Jörg Heinz – Tying Up the Loose Ends

June 2010


By T. R. Flora

Throughout the history of jewellery, designers have viewed the clasp, often a simple hook, as an unloved and often neglected necessity. That is, until 1974.

The Achilles heel of fine jewellery has always been how to fasten the ends of a necklace. Reaching behind to open a clasp at the nape of the neck was awkward for its wearer, yet no one seemed to come up with the perfect solution.

That is until 1974, when—after much contemplation and experimentation—a young German goldsmith came up with a revolutionary idea. What if the clasp were not at the back but at the front of the necklace, at its centre? What if the function of the clasp were hidden inside a beautiful piece of jewellery? What if the design could be changed in a split-second?

The ingenuity of Jörg Heinz’s clasp began with its function. The necklace’s wearer can open and close it simply by pressing and twisting the fastener. Its precise mechanism makes it easy to open, yet maintains the clasp securely closed. This invention was more than just a technical and design innovation. It was one of the world’s first variable systems for modern jewellery. These interchangeable pieces became design elements in their own right.

Whether they feature pearls, gold, platinum, gemstones, or steel, Jörg Heinz’s clasps ensure that chains are easy to open, close, and transform. Each wearer can adapt her jewellery to match her outfit: sleekly simple for everyday wear, tastefully elegant for the business look, or opulently lavish for festive occasions. Since 1974, the family brand has steadily refined its capabilities, using a combination of cutting-edge technology and traditional savoir-faire to create beautiful new designs. Today, the firm’s founder has been joined by his sons Martin and Lars Heinz. “Our invention of the modern clasp has often been described as a milestone in the history of jewellery. Because it’s so easy to interchange, it offers unlimited creative vistas for form to follow function,” says Martin Heinz. The brand continues to unveil new collections such as the Mystery Sphere collection, which offers a new “twist” to design with mysterious spheres that have a tempting outer skin surrounding a precious interior.

The latest in the parade of innovative jewellery is the Magic Pendant. Each pendant, which can be clipped onto a chain or necklace, contains three different looks that the wearer can individually bring into view by means of a user-friendly rotating mechanism. South Sea and Tahitian pearls, diamond pavé, brilliant-cut diamond solitaires, midnight-black onyx, or warm red enamel make this piece of jewellery into a magical quick-change artist, one that elegantly reflects Jörg Heinz’s slogan: Always different, but always me. Whether creating magical pendants or interchangeable clasps, the Jörg Heinz team can always figure out a way to tie up the loose ends.

www.joerg-heinz.com