SCHMUCKWERK stands for design expertise and the highest quality craftsmanship. All our jewellery is designed and made by Heike and Markus Schmidt and the SCHMUCKWERK team in Ratingen. At SCHMUCKWERK, traditional goldsmithing and state-of-the-art manufacturing go hand in hand. The latest technologies enable the goldsmiths to create jewellery that is both unique and new.
Each goldsmith makes ‘their’ piece of jewellery from start to finish until it is perfect. The individual hallmark of each goldsmith ultimately ensures that the piece of jewellery becomes a unique little work of art. This is how jewellery is created that truly deserves the label ‘Made in Germany’.
THE MANUFACTORY PRINCIPLE
The term ‘manufactory’ is a combination of the Latin ‘manus’ (hand) and ‘factura’ (to make). Manufactories are a cross between a craft and an industry, producing goods that are known for their high quality and attention to detail. In contrast to industrial production, the focus of a manufactory is on craftsmanship and individuality. Unlike handicraft businesses, manufactories produce their ranges in series. They also differ from arts and craftspeople in that they usually have more than five members of staff. The manufacturing process is characterised by a high level of manufacturing depth. From the preparation of raw materials to the entire manufacturing process to the finished product.
In a manufactory, it is the people who decide on the work steps and completion with the aim of creating a perfect product. A high proportion of the work is done by hand. The use of machines is unavoidable, but full automation is excluded. In order to manufacture the products, a team of people from different professions work together. Their passion, individuality and creativity flow into the products. Manufactories value high-quality materials, product quality and sustainability. As a result, the products of a manufactory are high-quality, unique items made to last.
THE SCHMUCKWERK PRINCIPLE
To achieve and maintain the highest product quality, there is no division of labour in goldsmithing at SCHMUCKWERK. Each piece of jewellery is made by a goldsmith from the preparation of the materials to the polishing and is hallmarked with their personal signet on completion. The signet means that each goldsmith is responsible for maintaining our quality standards. Even after 30 years we know which goldsmith made which piece of jewellery. It is a wonderful moment when the owner of the jewellery gets to meet ‘their’ goldsmith during a tour of our manufactory.
CREATIVE PROCESS
Turning an idea into a new piece of jewellery is a complex and multi-layered but also creative process. After all, the aim is to create something new and original. At this point work begins for our design team. It consists of Heike, my wife, our daughter Maren and our jewellery designer Marthe. We brainstorm together to exchange and develop ideas and explore their potential. Rough sketches and concepts are shared and discussed within the team.
INSIGHT
into the SCHMUCKWERK manufactory
In our manufactory and creative hub, emotions are turned into jewellery! SCHMUCKWERK is constantly reinventing itself and coming up with unique designs.
