At the BASELWORLD 2009 jewelry show, German jeweler Wellendorff exhibited their latest collection, ‘Chocolate.’ The pieces within the collection are all named after decadent sweet treats (Mocha, Caramel, Truffle, Champagne) and are made of gold, enamel and diamonds. Wellendorff’s well-known handmade rope chain also plays a big role in the collection.
Wellendorff employs about 60 goldsmiths in its German factory. Their unparalleled success in 2008 proves that in times of crisis, consumers are searching for valuable luxurious items like Wellendorff jewelry.
Sweet Sensual Jewelry
Wellendorff ‘Chocolate' Collection is Decadent and Calorie-Free
Trend Themes
1. Decadent Jewelry Collections - Creating jewelry collections inspired by indulgent treats like chocolate presents an opportunity for luxury brands to appeal to consumers' desire for both elegance and novelty.
2. Handmade Rope Chain - Incorporating unique craftsmanship techniques like Wellendorff's handmade rope chain can provide a distinctive selling point for jewelry brands looking to differentiate themselves in the market.
3. Luxury in Times of Crisis - The success of Wellendorff jewelry during times of economic downturn suggests that there is still a demand for high-end, luxury items that offer consumers a sense of exclusivity and value.
Industry Implications
1. Luxury Jewelry - The decadent and exquisite designs of Wellendorff's 'Chocolate' Collection position the luxury jewelry industry to explore new possibilities of incorporating indulgent themes into their own collections.
2. Craftsmanship - The emphasis on handmade craftsmanship, exemplified by Wellendorff's rope chain, indicates an opportunity for the craftsmanship industry to showcase unique techniques and differentiate themselves in the market.
3. Consumer Goods - The consumer goods industry can learn from Wellendorff's success in providing luxurious items during economic crises, by focusing on high-end products that offer a sense of value and exclusivity to consumers.