In conversation with experts in their field: master goldsmith and model-making goldsmith Willi Fall and goldsmith Riecke Suchan, from the CAPOLAVORO manufactory team.

Producing masterpieces is a matter of honor at CAPOLAVORO. After all, the company has this calling in its name. Questions for Willi and Riecke.

Is every work by a master craftsman also a masterpiece?

Willi and Riecke: The experience, technology, skills and skill of the respective “craftsman” also count – you don’t have to have the title “master” to produce a masterpiece.

What are the criteria for you to call a piece of jewelry a masterpiece?

Willi and Riecke: As mentioned above, it depends on technology and experience, as well as the precision of the work, technical perfection and of course the design. A masterpiece should trigger emotions and have timeless validity.

Do you need certain materials to turn a piece of jewelry into a masterpiece?

Willi and Riecke: If everything is right, a masterpiece can also be made of other materials - it doesn't always have to be made of the finest gold.

A masterpiece can be created from almost any material, of course rare high-quality and expensive materials are one way to increase the uniqueness and value of a piece - but that is a matter of definition.

Is it enough to produce a piece with perfect craftsmanship to make it a masterpiece?

Willi and Riecke: No, it depends on a good idea and a good team. The full potential of a material should be exploited in each case.

We also happily agree with Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, who said:

“Perfection is achieved not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to leave out.”

What inspiration and how much passion does it take to create a masterpiece?

Willi: Inspiration can be anything, but you also have to be prepared to take a long, strenuous and difficult path of development and to “master” setbacks, difficulties and all problems. This requires passion, actually the willingness to “suffer”.

Riecke: You need a lot of everything. Personally, I enthusiastically implemented the ideas of others (e.g. my boss Gerhard Fritsch & Willi). My feedback is welcome.

What indications show that a piece of jewelry was masterfully crafted?

Riecke: For example, the surface design. But also the technology involved in setting, goldsmithing, polishing or the mechanics of a piece. I think you can see it in the whole process. From the first idea through the model to production and even the presentation of the masterpiece. Many steps are repeated until you are satisfied with your own requirements.

Willi: The craftsmanship perfection in all areas. When a piece of jewelry appeals to many people and evokes emotions, whether positive or negative. The piece should be independent of trends and therefore have a timeless design.

Does a masterpiece necessarily have to be precious, expensive and luxurious?

Riecke and Willi: No.

Willi: It becomes expensive due to demand and rarity, precious materials and complex manufacturing processes. A painting e.g. B. can be very low in material value and production time and only become valuable through the appreciation of viewers and buyers.

Why are many goldsmith's masterpieces also valuable?

Willi and Riecke: The high value is often self-evident: due to expensive materials and the usually very time-consuming and labor-intensive production.

Among other things, many people view the pieces as an investment. But the emotional component also counts. In addition, gemstones or precious metals are a valuable natural asset, they are unique, they give us hope and dream (topic Billion Dreams).

Is the perfection of a master goldsmith enough to create a masterful piece of jewelry or is additional skill required?

Riecke: No, the work of the goldsmith alone is usually not enough; the skills of the designer, setter and fine polisher are also required. A masterpiece from the CAPOLAVORO company is produced by the team.

How many hours do goldsmiths and representatives of other trades spend making a piece of jewelry?

Riecke: For some pieces of jewelry this can take over a week. For example, the Passione Ring or the Billion Dreams balls are very time-consuming.

Is there a secret to giving a piece of jewelry a “soul”?

Willi and Riecke: It's the sum of everything. If you had to describe it in 3 words, they would be: timelessness, materials that catch the eye and attention to detail.