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Kreis Jewellery is a family-owned brand known for its mastery in transforming raw gemstones into stunning, one-of-a-kind jewelry. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting them on several occasions at prestigious tradeshows such as Inhorgenta and GemGenève.

From October 24-27, 2024, they will showcase their collections at the Munich Show, Europe’s premier fair for minerals, fossils, gemstones and jewelry. What impressed me most was their genuine passion and commitment to excellence. The Kreis family goes beyond creating beautiful pieces: they are deeply engaged in promoting transparency and upholding the best practices in the gemstones industry, making them true advocates for elevating standards in the world of gemstones.

Rooted in a five-century tradition of gem-cutting, the Kreis family legacy began in Idar-Oberstein, Germany, renowned for its gemstone artistry since the 16th century. Alexander Kreis, a master gem-cutter, inherited centuries-old skills and trade secrets, crafting each piece to highlight the natural beauty of rare gemstones such as Australian black opals, Padparadscha sapphires, Colombian Muzo green emeralds and all the finest gems.

 

Each piece is designed with a focus on the gem’s natural beauty, allowing it to become a distinctive work of art. Kreis Jewellery places great emphasis on sourcing the best rough gemstones from around the world, often venturing to remote and challenging locations to discover truly exceptional pieces. Their commitment to quality ensures that each creation is not only visually extraordinary but also narrates a unique story, from the mine to the final piece of jewelry.

As a family business, their creative process is a true collaboration, with each member bringing their expertise and passion to every design, making each piece a tribute to their heritage and love for gemstones. What sets Kreis Jewellery apart is their passion, a love so profound that drives them to explore uncharted territories, transcending any challenges they may face along the way.

Recently Alexander and Stefan Kreis traveled to Tanzania, and it was a remarkable experience, diving deep into the heart of one of the world’s top gemstone hubs.  Their descent into the C-Block was thrilling, with a noticeable rise in temperature as they delved into the earth.

 

Strict safety protocols were rigorously observed. The company provides comprehensive safety gear, conducts thorough behavioral training, and ensures supervisors are present, reflecting its professional management of the mine.

 

After the gems are extracted and brought to the surface, only the finest stones undergo a meticulous cutting and polishing process that enhances the Tanzanite’s brilliance and color to its fullest potential.

 

This fascinating land, from the iconic Serengeti plains to the heights of Mount Kilimanjaro, and the tropical paradise of Zanzibar, often called the “Land of Serengeti,” is a mesmerizing country in East Africa that enchants travelers with its unique diversity and natural beauty.

This was a memorable journey: a trip in Tanzania’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

– THE INTERVIEW –

I asked Alexander Kreis to tell us what initially drew him to Tanzania.

“Tanzania is the land of Tanzanite. It is Tanzanite that drew my father, Stefan, and me to Tanzania. We always source our gems together. Over the years, business contacts have turned into friendships, and friendships into long-standing friendships. This led to an invitation to visit underground.  To see, feel and experience the mining of Tanzanite in Block C. The main producing block. Experiencing each step of unearthing this rare treasure, with Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, in sight”

What were the expectations before arriving in Tanzania?

“Regarding expectations, life has taught me not to have them. We never know what we will encounter. It’s about being present in that moment. We may discover new, perhaps hidden gems that are not offered to everyone. This includes the merchandise circulating at the gemstone hub of Arusha in Tanzania. Of course, we can aim to purchase the highest quality Tanzanite rough. However, if nothing beautiful has been mined, or if the quality is too low or the price too high, we cannot make a purchase. We can only entertain the idea of an expectation, such as buying Tanzanite, but it’s also possible that we might end up purchasing an exceptional red Mahenge Spinel, Tsavorite, or Alexandrite. We will never know beforehand. That’s our fate when hunting for gems, where quality, price, and value must align for both our clients and us, and we take responsibility accordingly.”

What were the most challenging aspects of sourcing gemstones in Tanzania?

“One of the most challenging aspects is finding outstanding pieces, whether it’s Tanzanite, Mahenge Spinel, Tsavorite, or Alexandrite. Building a trustworthy network of friends is crucial because these exceptional pieces are very rare. We need people to contact us when such a piece becomes available so that the gems find us before we find them.”

Can you share with our readers a memorable experience from this travel? Was there a particular moment that stood out to you?

“Of course, a mesmerizing moment was standing at the mine entrance of Block C, right in front of the hole in the ground. It allowed us to see hundreds of meters into the depth, and the hot air from below blew into our faces as we got into the mine wagon that lowered us down. That gave me a real goosebump feeling. And knowing that when the wagon stops, you’re more than 800 meters underground.”

Does the process of sourcing gems in Tanzania differ from your experiences in other countries?

“It’s mainly similar. The most important thing is to know the right people. And these are only a few. But these people are so well-connected and often act as brokers. They help find the right pieces and get in touch with the right people. So, as always, it’s all about people.”

Sustainability and ethical sourcing are crucial in today’s industry. How do you approach these concerns while working with local Tanzanian miners?

“We exclusively collaborate with the owners of Block C and their associates. Tanzanite is only found in folds and rims within the curves of graphite layers, making it challenging to locate. Discovering a substantial quantity of Tanzanite is always celebrated with all workers and their families, which, in my view, is a cherished tradition. The Tanzanite mine in Block C is incomparable to the small-scale mines in Australia or Sri Lanka; it operates on a much larger scale. They uphold high safety standards and employ a mine engineer who oversees the entire process. Cooling rooms for the workers are located underground, and the salaries are favorable for the local workforce. The Tanzanite mining sector is a significant employer in the region. Additionally, the government is actively involved in mining operations to ensure the country receives its fair share of the discovered values. This involves protecting the area with substantial walls, police, and military forces. Due to its underground nature, the mining operation minimizes environmental damage. Overall, compared to other methods, it represents a cleaner and less environmentally destructive mining process.”

What advice would you give to other gemologists or jewelers looking to source stones from Tanzania or similar regions?

“Look for trustworthy people to work with in order to efficiently build your network with the beautiful gems this country has to offer. By the way, if you get the chance to visit this beautiful country in person, don’t forget to go on a safari.”

Kreis Jewellery collaborates with esteemed institutions such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the German Gemological Institute (DGEMG). Don’t miss, therefore, the opportunity to admire their exquisite creations at the upcoming Munich Show.

 

Link to the article: KREIS JEWELLERY: Unveiling their expedition into Tanzania’s Gemstone Heart

[Artickel Preview – More pictures at Celebre Magazine]

[Tansanite Gemstone – Picture by KREIS]

[Alexander Kreis in the Tanzanite mine – Picture by KREIS]

[Tansanit rough gemstones – Picture by KREIS]