The renowned German jeweler Koch was established in 1879 by the brothers Robert (1852-1902) and Louis Koch (1862-1930). The Koch brothers quickly distinguished themselves for exceptional quality in both design and craftsmanship, rooted in the rich goldsmithing traditions of Hanau. Their workshop collaborated with the esteemed Hanauer Bijouteriefabrik Friedrich Kreuter & Co., which played a crucial role in the manufacturing of their high-quality pieces. Koch’s main store was located in Frankfurt, and they later opened a boutique in Baden-Baden, one of Germany’s most fashionable spa destinations of the era.
Koch’s exceptional designs soon attracted the attention of Germany’s high nobility, including the German Imperial family, particularly during the Belle Époque. Their refined creations, known for both elegance and exquisite detail, became highly sought after by royalty. One notable commission was a delicate neoclassical diamond tiara crafted for Princess Victoria Luise, the daughter of Emperor Wilhelm II, epitomizing the sophistication and artisanal skill that defined Koch’s legacy.
Koch and Kreuter’s collaboration represents a fascinating chapter in German jewelry history, merging artistic vision with masterful craftsmanship. While Koch, with his impeccable taste and understanding of aristocratic elegance, became a jeweler to Germany’s elite, Friedrich Kreuter’s workshop brought the designs to life with unmatched skill and precision. The Hanauer Bijouteriefabrik Friedrich Kreuter & Co., established as one of Hanau’s premier jewelry manufacturers, was celebrated for its attention to detail and ability to produce intricate, high-quality pieces that aligned perfectly with Koch’s sophisticated aesthetics.
Throughout the Belle Époque, Koch and Kreuter produced many remarkable pieces that went beyond simple adornment, becoming symbols of status, heritage, and artistry. Their works ranged from tiaras and parures set with diamonds and colored gemstones to unique neoclassical creations with delicate, often floral motifs that reflected the era’s fascination with natural forms. The Koch-Kreuter alliance was notable not only for its high-profile clientele but also for its contribution to establishing German jewelry as a symbol of refinement on an international scale.
As the 20th century progressed, the designs of Koch and Kreuter retained their cultural importance, standing as historical artifacts that captured the essence of their time. Today, collectors and connoisseurs recognize Koch pieces, often produced by Kreuter, for their distinctive blend of elegance and historical significance, making them highly valued in auctions and private collections worldwide. This legacy highlights not only the importance of collaboration in jewelry artistry but also the lasting impact of German craftsmanship on global jewelry trends.
Juwelenarbeiten aus dem Hause Kreuter im Besitz fürstlicher und königlicher Häuser |Royal Jewels made by Kreuter & Co. ca. 1900-1950, Hanau, Deutschland, Gebr Kreuter,
Royal Jewels made by „jeweller Koch Frankfurt“, workshop Friedrich Kreuter & Co, Hanau
Diadem made by jeweller Koch, Tiara made by workshop Friedrich Kreuter & Co, Hanau
Kreuter & Co. , Gebr Kreuter
Hanauer Juwelenfabrikation Fr. Kreuter u. Co., gegründet 1842 von Georg Friedrich Kreuter 1815-1902 und Wilhelm Karl Ludwig Kreuter 1813- fertigte zu Beginn des 20. Jahrhunderts in enger Zusammenarbeit mit dem jüdischen Juwelier Robert Koch 1852-1902, über dessen Filialen in Frankfurt und Baden-Baden der Hanauer Schmuck angeboten wurde,
Ab 1879 arbeitete sie mit dem Juweliergeschäft Robert Koch (Frankfurt und Baden-Baden, seit 1883 Hofjuwelier) zusammen, als auch mit Juwelier Friedländer, Berlin.
Peter Rath, München, A. Nees in Bad Kissingen, Ernst Treusch in Leipzig; Firma Hessenberg, Frankfurt;
auch Max Friedrich Koch, Berlin – bezog Schmuck der Frma Kreuter!
Adelshäuser aus ganz Europa und Russland gehörten zu ihren Kunden. Während der Firmenzeit wurden über 700 Kronjuwelen produziert, für deutsche, mitteleuropäische und russische Adelshäuser sowie für zahlreiche abnehmende Hofjuweliere, Auftragsarbeiten, in Europa und Übersee.
Hanauer Juwelenfabrikation Fr. Kreuter & Co., gegründet 1842 von Georg Friedrich Kreuter (22.3.1815-8.6.1902) und Wilhelm Karl Ludwig Kreuter
Die Anfänge der Firma für Juwelen- und Goldschmiedearbeiten“ als Firma Kreuter & Co. Die Firma Kreuter & Co.
Juwelier Robert Koch, Hofjuwelier in Frankfurt am Main und Baden-Baden
7. Die Hanauer Schmuckmanufakturen auf den Weltausstellungen
Stilistische Einordnung der Kreuter-Schmuckentwürfe
Kreuter-Schmuck zum Ende des 19. Jahrhunderts bis 1914
Die Schmuckproduktion Kreuters während der Kriegsjahre von1914 bis 1919
Kreuter-Schmuck von 1919-1932
Schmuck in den 1930ern – die nationalsozialistische Zeit von1933-1945
Der Schmuck Hugo Levens Zeichner der Firma Kreuter & Co.
Weitere Kooperationspartner der Fa. Kreuter
Hanau gilt als eines der wichtigsten Schmuckzentren Deutschlands, dessen Goldschmiedegewerbe bis ins 16. Jahrhundert zurückreicht. Ihre wirtschaftliche Blüte erlebte die „Gold- und Silberschmiedestadt“ in der Zeit etwa zwischen 1800 bis zum Zweiten Weltkrieg. Die Juwelenfirmen spezialisierten sich in dieser Zeit auf hochwertigen Juwelenschmuck und Hanau entwickelte sich nach Pforzheim zum zweitgrößten Schmuckzentrum Deutschlands. Eine der einflussreichsten war die Juwelenfirma Kreuter & Co., deren Entwürfe aus der Schaffenszeit von 1842 bis 1984 im Firmenarchiv dokumentiert sind. Die enge Zusammenarbeit mit dem seit 1879 bestehenden Juweliergeschäft „Robert Koch“ in Frankfurt (seit 1883 Hofjuwelier) begründete den gemeinsamen Erfolg. Der Schmuck Kreuters durchlief seit Mitte des 19. Jahrhunderts bis etwa 1945 mehrere markante Stilwandlungen: Angefangen beim Historismus, folgte ein Jugendstil französischer Prägung, der Art Déco und schließlich der Farbgoldschmuck der Vierziger und Fünfziger Jahre. Kreuters Entwerfer nahmen zeittypische Einflüsse auf, die sie in eigenständigen Interpretationen kreativ und hochwertig umsetzten.
Zeitungsartikel über Pariser Schmuck auf den Weltausstellungen 210
Ergänzender Zeitungsartikel zu Kapitel
Weitere Schmuckstücke, die Kreuterzugeordnet werden können siehe „Royal Magazin“ – tiaras diamonds platinum imperialjeweller jewellerkoch historicalroyal tresuresfromtheroyalcolletions royaltiaras
Katalog Entwurfzeichnungen der Firma Kreuter & Co.
Katalog Entwurfzeichnungen der Firma Kreuter & Co.
Katalog Entwurfzeichnungen von Hugo Leven
Koch, Robert (1854 – 1902)
For most of his life, Robert Koch, a purveyor to all the royal courts and high nobility of Europe, with shops in Frankfurt and Baden-Baden, is considered to be the Cartier of Germany.
In hopes of providing better opportunities for her five children, Regine Koch, a doctor’s widow, moves the family to Frankfurt am Main in 1870. Due to his mathematical talents, son Robert works as a teller at the Frankfurt Vereinsbank, but then follows his artistic passions and opens a jewellery store in 1879. His equally admirable younger brother Louis becomes his partner. Robert marries in 1880. The Koch company expands, thanks to the booming economy at the end of the 19th century. The family-run business places a high priority on customer relationships and acquisition, travels extensively throughout the country and makes a point to personally visit customers. Koch also participates in all the important industry exhibitions in Berlin and Hamburg. Early on, Robert Koch introduces Germany to jewellery from India. In the 1880s, the brothers open a store in Baden-Baden in the Kolonnaden, where the fashionable, the royal and the business elite mingle. Louis – a marvellous salesperson with sophisticated taste – takes over the branch store. He and his brother are among the richest men in Frankfurt around 1900. Their success is a result of several factors, including a clear sense of style, excellent taste and business acumen, but also a novel strategic approach: they manufacture their own ideas and designs in their own large studios in Hanau by their own masterful experts. Jewels from Koch are recognisable by a very special style and quality. Koch’s customers include many German dynasties, among them the houses of Hessen, Thurn und Taxis, and the Hohenzollern, which bestows the title of court jeweller at the turn of the century. They quickly achieve a level of international fame. The King of Italy, the Russian Tsar and the Prince of Wales all do business with Koch. In the years 1898 to 1918 the jeweller produces no less than 704 tiaras and crowns and 50 to 60 bandeaux. The beloved diadems are delicate and fine, mostly fashioned in a garland style.
In 1902 the jewellery business moves to an imposing store on Kaiserstrasse in Frankfurt. In the same year, Robert Koch dies at the age of 51. Louis manages the business alone until 1909 when Robert’s son Otto joins the company, along with Hermann Netter. Their style reflects the fashion of the time. Otto dies as the result of a riding accident in 1920. Louis dies in 1930. The jewellery business carries on, managed by Koch’s grandsons Rudolf and Robert Heilbrunner. The Kochs, a Jewish family, emigrate in 1935 to England, whereby the store in Baden-Baden is forced to close. After the war, the Frankfurt jeweller reopens in 1949 but with new owners. The traditional house finally closes its doors indefinitely in 1986.
BIJOUTERIEFABRIK KREUTER
Robert + Kreuter & Co. Kreuter & Co, · Kreuter & Co
Das 1905 errichtete ehemalige Fabrikgebäude der Bijouteriefabrik Fr. Kreuter & Co.
befindet sich etwas abgerückt von der Cornicelius-straße auf dem hinteren Teil des Geländes. Die 1842 von den Brüdern Karl und Friedrich Kreuter gegründete Firma zählte zwischen 1898 und 1918 zu den führenden Herstellern von Kronjuwelen in Deutschland. 1842 von Karl und Friedrich Kreuter gegründeten Bijouteriefabrik,
Hofjuwelier:
Fürst von Montenegro; König von England, Kaiser Nikolaus IIv Russland, Großherzogin von Baden; Prinzessin von Wales, Kaiser und Königin von Deutschland, Preussen ; Großherzogin Mecklenburg-Schwerin; Großherzog von Hessen; König von Württemberg; Herzogin von Hamilton; Großherzog von Luxemburg; Fürsten v. Schaumburg-Lippe; Herrzog von Sachsen-Altenburg; Erbprinzessin von Sachsen-Meiningen; König von Italien; Erbgroßherzogin Hilda von Baden,
A delicate Lattice work tiara, Gold Diamond white sapphire ca 1902, which is set with white sapphires, apparently manufactured by Kreuter, Hanau, it was probably the gift from her father – Exhibit. Wartski 1997.
Thank you to Stefan Stern for the sketch of Kreuter and Philipp Tuerk.
More about the Lattice work Diamond and Sapphire Tiara>>Countess Suffolk| White Sapphires and Diamond Trellis Tiara Kokoshnik |Wedding Gift of Levi Z. Leiter| England Aristocratic Noble Jewel History
4. Juni 2022 Schloss Berleburg . Princess Carina zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg is wearing the Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg Diamond Spike Collet Tiara.
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Diamond Spike and Collet Tiara Princess von Sayn Wittgenstein Berleburg |Carina Axelsson | Royal Jewels
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In 1908 Fürstin Margarethe was pictured with the large diamond choker setted with 6 emerald and 6 ruby cabochons, as well as 2 pearls in the center. This dog collar was made by the workshop of Gebr Kreuter Hanau. Probably some more painted versions of the choker are presented, and the border with two similar lines of diamonds with some diamonds between are made at least.
The original sketch on top, of the important Emerald and Ruby Collier de Chien, is from the archive of the Kreuter& Co Hanau
Hofjuwelier Firma Gebr. Friedländer 1829-1938
Entwurf und Skizze das Perlen und Diamant Diadems und die Ausführung durch Gebr. Kreuter Hanau in Jahr 1912 in Platin und ca. 9ct Diamanten.
Es wurde später bei Christies versteigert.
Der Originalentwurf stammt von Stefan Stern, und ist Teil seiner Sammlung, die er mir großzügig hier zur Verfügung gestellt hat, das Copyright bleibt bei der grafischen Sammlung Stern.
Mehr dazu: www.grafische-sammlung-stern.com/
On Thursday the festivities for the marriage of Princess Margarethe began with a grand court before their Majesties; This is followed by a ball on the 20th, a family dinner on the 22nd, a gala dinner on the 23rd and a gala dinner at the Empress Friedrich’s on the 24th. M. The civil marriage will take place in the palace of the Empress Friedrich, the church wedding in the castle chapel.
Numerous high guests are expected in Berlin. The Russian heir to the throne meets on 23 d. My; the voyage of the King of Denmark still seems uncertain, because of the blocking of the crossing by ice.
On the evening before the marriage of her youngest daughter, the Empress Friedrich had brought together the large number of family members who had rushed here for the special day to a gala family dinner.
The main table, at which the distinguished guests dined, was set in the large, magnificent dining room, which was filled with art treasures. The tapestry of the walls, which bear large golden flowers and arabesques on a golden silk background, are here and there covered with long hanging tapestries; the narrow wall opposite the entrance is separated from the adjoining room by a large red velvet drapery and decorated with costly silver shields, bowls and dividers. Right at the entrance is a work of art, a silver anniversary present, a clock of great value that serves as a resting point for a delightful group of marbles.
The table itself bore the gift which Queen Victoria of England had given to the Emperor and Empress Frederick in front of their Majesties‘ seatssilver wedding , three showpieces made of solid silver, serving as candelabra. The middle main piece depicts a hunting procession, a lady on horseback pulling out to hunt, with two dogs on a leash, which trot past a thick tree trunk, from whose branches the candlesticks rise. The side pieces are groups of trees with candelabra. Graduating in size, a number of other candlesticks, only in silver, lined up at the two ends of the table. In between there were display devices, fruit and flower bowls.
Threads of green leaves wound their way around the individual implements over the snow-white linen.
The whole was outshined by a mighty chandelier.
The bridal couple, Prince Friedrich Karl von Hessen in uniform, ate at the center of the table.Princess Margarethe in a delicate yellow silk robe richly trimmed with yellow feathers. To the right of the bride sat the reigning Empress, next to her Landgrave Alexander Friedrich von Hessen, to the left of the bridegroom the Empress Friedrich, dressed entirely in black silk, and next to her the King of Saxony in the blue uniform of the 10th Dragoons.
The Emperor’s seat was next to his sister, Princess Margarethe, opposite between the Grand Duchess of Baden and the groom’s mother, Landgravine Anna von Hessen, whose table neighbors were the Grand Duke of Baden and the Duke of Edinburgh. Since not all 60 guests had space at the table, a second table was set in the adjoining small dining room.
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The emerald suite, emerald pendant, emerald brooches, emerald stomacher, emerald tiara, emerald necklace, emerald medieval diadem, emerald pear shaped large pendant, was not personal property of the Grand Duchesses, this was part of the Hessian Jewelry Treasure.
Princess Alice wore this part of the royal jewels as a clasp on a pearl necklace with the large pear shaped pendant. It was later altered and arranged with diamonds, in the medieval suite with matching tiara, an impressive circlet of cabochon-cut stones set in clusters and rose diamonds in 1905 from Koch, Frankfurt made by Kreuter, Hanau.
Princess Alix of Hessen, lent it for one costume ball in the year 1893, it was not her own.
The story behind the Royal Jewels of the Elizabeth the Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Anne.
Sternen Diadem mit Perlen und Diamanten |Eleonore Großherzogin von Hessen|Königliche Juwelen Hessen
essen Geschenk der Kaiserin Friedrich