The diversity of nature is the most creative designer. It creates an infinite abundance of perfect forms and structures. For me, it is the greatest source of inspiration, alongside the great ancient cultures that continue to shape our understanding of form to this day. In nature, I constantly discover new things that inspire the story behind a single piece or an entire collection. This is how my jewelry pieces are created, based on universally valid forms. And detached from time, they can be worn for a lifetime, across generations. My designs are not subject to trends and allow room for the individuality and personality of the wearer.”
Goldsmith Warinka von Saucken has been designing her own jewelry collections since 1995. Each piece is carefully crafted by hand in her Hamburg studio and is only available in exclusive retail outlets.
She displays her collections in her studio in Hamburg, as well as regularly in Berlin, Frankfurt, Los Angeles, and on Sylt.
We have been designing our own high-quality jewelry collections since 1995. Each piece is handcrafted in our Hamburg atelier and undergoes an elaborate creation process.
We present the collections in our Hamburg atelier and exhibit in Germany and Europe.
Warinka, you have been designing and handcrafting your jewelry for almost thirty years. In short, what three adjectives would you use to describe your jewelry?
Timeless. Elegant. Premium-quality.
What makes your jewelry so timeless and elegant?
Timeless – because my jewelry is independent of fashions or trends. You can wear my jewelry at any age. For me, elegance and timelessness go hand-in-hand. Elegance maintains its significance throughout the decades.
My jewelry is of premium quality because we create each piece by hand. We also hand-finish the surfaces to accentuate the variety of ornaments and shapes. And we devote the utmost care and time to all my jewelry – with love, dedication and precision.
And I would also describe my jewelry as very unique. Many pieces are custom-made, or we produce them in limited editions – often in direct consultation with my customers.
Can you describe the creative process behind your jewelry?
There’s a long creative process behind every piece of jewelry. I often develop initial ideas during conversations with my customers. Then we create a design and a wax model. Weeks often pass between the design, the research and selection of materials, and the production.
Only once the pieces have been filled with experience, dedication and love do they begin to come to life and touch my customers.
These days you often see pieces of jewelry that cater to the mainstream. How have you managed to establish your unmistakable signature as a goldsmith and designer?
In principle, I only handcraft jewelry that I would wear myself. I couldn’t sell anything else just to serve a market. I firmly believe that only once the pieces have been filled with experience, dedication and love do they begin to come to life and touch my customers. Staying authentic is the key for me, while remaining open to new influences and ideas.
How did you become a goldsmith?
I always wanted to do something artistic. To be self-employed. To create something. For me, the fascinating aspect of jewelry creation is that I control the entire process from start to finish. Passing on a piece of jewelry at the end of this process is extremely fulfilling.
Goldsmithing is also steeped in so much history and culture.
Yes, the goldsmith’s craft is one of the oldest: people were “adorning” themselves even before they were wearing clothes.
When creating a piece of jewelry, one is limited to this single small space to provide expression. And I still find that beautiful – and very sensual.
At the start of your career, did you have any role models who inspired you to become a goldsmith?
Of course, many. But I have been most inspired by nature and ancient cultures…
Some of your jewelry pieces have a snake pattern, and one of your first rings features a stylized frog.
Each of my pieces of jewelry tells its own story. They all have a deeper meaning, a spiritual, mythical, or symbolic background.
In a piece of jewelry, I love to combine the shapes of nature, such as the pattern of a snake, with the forms of ancient cultures, such as Japanese culture. Or to combine animal shapes with graphic shapes, patterns, flowers, and ornaments.
I am fascinated by the Asian cultures’ use of form – also because of the far-reaching philosophy and precision behind it. For example, form was a source of inspiration for my dragon pendant.
What does the stylized frog on one of your rings represent, for example?
In many cultures, the frog symbolizes fertility and transformation. The ring, which I wear every day, also has a matching necklace and even a wine cork. This is how my collections originate, inspired by a shape or a symbol, and then evolve.
Almost thirty years working as a goldsmith – that’s a long time. What do you love most about your work?
I love the creative process the most. When I present the jewelry to my customers, they form a connection with it. Then I always think: Incredible! What a wonderful profession I have, being able to create a symbol of love that brings joy and, ideally, even outlives me.
I am thrilled that the younger generation and my customers’ children love my jewelry. It shows me I’m on the right track.
I recently met a customer wearing a ring I had designed with her husband 25 years ago as a maternity gift. That’s how very close customer relationships develop. This makes me happy.
The topic of sustainability also plays a central role in the jewelry sector, as does the ethical background, especially regarding the origin of the stones. What significance does this topic have for you?
Sustainability matters to me because I am convinced my jewelry will still have meaning in a hundred years – simply because the pieces are timeless and elegant. Of course, we also use recycled gold and silver and ensure we only purchase stones from reputable dealers.
One final question: What are you particularly proud of when you reflect on your career?
I have always remained true to myself and have consistently focused on what I like. I am proud that I have managed to build something that is successful and enduring with my team and my customers.
I am thrilled that the younger generation and my customers’ children love my jewelry. It shows me I’m on the right track.
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