Barnebys: How long has Jewelry Store Babik existed?
Janine Babik: I've been running my online jewellery shop since 2017.
Why online?
Online is the future of retail. I also really enjoy working on my online shop, developing it and adding to it.
Left: Vintage bracelet, 18k 750 gold set with rubies, emeralds and diamonds. Right: Art Deco Theodor Fahrner ring with decorative ornaments made of 935 silver, enamel and coral
When and how did you develop a passion for jewellery?
It all started 10 years ago with my mother, who also traded in jewellery. At some point I followed in her footsteps, so to speak, but I definitely wanted to build something of my own.
Do you have training as a jeweller or similar?
Parallel to my work in the online shop, I completed an apprenticeship as a diamond expert at the German Gemological Society in Idar-Oberstein. My apprenticeship as a gemologist is currently in full swing, but halfway through.
Left: Antique brooch made of 750 = 18K gold, platinum with old-cut, rose-cut, octagonal cut diamonds at least 1.00 ct. Right: Art Nouveau ring made of 585 14k gold with 0.47 ct old European cut diamond and opals, around 1910
Where do you get the pieces that you sell from?
For the most part, I get the pieces for my online shop from private individuals. It is my aim to purchase and offer high quality at fair prices.
What kind of jewellery do you offer in your online shop?
The offer in my online shop is wide. However, the main focus is on antique jewellery, which has always fascinated and inspired me.
Left: Victorian bracelet made of sterling silver and agate, signed 1856, No 3916 by George Unite. Right: Biedermeier hairpin with real coral, seed pearls in gold-plated silver and doublé in the shape of a crown
What do you find so fascinating about antique jewellery?
Antique pieces of jewellery simply fascinate me, with their precise craftsmanship and the high level of artistry of their creators. Each of these wonderful pieces of jewellery also has a past that stimulates the imagination.
Left: Historicism brooch made of 585 gold with miniature painting and seed pearls, around 1870. Right: Art Nouveau brooch 950 platinum, 14K white gold with 204 diamonds 3.69 ct and ruby 0.40 ct
Do you have a personal favourite era?
Yes, my heart beats especially for Art Deco. I often and gladly wear pieces of jewellery from this era in my private life.
Left: Exclusive Art Deco brooch made of solid 14k white gold, diamonds VS - SI approx. 0.87 ct and pearls. Right: Fabulous Art Deco brooch made of 925 silver, green agate, onyx and marcasites, around 1930
Can you still remember the first piece of jewellery you sold?
In fact, it was an Art Deco piece of jewellery: a wonderful amber bracelet from the 1920s.
Left: Antique Biedermeier necklace with brooch pendant made of 585 gold and Bohemian garnet. Right: Vintage chain / necklace by Lapponia made of 750 18K gold and platinum with 0.11 ct diamonds, Finland 1980
What security do you offer your customers?
In order to be able to guarantee my customers a secure purchase, I offer various payment options in my online shop. There is also always a 30-day return policy. In addition, the customer receives a free and personal jewellery certificate for every purchase in the online shop. This includes a photo of the purchased piece of jewellery, its important features and the purchase price.
We thank Janine Babik for the interview and wish her continued success with her online shop.
Discover even more great pieces from Jewelry Store Babik here