Renowned for its precision craftsmanship, Wellendorff is one of Germany's premiere boutique jewellery brands.
Founded in 1893 by Ernst Alexander Wellendorff, the company initially made a name for itself serving the wealthy bourgeoisie, European royalty and nobility. Four generations later, the family-owned company adheres to its philosophy of providing genuine value rather than catering to passing fads.
The refined, European-style designs in 18-carat gold, diamonds and colourful enamel are intended to be cherished year after year. 'The jewellery is not meant to go out of style and it's so comfortable to wear,' said Victoria Lai, marketing director at King Fook Jewellery Group, the exclusive carrier of the brand in Hong Kong for the past 15 years. 'We like the brand because everything is handmade. This is for the jewellery connoisseur who really loves well made jewellery.'
King Fook carries the full range of the firm's rings, plus rope necklaces, earrings and necklace rondels. Retail prices range from about HK$35,000 to HK$500,000. 'The pieces can be worn at the office or at a party,' said Ms Lai. Many of the brand's customers tend to be career women in their 30s and older. Some buy matching sets of rings, earrings and rondels. 'We have a lot of repeat customers,' she added.
Wellendorff is probably best known for its rope necklaces and rotatable rings. As the brand's signature jewellery item, the Wellendorff rope necklace is smooth and supple. The idea dates back to 1975, when senior manager Eva Wellendorff asked her husband to create a necklace that would feel like silk. Two years went into planning and executing its design.
Each piece is crafted from 160 metres of 18-carat slender gold threads braided together and produced from gold granules melted at about 1,000 degrees Celsius. The necklaces are available in four different thicknesses and in white or yellow 18-carat gold. The yellow gold the company is famed for is made using a secret 'family recipe' that gives it a particularly warm lustre.
