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nown just as much for their personalized service as their precious timepieces and jewelry collections, Wempe has continued to stand out ever since they first opened in 19th century Germany.
If you’ve passed by the New York Wempe flagship store on Fifth Avenue, you might have noticed a bit of a crowd gathered by the windows. That’s because the brand puts major emphasis on their amazing display windows which stretch over half a city block at 55th street at the ground level of the venerable Hotel Peninsula – and things only get better when you walk into the space which features 22 of the best luxury watch brands flanked by dedicated showrooms for Patek Philippe and Rolex. This all makes for an inviting environment where dazzling displays showcase everything from statement pieces to everyday jewelry to brands like Messika and Wellendorff. What might have started out as a watch repair company after establishing their headquarters in Hamburg in 1878, Wempe quickly became one of the leading jewelers of the region, especially famous for their specialized custom creations. Hellmut Wempe officially took over the company in 1963 as the third-generation
Wempe A Legacy as Dazzling as their Diamonds B Y B E T T Y TAY LO R
owner, spearheading the international expansion 40 years ago, and his daughter, Kim, became the first ever woman to take the reins in 2003. Her two children, Scott and Chiara, have just entered the company to ensure the brand’s legacy will continue and stay within the family. Wempe not only produces their very own watch brand in Glashuette, Germany, but Kim’s love for classic jewelry has made her own thoughtfully designed pieces one of the biggest contributors to Wempe’s financial success. Her BY KIM line, which is now in its 22nd year, has put Wempe jewelry on the map. Kim is indeed leading Wempe in an even more elevated direction while preserving their old
ways. “She’s keeping the traditions of her ancestors but enhancing the brand moving forward,” explains Wempe Vice President Michaela Kesselman. “We are proud to have state-of-the-art production capacities in our jewelry atelier in Schwäbisch Gmünd, a historic city in the South of Germany.” Many of Kim’s creations have won international nominations and awards, including those judged by their peers. Wempe even created their own diamond cut which is composed of 137 facets - 80 more than the classic round brilliant diamond with eternally flawless clarity, of course. Daily Garden is one of their latest collections to celebrate the uniqueness of the individual wearer.
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