Goldfisch

PRODUCTION LOCATIONS

• Düsseldorf, Germany 

WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES

Atelier Goldfisch manufactures all its jewellery by hand in its own workshop in Düsseldorf-Flingern. Complete control over the production process enables fairer and safer working conditions. Tabea Kamper, a trained goldsmith, works closely with her partner Fabi – a small, family-run business that does not use external production. Production is carried out entirely in-house, which eliminates typical risks such as unclear labour conditions or a lack of insight into suppliers.

The recycled gold used comes from a German refinery with which the studio works. This company processes 95% recycled gold – a more environmentally friendly and more resource-saving approach. Most of the precious stones, pearls and corals come from local sources in Düsseldorf or from vintage stocks, which enables both short transport routes and a high degree of transparency. There are no known middlemen and there are only a few, well-chosen partners.

There is no explicit mention of certification of the refinery or suppliers, but the close, direct cooperation prioritises the traceability of materials. The chemicals used are also deliberately reduced – for example by using lemon pickling instead of aggressive acids.

MATERIALS

• Recycled gold
• Recycled silver
• Recycled platinum
• Customer’s own old gold (is melted down and reprocessed)
• Vintage diamonds
• Vintage pearls
• Vintage corals
• Gemstones from Düsseldorf

Atelier Goldfisch uses almost exclusively recycled precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum, either from a German refinery (with 95% recycled content) or from customers’ old gold, which is remelted directly. 
Read more about whether the circular economy can offer solutions for the gold and silver jewellery industry here.

PACKAGING

Atelier Goldfisch uses recycled packaging from Belgium for shipping. These so-called eco-boxes are made from recycled material and fit in with the brand’s overall concept of conserving resources. As the atelier does not yet operate an online shop, shipping only takes place in individual cases. Thanks to local production in the company’s own workshop in Düsseldorf and the sourcing of materials from the region, there is no traditional transport in the supply chain – meaning that major logistics processes are completely eliminated.

WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS

Atelier Goldfisch favours the careful use of chemicals in its workshop. Instead of aggressive solutions, for example, lemon pickling is used – a milder alternative for metalworking. 

CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN

Atelier Goldfisch works exclusively with mono-materials such as gold, silver and platinum, which are either recycled or brought in and remelted by customers. This makes the jewellery particularly recyclable – without material mixtures or synthetic additives.

The studio also offers repairs and remodelling: Old or damaged pieces are remoulded, supplemented or melted down and turned into new designs. A take-back service in the classic sense is not provided, but customers can consciously bring their old jewellery for further processing – a direct contribution to circular use.

As no textiles or mixed materials are used, the subsequent recyclability of the products is not a problem. Thanks to the handcrafted production, the jewellery can also be easily repaired or adapted.

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODEL

Atelier Goldfisch offers its own repair and remodelling service. Customers can bring old, damaged or no longer worn pieces of jewellery to the studio, where they can be repaired, adapted or redesigned on site – for example with new settings, additions or melted into a new design. 

There is no classic take-back service in the sense of return for recycling or second-hand sale. Instead, a very effective circular approach is pursued via remodelling, in which existing materials remain in the cycle.

The focus is clearly on customised production, longevity and personal reuse.

DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN

• Germany (own workshop in Düsseldorf-Flingern – complete production on site)
• Belgium (for packaging)
• Atelier Goldfisch has its headquarters in Düsseldorf, Germany.

The brand has a very simple, transparent supply chain, as all work steps – from design to production – take place in its own workshop.

TRANSPORTATION 

• Thanks to local production in the company’s own workshop in Düsseldorf and cooperation with regional partners – such as a German refinery and local gemstone sources – almost all transport in the supply chain is eliminated. The packaging comes from Belgium, which minimises transport routes.
• There is currently no active online shop, which means that shipping only takes place occasionally. 

No animal materials are used.

PRODUCT DESIGN

Atelier Goldfisch produces unique pieces of jewellery such as rings, necklaces and earrings – for all genders. The designs are individual, timeless and handmade, often based on reworkings of existing pieces or customer requests.

Size-specific inclusivity plays a lesser role in the jewellery sector, as many pieces are customised or made to order. This means that individual sizes and wishes can be catered for, which enables an inclusive approach to design. 

SLOW FASHION PROCESSES

Atelier Goldfisch does not have a classic collection rhythm, but works with a continuous, changeable collection, which is expanded or remodelled according to the customer’s wishes. Many pieces are created on request (made to order) or through individual reworking of existing pieces of jewellery (made to measure).

The focus is on customised pieces, timelessness and personal value rather than seasonal sales.

TRANSPARENCY ON PRODUCT

As Atelier Goldfisch does not yet operate an online shop, there are no classic product pages with standardised information on materials or countries of production. Customers receive information directly through personal contact – whether on site in the studio or via individual enquiries.

The traceability of the products is nevertheless high: as each piece of jewellery is made in the company’s own workshop in Düsseldorf and often consists of used material brought in, customers know exactly where and how their piece was produced. Transparency is created here through direct communication instead of digital product documentation.

TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESS

Atelier Goldfisch provides basic insights into materials and working methods, especially through personal communication and their online presence (e.g. social media). They provide open information about the use of recycled precious metals, the collaboration with a German refinery, local production in Düsseldorf and the careful use of chemicals.

Detailed information on individual suppliers, exact cost calculations or traceability at product level are not publicly documented. As there is no online shop, there is also no digital tracking of individual items.

The brand tends to communicate its values and working methods in direct dialogue with customers and relies on trust through personal proximity and artisanal transparency.