Gems, Colours & Wild Stories. 175 Years of Constantin Wild

Since 1996 Constantin Wild has stood at the helm of the family business that his great grandfather Johann Carl founded as J.C. Wild IX in Idar in 1847. He represents the tenth generation of the Wild dynasty, which to this day has shaped the international gemstone world like no other. He has now published a book as a homage to the courageous women and men, outstanding craftspeople, intrepid adventurers, and the most precious examples of colouration, all of whom mean the world to ‘Conte’: ‘I like diamonds, but love gems. Gems have more saturated colours, more individuality and more personality.’

Whether great stones or great stories, Gems, Colours & Wild Stories tells tales that move you. Tales about the Wild family, firmly anchored as they are in the world of precious stones. And about travels to the most remote corners of the world, where the rarest and most precious gemstones lie hidden. Of strange encounters and odd personalities along the way. And of colours that only unfold their true character once they have been handled by accomplished craftspeople: brash or subtle, vivacious or discrete, opulent or modest, classic or extravagant. Constantin Wild presents his hand-picked favourites, whose majestic brilliance begins with the stone itself, offering an insight into the world of Haute joaillerie – a veritable explosion of colour and an exceptional luxury that cannot be measured in terms of money.

The renowned jewellery expert Nina Hald accompanies Constantin Wild on this ambitious journey. In addition to numerous other well-informed contributions by international precious-stone specialists, they share their expertise and passion for the irrepressible diversity of coloured gemstones over more than 300 pages. In terms of design, a work has been conceived, under creative director Thorsten Lönnecker’s lead, that combines the characteristics of a book and a glossy magazine in a sophisticated ensemble.

Gems, Colours & Wild Stories is an exciting excursion into the world of gemstones. Both factual and narrative, the& book summarizes all pertinent aspects of the business in an educational, entertaining and enjoyable way, including Constantin Wild’s pursuit of the stone’s own journey through its entire life cycle. ‘It is always an exciting challenge to transform a natural crystal into a perfect gem.’