About Grossé Brand
Originally known as Henkel & Grosse, the German company dropped the Henkel part of the name. To sound more French, they added an accent on the final e.
The firm was founded in 1907 in Pforzheim, the German capital of jewelers. Well known for producing jewelry for Christian Dior, which they’ve done since the 1950s, Grossé has also created their own pieces. The Grossé aesthetic is elegant and minimally adorned. Prior working with Dior, the company collaborated with Lanvin and Schiaparelli, as well as had an exclusive partnerships with Harrods and Saks Fifth Avenue. During the early 1970s, Grossé drew inspiration from the sleek “space design” aesthetics popularized by Courrèges and Paco Rabanne. This influence led to the creation of bold and futuristic jewelry pieces, marking a departure from the elaborate styles that dominated the previous decade.
In 1983, Grossé launched the Grossé Diffusion Collection, broadening its product range to include leather goods, scarves, and more. This expansion aimed to offer customers a wider variety of Grossé-branded items. In 2006, the Grosse family opted to step away from the business, leading to the integration of the firm into the Dior group.
In commemoration of its 100th Anniversary in 2007, Grossé organized a grand jewelry exhibition and gala dinner at The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel. This event served as a tribute to Grossé’s century-long journey of craftsmanship and creativity. Additionally, in 2010, the Grosse family honored the illustrious history of their family business through an exhibition held at the Schmuckmuseum Pforzheim in Germany.
About Vintage German Jewelry
Vintage German jewelry design uniquely blends traditional craftsmanship with distinctive aesthetics. Between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, jewelry making in Germany was significantly progressing, particularly in cities like Pforzheim, known as the “Golden City”. A defining feature of vintage German jewelry is its meticulous attention to detail. Artisans often used intricate filigree and other metalwork. Stylistically, German jewelry designers drew inspiration from various artistic movements of their time, such as Art Nouveau and Jugendstil. Another hallmark of vintage German jewelry design is the quality of materials used. Additionally, German jewelry often featured innovative techniques, such as guilloché enamel work and intricate granulation, which added depth and texture to the pieces. Whether it was a delicate pendant or an elaborate bracelet, vintage German jewelry captured the essence of its era while remaining timeless in its appeal.
