE FOUNDING OF THE MANUFACTORY.
"Take only the best of everything, the best gold and diamonds, the best goldsmiths, the best tools and you will create the best jewellery for the most distinguished jewellery aficionados.” Ernst Alexander Wellendorff founded the manufactory in 1893 with this vision. His pieces of jewellery soon enchanted the wealthy middle class and even the European aristocracy. His vision remains the guiding principle to this day.
)
1947.
RECONSTRUCTION AND THE RETURN TO EXCELLENCE.
As the hometown of Pforzheim lay in ruins after the Second World War, it took courage to hold on to the company’s values of the highest quality and craftsmanship. Dr Alexander Wellendorff, the second generation, decisively initiated the reconstruction of the manufactory and began producing signet rings. He was soon able to widen the field back into high-quality pieces of jewellery once again.
)
1970.
WELLENDORFF BECOMES A BRAND.
Hanspeter Wellendorff, the third generation, established the Wellendorff brand. He decided to proudly present the trademark on the pieces of jewellery. This is probably how one of the most valuable trademarks of all time was created in 1970: the 18-karat Diamond-W, boasting a full-cut diamond.
)
1977.
GOLD LIKE SILK.
The iconic Wellendorff rope was created in 1977 as a loving gift from Hanspeter Wellendorff to his wife Eva to fulfil her wish for a silky-soft necklace. He and his skilled goldsmiths spent two years developing extremely fine threads made of 18-karat gold, which they twisted into flexible ropes, thereby creating soft and smooth solid gold that feels as soft as silk.
)
1993.
MAGICAL RINGS.
Under the fourth generation, Christoph and Georg Wellendorff, the collection is undergoing a new transformation. Another love story initially gave rise to Wellendorff cold enamel, which still immerses the manufactory's rings in vibrant colours to this day. A few years later, the sophisticated spinning of the rings followed, symbolising the endless cycle of life.
)
1997.
THE FIRST RING OF THE YEAR.
The goldsmiths’ craftsmanship is expressed year after year in a limited-edition annual ring. Since 1997 – inspired by the return of the British colony of Hong Kong to the People’s Republic of China – a special ring has been created every year. A blank canvas for technical innovations and special messages that make Wellendorff Rings of the Year sought-after collector's items.
)
2021.
FLEXIBLE GOLD.
The Wellendorff goldsmiths invested no less than 17 years of development into creating the EMBRACE ME bracelets made of 18-karat, flexible gold. They can be placed around the wrist without a clasp and always return to their original shape. Innovations like these highlight the craftsmanship, understanding of materials and attention to detail that make Wellendorff so unique.
The Wellendorff story is still being written in the manufactory. Together with you, it comes to life in our store.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)