August 30, 2023 |
BLINGIN’ IT IS TEN’S ONLINE SERIES WHERE WE SPOTLIGHT THE INNOVATORS AND CHANGE-MAKERS OF THE JEWELLERY WORLD.
British sisters Rosanna and Christie Wollenberg were all about filling a gap in the market when they founded demi-fine jewellery brand Otiumberg in 2016. Spurred on by their desire for ethically-made staple pieces that won’t break the bank, the pair built their business around non-seasonal collections and timeless design. Proving a wildly effective tactic, the label now boasts a 64 percent growth year-on-year since its inception. Despite the affordable price tag, the quality of the products never subsides. Skilfully sculpted from nine carat solid gold, sterling silver or gold vermeil, the discreetly elevated designs bring a fashionable edge to fine jewellery. Not forgoing luxury either, pieces can be peppered with diamonds or gemstones.
The void identified by the Wollenbergs was clearly felt, with the refined label welcoming international stars such as Margot Robbie, Paul Mescal and Olivia Palermo into their cult following. Stocked in a variety of global retailers, from Selfridges, Brown’s Fashion and Matches Fashion to Galeries Lafayette Champs Élysées and Six Senses Ibiza, Otiumberg is on track to dominate the industry.
A list of thoughtful and complementary collaborations populate the brand’s roster. Limited-edition pieces developed alongside Australian ready-to-wear brand Camilla and Marc has led to a growth in transnational sales, and a collaborative collection with London-based creative director Alex Eagle – who also stocks the jewels in her curated Soho store – remains a fan-favourite. Speaking on these past collabs, the Wollenbergs highlight how “it’s great to see those pieces we designed many years ago remain relevant and loved”.
Another tenet of the London-based label’s central ethos is responsible production. Through their commitment to using recycled materials and conscious handcrafting, the brand bagged itself the prestigious Marie Claire Sustainability Award in 2021. Despite the award, the pair say they “often find the word sustainable challenging in an industry that thrives off newness”, with “openness and honesty” being most paramount. They recently launched a Single Mine Origin Gold initiative, which “allows customers to know the exact origin of their gold, sourced only from the very best in class mines.” The impetus for the project derives from the Wollenberg’s recognition of their “contribution to the demand in gold and hope that by investing in this project” they can “contribute to the improvement to the wider mining industry.”
This commitment to responsible production is now rightfully reaping its rewards, with the brand recently being awarded the B Corp certificate, achieving a high-reaching B Impact Assessment score of 82.4. With the certification being based on five key areas – community, customer, environment, government, and workers – Otiumberg is the guilt-free gift that keeps on giving.
ON DEVELOPING A LOVE FOR JEWELLERY
Rosanna and Christie: “It probably began with our grandmothers’ rings. As children we used to love her soft and porcelain-like skin, and with that came an appreciation for the rings she always wore. There was a Greek key design ring that she wore alongside her wedding rings that we would always try on, a gift from her late husband. That’s where we first started to appreciate jewellery for both its beauty and ability to be a vehicle for so much meaning and sentimentality. We now treasure that piece dearly.”
ON THE BIRTH OF OTIUMBERG
Rosanna: “We founded the brand when we were living together and both working in the creative industries; Christie in luxury fashion at Burberry and myself in the art industry. While we both enjoyed our work, we began to feel an urge to create something for ourselves. We both loved to express ourselves through fashion and as part of that we often played around with how we styled our piercings. We recognised that whilst we had disposable income, we were unable to buy into fine jewellery and also had little interest in throw away high street options. Christie had previously made some solid gold huggie hoops whilst living in the Middle East and working at LVMH, which we both loved styling across our new piercings. When our friends started requesting the pieces, we began to think that there was an opportunity to build on this and create a collection which was beautifully crafted, long-lasting and attainable in price point. Otiumberg was a slow evolution built during our evenings, weekends and whenever we could find time amongst our day jobs. The brand came very naturally to us, and we instinctively designed the collection piece by piece based on what we wanted to wear. Sales and press started to pick up and the rest is history.”
ON BRIDGING THEIR SKILLSETS
Rosanna: “Without knowing it we had spent our previous careers building up very complementary skill sets. It has meant that at Otiumberg we have been able to work independently yet cohesively together, driving the business forward together. Christie came to Otiumberg with 12 years of luxury fashion experience having worked in the communications, buying and VIP departments of Burberry and Louis Vuitton both in London and the UAE. Christie’s experience has been integral in establishing Otiumberg as a luxury brand with core principles around longevity and craftsmanship. I spent my career prior to Otiumberg working in positions across the art and branding industries in both London and New York. This experience has really helped us establish a clear and cohesive brand tone and identity. It’s been so great for both of us to use our experience to create something that is personal and meaningful.”
ON THE OTIUMBERG LOOK
Rosanna and Christie: “Our collection offers pieces that are minimal and understated, designs that compliment rather than dominate the wearer’s personal style. The Otiumberg look is effortless and quietly commanding. Each piece is designed as a modern classic, handcrafted responsibly in the purest artisanal tradition using precious metals selected for their beauty and durability.”
ON BEING DEFINED AS “DEMI-FINE”
Rosanna and Christie: “For us, demi-fine was a way that retailers described and categorized a new desire that arose for pieces that were crafted from high-quality materials at attainable price points – an everyday luxury. The category for us is a little too restrictive as the Otiumberg collection works in many materials from fine solid 18-karat in our wedding band collection, to 9-karat solid gold and sterling silver. Our approach is to always craft pieces that feel special and luxurious through considered design and high-quality materials. We are very mindful if price point and try our best to ensure that the designs are as attainable as possible for what they are. We always want our customers to be able to invest with confidence and excitement into pieces they will wear with love and cherish.”
ON THE OTIUMBERG WOMAN
Rosanna and Christie: “The Otiumberg woman is more of an attitude and way of being. Our collection really works for those that seek a more understated and effortless style. Our woman is confident in her own distinct style that isn’t informed by passing trends, rather chooses wisely to ensure she is investing in pieces that feel intuitively her and therefore will be loved as a second skin for years to come.”
ON NAVIGATING THE DYNAMICS OF FAMILY AND WORK LIFE
Rosanna and Christie: “We always say that being sisters is our secret weapon as there is a level of trust and understanding between us that I think you only really have with family. With that we’ve been able to build a solid and supportive foundation for the team. We’re often able to tell what the other one is thinking without even speaking and importantly can have honest and frank conversations together. Being neighbours was not something we planned but it was an opportunity we simply couldn’t turn down. It’s been a very positive experience that has helped our relationship both as colleagues and importantly, as sisters. We often take early calls together and it’s great to be able to take time out from the studio to work together on strategy and design at home. From a family standpoint, we can easily spend quality time with our families and ensure that we keep our sister relationship strong outside of work.”
ON THE SISTERS’ GO-TO STAPLES
Rosanna: “We both currently live in the Pebble Earrings which come in both gold vermeil and sterling silver. They are light enough for everyday wear, and truly give you that desk to dinner design that suits our rather hectic lives. There is a beauty in their simple curved shape that is modern and feminine. Christie is never seen without her name bracelets of her three children, a design that is truly signature to Otiumberg. It’s so lovely to be reminded of your children as you type or draw.”
ON THE FUTURE OF OTIUMBERG
Rosanna and Christie: “We’ve always said the most important thing is that we continue to enjoy the business and that it continues to challenge us both creatively and professionally. We are looking to opportunities within the global market such as Japan and the United States, so watch this space for some activity in those regions moving forward.”
Photography courtesy of Otiumberg.
