Frequently asked questions
About SCHMUCKWERK
Who are the people behind SCHMUCKWERK?
Heike and Markus Schmidt founded SCHMUCKWERK in 1994, thereby making their dream of their own jewellery brand come true. The brand name combines the words Schmuckstück (piece of jewellery) and Kunstwerk (work of art) – and that is how the name SCHMUCKWERK came about. However, WERK also stands for a magical place – the manufactory in a historic paper mill in the beautiful Angertal valley in Ratingen where Heike and Markus Schmidt work with around 30 staff members on unique jewellery designs – on jewellery that touches your heart.
Where is SCHMUCKWERK jewellery made?
The SCHMUCKWERK-manufactory was established in Ratingen near Düsseldorf in North Rhine-Westphalia in 1994. It is housed in a historic paper mill dating back to 1852. Heike and Markus Schmidt and their team create SCHMUCKWERK jewellery here in an area of over 400 square metres. Please note that SCHMUCKWERK does not sell its jewellery in Ratingen.
How is SCHMUCKWERK jewellery made?
Traditional goldsmithing and state-of-the-art manufacturing go hand in hand at the SCHMUCKWERK-Manufaktur. Each piece of jewellery is made by a single goldsmith from start to finish. Their signet is engraved in each piece of jewellery. The latest technologies enable the goldsmiths to create jewellery that is both unique and new.
Who designs SCHMUCKWERK jewellery?
SCHMUCKWERK jewellery is often based on ideas from Heike and Markus Schmidt and developed as a team. For some collections SCHMUCKWERK has also worked with other jewellery designers they are friends with.
What makes SCHMUCKWERK jewellery special?
Each piece of SCHMUCKWERK jewellery has a special design and story behind it. The jewellery is different and unique. It is an attitude to life, joy and style. It has character and caresses both heart and skin. The inspiration behind each piece of jewellery comes from special experiences and involves more senses than just sight. Because only what comes from the heart can go to the heart. This is how jewellery is created that touches your heart.
Stores and suppliers
Where can I buy SCHMUCKWERK jewellery?
You can purchase SCHMUCKWERK jewellery from selected jewellers and goldsmiths. You can find a jewellery store near you using our store finder.
Can I also buy my jewellery directly from SCHMUCKWERK?
SCHMUCKWERK sells its products exclusively via selected jewellery stores and goldsmiths.. SCHMUCKWERK is convinced that a specialist jewellery store with a carefully selected range, in-depth expertise and a personal touch is the perfect point of contact for you. They know you and your loved ones and can offer advice with empathy and passion. They are your point of contact for any questions or requests.
Collections and manufacturing information
Which SCHMUCKWERK collections are there?
The SCHMUCKWERK collections are divided into four worlds: MEINE WELT, ALPEN, GLASKLAR and SATURN.
Which precious metals does SCHMUCKWERK use?
SCHMUCKWERK exclusively uses the highest quality precious metal alloys: 750 white gold (100% nickel-free), red gold or yellow gold, which means that the alloy contains 750 out of 100 parts of pure gold. Likewise, only the best quality platinum alloy – 950 platinum – is used. To protect the environment and conserve resources, SCHMUCKWERK exclusively uses recycled precious metals for its jewellery. The stainless steel used is 100% allergy-free.
Which stainless steel is used for SCHMUCKWERK?
CHMUCKWERK uses the stainless steel alloy 1.4001. This stainless steel alloy is used for jewellery, food and medical technology and is allergy-free. The stainless steel alloy 1.4003 is used for the QM 170 ST cufflinks. This alloy contains approx. 10.5–12.5% chromium and a nickel additive.
Which quality do the SCHMUCKWERK diamonds have?
SCHMUCKWERK uses diamonds up to 0.70 ct in tw/vs quality. The abbreviations stand for:
- Colour tw (Top Wesselton = fine white = FG)
- Purity vs (very small inclusion)
Only a trained and experienced expert can detect the smallest inclusions at tenfold magnification. These tiny inclusions are proof of the natural origin of our diamonds, as artificial diamonds are without inclusions. The cut, proportion and polish are at least very good to excellent.
From 0.70 carats you will receive a diamond certificate with your piece of jewellery. Larger diamonds are offered in different qualities. Your jewellery store will be happy to make you a suitable offer.
Where do the diamonds SCHMUCKWERK uses come from?
All diamonds come from conflict-free sources that have joined the Kimberley Process.
What should be kept in mind with regard to the glass balls in the GLASKLAR collection?
The glass balls in the GLASKLAR collection are made of very hard and temperature-resistant glass. They can be damaged by strong external influences. Should a glass ball get scratched or damaged, your jewellery store will be happy to help you by restoring or replacing it.
It is always possible for us to remove the diamond from the glass ball for you. Each glass ball with a diamond is a unique piece of craftsmanship made by a highly experienced and skilled glassblower. The magnifying glass effect of the glass ball allows you to see the smallest microbubbles around the diamond. Sometimes you can also see a very fine line above the diamond table. At this point the glass closes over the diamond. In the case of glass balls with a coloured glass dot on the underside, a ‘starry sky’ can be seen. These peculiarities are not flaws but proof of the unique and exquisite craftsmanship.
Which pearls does SCHMUCKWERK use?
Pearls are natural products. Slight colour variations are not flaws but rather proof of the natural origin of the pearls. In particular, coloured pearls vary in shade. We use the following pearls for our products: – Freshwater pearls without a core. These are very robust and have a beautiful lustre. – Our Tahitian pearls come from French Polynesia and are cultured with a core. ‘Harlequin’ refers to a mixture of different shades of grey in Tahitian pearls. Jewellery marked ‘Harlequin’ is mixed with shades of light grey, dark grey and grey-green and varies from piece to piece.
What should I bear in mind with regard to leather?
Leather is a natural product. Blemishes, tick bites and colour variations do not constitute grounds for complaint but are a sign of the high quality of this natural product.
Care and restoring
How can I have my jewellery restored?
Our partner jewellers and goldsmiths will be happy to help you. You can find a partner near you using our store finder.
How do I care for my SCHMUCKWERK jewellery properly?
Damit Sie lange Freude an den Schmuckstücken von SCHMUCKWERK haben, haben wir Ihnen Pflegetipps auf einer eigenen Seite zusammengestellt.
Sizes, size exchanges and costs
Rings
The price of a ring is based on the desired ring size. Your jewellery will be happy to make you an offer for your ring size. Rings can be exchanged for rings in other sizes at any time. Your jewellery store will be happy to make you a suitable offer.
Arm jewellery
Large bangles may incur additional costs. Your jewellery store will be happy to make you a suitable offer. Bangles can be exchanged for others in different widths. Your jewellery store will be happy to make you a suitable offer.
Neck jewellery
Longer lengths may incur additional costs. Your jewellery store will be happy to provide you with a suitable offer. Neck jewellery can be exchanged for other lengths at any time. Your jewellery store will be happy to provide you with a suitable offer.
Ear jewellery
The carat weight always refers to the pair of earrings. Ear jewellery is always priced per pair.
Contact and questions
Who can answer questions about SCHMUCKWERK or the jewellery?
Please contact one of our partner jewellers with your questions. You can find a jewellery store near you using our store finder.
You can find our SCHMUCKWERK collections near you – at one of our SCHMUCKWERK jewellers.
