Backes & Strauss: Difference between revisions
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The ultimate test of Backes & Strauss expertise in diamond cutting is the [[Hearts and arrows|Hearts and Arrows]] motif. Hearts and Arrows diamonds are the most brilliant and magnificent Ideal Cut diamonds. When viewing a Backes & Strauss diamond up close with the help of a special viewer, a perfect series of eight arrowheads becomes visible on the top of the stone. When examining the stone from beneath, eight hearts circle the diamond. |
The ultimate test of Backes & Strauss expertise in diamond cutting is the [[Hearts and arrows|Hearts and Arrows]] motif. Hearts and Arrows diamonds are the most brilliant and magnificent Ideal Cut diamonds. When viewing a Backes & Strauss diamond up close with the help of a special viewer, a perfect series of eight arrowheads becomes visible on the top of the stone. When examining the stone from beneath, eight hearts circle the diamond. |
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During hundreds of hours of meticulous planning, precision cutting and hand polishing by Backes & Strauss diamond experts, a natural stone makes the way from its rough form to a final polished brilliant diamond, often losing up to 60 per cent of its original weight in the process. Every Backes & Strauss watch has at least one diamond set into the crown by hand. This jewel in the crown is the Backes & Strauss signature and resembles the pavilion, or base, of a diamond. |
During hundreds of hours of meticulous planning, precision cutting and hand polishing by Backes & Strauss diamond experts, a natural stone makes the way from its rough form to a final polished brilliant diamond, often losing up to 60 per cent of its original weight in the process. Every Backes & Strauss watch has at least one diamond set into the crown by hand. This jewel in the crown is the Backes & Strauss signature and resembles the pavilion, or base, of a diamond. <ref>http://www.backesandstrauss.com/#/heritage/our-diamonds Backes & Strauss - Our Diamonds</ref> |
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=== Watchmaking === |
=== Watchmaking === |
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Revision as of 13:08, 17 March 2014
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| Company type | Private Company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Luxury watchmaker |
| Founded | Hanau, Germany (1789) |
| Founder | Georg Carl Backes |
| Headquarters | 76 Brook Street Mayfair W1K 5EE, London , United Kingdom |
Area served | Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas |
Key people | Vartkess Knadjian (CEO) |
| Products | watch, diamonds, jewellery |
| Website | www |
Backes & Strauss is a British company specialised in the creation of high-end luxury timepieces and jewellery. Originally founded in 1789 in Hanau, Germany, it is the oldest diamond company in the world.[1]
The company's London office was established in 1814, and the company hallmark was registered at Goldsmith's Hall in London in 1878.[2] In November 2006, Backes & Strauss entered into a strategic partnership with the Swiss watchmaker Franck Muller Group, launching its flagship collections of Regent, Berkeley and Piccadilly watches.
History
Founded in 1789, by German immigrant businessmen Georg Carl Backes and (later on) Max Strauss, the company is the oldest diamond company in the world.[3]
By the early 19th century Georg Carl Backes was a successful goldsmith in the city of Hanau. During this time, his company (originally named Backes & Co.) had done so well that he sent his 24-year-old son Johann Franz to London to open a new office. After Georg Carl's death in 1819, his son continued trading and manufacturing of diamonds and jewellery. Examples were shown at London's Great Exhibition in 1851 and two pages of its official catalogue were devoted to illustrations of J.F. Backes's jewellery.
By now, Johann had been joined in the business by his sons, Charles and William and in 1856, the company employed an office boy by the name of Max Strauss. Fifteen years later, Max Strauss was managing J.F. Backes & Co. and in 1873, the company started trading as 'Backes & Strauss'. Manufacturing activities in Britain started in 1877. During that period the hallmark was registered at London's Goldsmiths' Hall in 1878. Charles Backes died in 1890 and two years later, the company decided to concentrate on diamonds. Operating as 'Diamond and Gem merchants', travelling was intensified between 1904 and 1910, especially to shows. An Assyrian-style bracelet registered by J F Backes & Sons in 1872 is to be found in the British Museum. [4]
Today, Backes & Strauss is best known for manufacturing high-end diamond and jewel encrusted fine time pieces in conjunction with Swiss luxury watch brand Franck Muller. The main company operations are run from both Mayfair, London and Geneva in Switzerland.
Craftsmanship
Diamond cutting
Every round, brilliant diamond used at Backes & Strauss is an Ideal Cut diamond, designed to emanate optimum fire and brilliance. The perfect symmetry and proportions of an Ideal Cut diamond ensure that the light entering the stone refracts internally from 57 precisely placed facets and travels out through the top of the diamond, creating a mesmerising sparkle.
All diamonds at Backes & Strauss are D, E or F colour and internally flawless with only a very, very slight inclusion.
The ultimate test of Backes & Strauss expertise in diamond cutting is the Hearts and Arrows motif. Hearts and Arrows diamonds are the most brilliant and magnificent Ideal Cut diamonds. When viewing a Backes & Strauss diamond up close with the help of a special viewer, a perfect series of eight arrowheads becomes visible on the top of the stone. When examining the stone from beneath, eight hearts circle the diamond.
During hundreds of hours of meticulous planning, precision cutting and hand polishing by Backes & Strauss diamond experts, a natural stone makes the way from its rough form to a final polished brilliant diamond, often losing up to 60 per cent of its original weight in the process. Every Backes & Strauss watch has at least one diamond set into the crown by hand. This jewel in the crown is the Backes & Strauss signature and resembles the pavilion, or base, of a diamond. [5]
Watchmaking
Backes & Strauss and The Franck Muller Group are recognised as the masters of the art and science of their respective crafts. While Backes & Strauss is occupied with light and Franck Muller is concerned with time, both share a devotion to mathematical precision.
The dial and case of a Backes & Strauss watch reflects the geometric symmetry of the Ideal Cut. Within the beating heart of the watch, the elaborately crafted movements convey a jewel-like beauty,
All Backes & Strauss watches are entirely crafted in the Geneva workshops of Franck Muller Watchland, where all of the watch components are produced in-house.
Collections
The Backes & Strauss watch collections reflect the company’s London origins. Crafted in a choice of 18 carat white or rose gold and set with diamonds, these are watches inspired by the smooth symmetry and grandeur of London’s Regency architecture, in particular the work of 18th century landscape architect William Kent and the architect John Nash for the Prince Regent.
The Regent Collection
The Regent collection takes as its starting point the architecture of John Nash, who in 1811 was commissioned by the Prince Regent to design a huge swathe of London, then known as Marylebone Park. The classical proportions of Nash’s work across London, from Regent Street, to Regent’s Park and St. James's Park, are found in the sweeping curves and bold symmetry of the Backes & Strauss Regent collection.
The Piccadilly Collection
The Piccadilly collection is inspired by John Nash’s grand circular junction, Piccadilly Circus, the epicentre of London ever since it was built in 1819. Originally named Regent Circus South, Nash created Piccadilly Circus to complement Oxford Circus, then known as Regent Circus North, which was located at the other end of the sweeping street Nash had designed, Regent Street. Piccadilly Circus also linked Nash’s dramatic vision, which was the height of modern fashion with the neighbourhood of Piccadilly, the bastion of traditional style. This elegant confluence of old and new lies at the heart of the Backes & Strauss Piccadilly collection.
The Berkeley Collection
The Berkeley collection takes inspiration from one of London’s great squares, with its spacious, leafy garden in the centre of bustling Mayfair. Originally laid out in the 18th century by Palladian master and landscape architect William Kent, Berkeley Square’s picturesque plane trees were planted in 1789, the year Backes & Strauss began trading. Berkeley Square has since become a famously romantic spot, featuring in the 1970s love song A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square.
The Victoria Collection
Drawn from the Backes & Strauss archives, a 19th-century brooch with two linked hearts was the starting point for today’s Backes & Strauss sumptuous Victoria diamond watches. Those linked hearts are now fully intertwined and they have become their own motif, repeated again and again in a circle of everlasting love, like that of Queen Victoria for her husband Albert. She was so smitten with him, she proposed the second time they met.
The Renaissance Collection
Renaissance at Backes & Strauss is a special range of ultra thin timepieces, each a mere 6.1mm in depth. Renaissance takes its design cues from the Piccadilly and Regent collections with an array of women’s and men’s styles, with and without diamonds, incorporating movements just 2.5mm thin. The decorated inner workings of all Renaissance at Backes & Strauss watches are visible through the transparent sapphire crystal caseback.
Pièces Uniques & Limited Editions
- The Princess Piccadilly Royal Colours
Pièce unique, a lady's cocktail watch bedecked in 225 coloured and white diamonds to mark Backes & Strauss's 225th anniversary since its initial founding.
- Diamond Jubilee Collection
Limited Edition of 60 pieces, in celebration of the 60 year reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
- The Royal Jester Collection
202 diamonds adorn the white gold case and dial. Different colour options available for the central stone.
Partnerships
English National Ballet
Backes & Strauss announced in October 2013 its partnership with English National Ballet. The partnership involves a close collaboration between the two companies both in the UK and internationally. Tamara Rojo the Prima Ballerina and the Artistic Director of ENB is the ambassador for the feminine Victoria collection.
"I am thrilled to be working so directly with a brand with a rich history and heritage and I can relate very easily to the Victoria collection which represents the grace, finesse and precision that is central to the world of ballet" stated Ms. Rojo.
Vartkess Knadjian, the CEO of Backes & Strauss, stated that as a company proud of its British heritage we are delighted to be associated with English National Ballet the quintessential British dance company that through its creativity broadened the appeal of Ballet throughout the world."
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
In partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Backes & Strauss launched the Victoria Blue Heart in support of the United Nations Blue Heart Campaign against Human Trafficking in January 2012. The Blue Heart Campaign is an initiative that aims to inspire people and mobilize support for action against human trafficking by international organizations, governments, civil society, the private sector and ultimately by individuals.
Luxurious Magazine
The company has formed a special partnership with the global publication Luxurious Magazine and making the magazines founder Paul Godbold an Honorary Ambassador for the brand.