“Those who have experienced the power transmitted by natural crystals know that it’s real. One thousand million years old, its inner vibrancy reflects the rhythm and the heartbeat of our planet. The physical contact with the natural crystal draws us closer to our earthly origins, induces inner harmony, lessens tensions and lands concentration to our minds.”
As SAUER’s creative director since 2014, Stephanie Wenk is responsible for updating and preserving the brand's longstanding DNA, bringing it into the present with an expressively contemporary approach and garnering avid collectors of her one-of-a-kind pieces.
After studying psychology and a stint in fashion, Stephanie dove headfirst into the world of precious stones and fine jewelry. Her collections for SAUER are steeped in references to nature, spirituality, art movements, architecture and science. These are jewels with special meaning that go far beyond the purely decorative, abounding in symbolism and femininity, both central to Stephanie’s work.
"As a woman at the helm of a brand that boasts a mainly female workplace, I think it's important to propagate the strength and diversity of the remarkable women who remind us that we invariably hold the key to solving the world's greatest challenges," says Wenk.
After studying psychology and a stint in fashion, Stephanie dove headfirst into the world of precious stones and fine jewelry. Her collections for SAUER are steeped in references to nature, spirituality, art movements, architecture and science. These are jewels with special meaning that go far beyond the purely decorative, abounding in symbolism and femininity, both central to Stephanie’s work.
"As a woman at the helm of a brand that boasts a mainly female workplace, I think it's important to propagate the strength and diversity of the remarkable women who remind us that we invariably hold the key to solving the world's greatest challenges," says Wenk.
TIMELINE
1941 - FOUNDATION OF LAPIDAÇÃO AMSTERDAM:
In an incredible yet challenging journey, young Jules Sauer arrives in Brazil in 1939, having fled Europe during World War II. After years of working in the country that welcomed him, he manages to start his own business in 1941, and thus Lapidação Amsterdam is born. Around that time, he meets Zilda, a partner who would help him develop his love of precious stones and whom he would later marry. This is just the beginning of the entrepreneur’s story, driven by an urge to explore Brazil in search of its greatest treasures.
1954 - THE LEGENDARY MARTHA ROCHA AQUAMARINE:
Jules Sauer's passion for gemstones rendered a beautiful tribute to Martha Rocha, who was crowned Miss Brazil in 1954. The model's striking blue eyes inspired Sauer to name the latest gemological discovery after her: the largest rough Aquamarine ever found in history, distinguished by its exceptional purity and color.
1956 - SAUER JEWELRY STORE, THE FIRST ON AVENIDA ATLÂNTICA:
In 1956, SAUER opened its inaugural store on the ground floor of the Chopin Building, adjacent to the iconic Copacabana Palace. For the first time, a Brazilian jewelry store would match the standard of excellence in décor and service of its iconic French counterparts on the Place Vendôme in Paris. Its location, facing the bustling Copacabana beach, was the epicenter of glamour back then.
1963 - CERTIFICATION OF THE EMERALD IN BRAZIL:
Jules R. Sauer was responsible for the recognition of the emerald in Brazil. In 1963, Sauer traveled to the Salininha region, east of the São Francisco River, to witness firsthand the discovery made by local miners: genuine emeralds. Jules then made several trips to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the most prestigious gemological institution in the world, in order to prove that the green beryls found in Bahia were indeed the first Brazilian emeralds.
1966 - THE CONSTELLATION RING AWARD:
The De Beers - Diamonds International Awards Notably among the brand’s most iconic pieces, the Constellation ring earned SAUER its first Diamonds International Award, known as the OsCars of the international fine jewelry industry. The ring, created in the 1960s and inspired by the decade’s space race, remains a classic to this day.
1967 - THE WORLD’S LARGEST ALEXANDRITE, THE VICTORY ALEXANDRITE:
In 1967, the largest raw alexandrite in the world was discovered, weighing 122,400 carats, in the district of Jaquetó in southern Bahia. Later on, in 1995, the gemstone would enter the Guinness Book of World Records and make gemological history in Brazil.
1982 - LAUNCH OF "PARAÍSO DAS PEDRAS PRECIOSAS" (PARADISE OF GEMSTONES):
The first book written by Jules Sauer was also the first publication entirely dedicated to the universe of gemstones in Brazil. It explores the properties, history, and occurrence locations of Brazilian stones, from emeralds and diamonds to imperial topaz and aquamarines. Photos of the gems in their natural state captivate readers, in addition to images of cut stones and phenomenal jewelry pieces.
For access to all content of published book archives, please contact us by phone or via WhatsApp at +55 21 97291-6825.1989 - OPENING OF THE AMSTERDAM SAUER MUSEUM:
The Sauer Museum is a turning point in the appreciation of Brazil's gemological heritage. Located in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, the museum featured around three thousand exhibits, comprising an extensive collection of gems, a result of the passion and pursuit of gemstone hunter Jules Sauer.
1992 - THE LUNA BRACELET AWARD:
De Beers - Diamonds International Awards
SAUER won its second Diamonds International Award with the spectacular Luna Bracelet. Crafted in yellow and white gold with 42 brilliant-cut diamonds, the bracelet weighs a total of 23 carats.
2000 - THE FIREWORKS NECKLACE AWARD:
De Beers - Diamonds International Awards
The Fireworks Necklace solidified its success by winning the third of SAUER’s Diamonds International awards. The jewel, made with flexible gold threads and featuring 422 diamonds.
2007 - JULES SAUER RECEIVES THE ICA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:
In recognition of his efforts in promoting colored gemstones worldwide, Jules Sauer is given the Lifetime AchievementAward from the International Colored Gemstone Association.
2011 - LAUNCH OF JULES ROGER SAUER’S BIOGRAPHY, THE PATH OF STONES:
From his arrival in Brazil to becoming the leader of one of the largest jewelry companies in the country, The Path of Stones, Jules R. Sauer’s biography, includes intriguing anecdotes about his relentless quest for extraordinary gemstones and stories about the Sauer family.
For access to all content of published book archives, please contact us by phone or via WhatsApp at +55 21 97291-6825.
2015 - EDEN COLLECTION:
Marisa Berenson, a ‘70s icon internationally renowned for her influence in the worlds of fashion and cinema, inspiriting in her verve and passion for life, embodies both muse and collaborator for SAUER’s Eden collection. Surrealism plays a central role in Marisa’s identity, inspiring Eden’s designs and adding valuable insights.
2016 - 75 YEARS:
To celebrate its 75 years of history, SAUER paid tribute to women, their greatest source of inspiration, with a book of 75 spectacular portraits captured by acclaimed photographer Bob Wolfenson. The book‘s proceeds were entirely donated to the Spectaculu non-profit.
2018 - SP ARTE MANDACARU:
When SP-Arte takes place, São Paulo becomes the nexus of the national and international art scene. Considered the most important art fair in LatinAmerica, the 2018 edition went beyond the gates of Ibirapuera Park, with the Bienal Pavilion featuring exhibitors from across Brazil and the world.
2020 - IGUATEMI SHOPPING STORE:
Designed by Estúdio Tupi, the architectural project presents contemporary elements that evoke the brand's history. The façade, composed of green alpi granite in a herringbone pattern, reaffirms the Brazilian essence of the jeweler and recalls the discovery of the first Brazilian emerald by its founder, thelegendary Jules Sauer, in 1963. Walls and panels of pink and light green quartz create an immersive atmosphere in nature and the universe of gemstones, reproducing the visual identity of the brand's jewelry boxes.