Editor’s Note
This week, we speak with Elina Sternefeld, founder of the Berlin-based jewelry label STERNEFELD. A trained goldsmith and designer, she discusses how her brand marries the ancient traditions of the craft with modern technologies like CAD and 3D printing to create timeless, high-quality pieces.
My name is Elina Sternefeld and I am the founder of the Berlin-based jewelry label STERNEFELD. I completed my training at the Pforzheim Goldsmith School and studied design in Düsseldorf. The goldsmith’s craft is one of the oldest in the world and is connected with wonderful traditions. With my jewelry label, I combine this special craft with innovative technologies like CAD and 3D printing.
STERNEFELD stands for high-quality and timeless jewelry, designed and manufactured in Germany using sustainable materials. I also offer a personal design service, which is particularly popular with my male customers. Here, I can provide completely individualized advice on jewelry selection, for example, when designing an engagement ring or a personal gift.
During my training in the gold city of Pforzheim, I witnessed how many smaller businesses had to close because they could no longer compete with the prices of large jewelry brands, which largely produce abroad. I wanted to use STERNEFELD to bring back appreciation for German jewelry craftsmanship and collaboration with local experts. I personally know every person involved in the production of my jewelry pieces. I also personally make some of my jewelry pieces in my workshop in Berlin.
And I place great emphasis on the highest quality, precision, and care in the design and manufacture of each individual piece of jewelry.
As a small, self-financed company, I did everything myself at the beginning, from designing the jewelry pieces, to developing the online shop, to marketing. I had to acquire knowledge that I didn’t need in my previous permanent position, where I could focus on my core competencies. But that’s also the exciting and interesting part of founding a company. You learn so many different things and can later better assess the processes you delegate if you’ve already dealt with them yourself.
STERNEFELD is a modern online jeweler where people can transform their very individual ideas and wishes into a piece of jewelry. By combining modern design tools and craftsmanship, it is possible to develop flexible designs and exchange ideas with the customer online very quickly.
These are largely modern women who are established in life and simply buy jewelry for themselves. They are looking for pieces of jewelry that they can wear in everyday life, that are elegant and uncomplicated, yet sophisticated.
Especially when it comes to gifts, for Christmas, anniversaries, or the birth of a child, men also frequently come to me. They appreciate the personal advice on design and selecting the right size. And they are usually looking for something that is truly unique.
And of course, engagement and wedding rings are an evergreen topic for me. I particularly enjoy developing a design in collaboration with the couple, exactly according to their wishes. There are no limits to creativity here.
My customers particularly appreciate the personal and direct contact with me. Thanks to my years of craftsmanship experience, my understanding of the interaction of materials and forms, and my passion for timeless design, I can comprehensively support my customers in developing their personal piece of jewelry – from the first idea to the finished piece.
After a detailed consultation, I design the first models using CAD (Computer Aided Design), so that the customer can get a realistic picture of the desired piece of jewelry. The entire process takes place online, so it is independent of time and location. Once we have agreed on a design, the jewelry piece goes into production: casting, goldsmith work, polishing, and setting of the gemstones. The final piece of jewelry is then sent to the customer in my high-quality packaging. At www.elina-sternefeld.de you can book a non-binding appointment for an initial consultation.
I love my profession and look forward to continuing to work creatively and in close contact with my customers over the next five years. I also want to grow further with STERNEFELD in the wedding ring and engagement ring segment. Sustainability is an important topic in the jewelry industry. Therefore, I am currently intensively researching lab-grown diamonds. Furthermore, I want to explore other gemstones and new materials and further develop the brand.