FREY WILLE JEWELRY GUIDE

FREY WILLE JEWELRY GUIDE

For almost 1,000 years, enamel has been used by the world's greatest artisans to produce strikingly beautiful works of art. By combining finely ground glass and metallic oxides, ancient artists discovered that these powders would melt under intense heat, leaving behind a smooth, thin layer of incredibly bright 'glaze'.




Over generations, these techniques were refined. Layers of enamel were used to build up complex patterns; precious metals and gems were added to the mix; and artists developed their own 'secret recipes' for this most dazzling of materials.

FREY WILLE JEWELRY GUIDE

At the headquarters of FREY WILLE (pronounced 'villa'), in Vienna, an international team of academically trained designers keep this 1,000-year-old tradition going strong. It is here that the company's distinctive, elegant, enamelled jewellery starts its life.


From the artist's original water-colour sketches to the final firing there are approximately 80 stages of production in each and every piece of FREY WILLE jewelery. This includes their own secret recipe that fuses together gold and enamel to produce a range of stunningly striking creations with a depth of colour that almost glows.



Collectors have been enjoying FREY WILLE jewelry since the company was founded in 1951 by the late Viennese enamel artist Michaela Frey. However, it is Chairman, Friedrich Wille, who has been the driving force behind FREY WILLE since 1980.

FREY WILLE JEWELRY GUIDE

It is Dr Wille's enthusiasm and vision - plus a genuine passion for the creative arts - that has powered the company's growth over the last two decades. Combining an already enviable reputation for quality and craftsmanship with a growing range of new jewellery and accessories, FREY WILLE can now boast over 50 international boutiques and a growing, worldwide fan- base.




For most of us, beautiful jewellery is a rare purchase. We buy one piece and it sits in its box while we wait for an appropriate occasion to wear it. What makes FREY WILLE so exciting is, not just the beauty of their creations but next to that their jewellery is designed specifically with collectors in mind. These exquisite, enamelled creations are, in fact, highly wearable collectables.

FREY WILLE JEWELRY GUIDE

 
The product of over two years research and design, each of FREY WILLE's nine very individual jewellery collections takes its inspiration from a range of sources; and there's something to suit all tastes.




The art of Claude Monet and Gustav Klimt; the imagery of Ancient Egypt, Venice and Austria; Greco-Roman traditions; Mogul Art and Contemporary Art have all proved to be popular themes with FREY WILLE enthusiasts. Their latest collection - Homage to Hundertivasser - celebrates the work of the famed Austrian abstract painter, and designs inspired by his saturated colours and bold spirals will be wowing collectors

FREY WILLE JEWELRY GUIDE

With the emphasis on the historical and artistic authenticity of designs, each FREY WILLE collection is strikingly tiifferent in appearance. But there is one consistent element: choice. With every collection, fans can choose from a range of large or small enamelled pendants, brooches, earrings (pierced or clip), rings, bangles, dress watches, and a growing range of matching accessories such as scarves, handbags and pens, along with ties, cufflinks, belt buckles and tie clips. Unlike many 'collectibles' however there are no 'limited editions' or retirement dates.










"Our jewellery doesn't have a shelf-life," comments Monica Sakhai of FREY WILLE's flagship store in London's bustling Burlington Arcade. "Our customers like to know that they can keep buying pieces at their own pace. Many items will remain available for years, and we're also constantly adding to the collections, so there's always the luxury of having something else in your set." What's more, each design is set in mountings of 18ct gold, or white or yellow decor, enabling purchases to be made to suit both your outfit and your bank balance! Passion and vision

FREY WILLE JEWELRY GUIDE

It's this huge choice that makes FREY WILLE so popular with collectors. "It appeals to such a broad range of people," continues Monica, "There are those who just love and collect enamel; some are attracted by particular collections - they may like dolphins, for example - or want to buy a piece that reminds them of a trip to Egypt that they took. But many people," she smiles, "just love the luxury of wearing a piece of art."









Imagery is important to FREY WILLE collectors too. Some ancient artists believed that symbols and images gave their work power; that it would give the wearer the protection of the gods. FREY WILLE claim no such supernatural powers, but their artists use much of the same imagery. Pieces in the Greco-Ronan Collection, for example, feature the Hellenistic Lion, a symbol of pow
er and justice.

FREY WILLE JEWELRY GUIDE

The Egyptian Collection uses images such as the lotus flower, which represents purity and creation. So every piece is more than just a beautiful object; it has meaning. This is something that appeals to many who want to buy a significant gift for a significant other. In fact, while the recipe for FREY WlLLE's lustrous enamels may be a closely guarded secret, the formula for their success is much easier to discern: pure, timeless and expressive elegance.