MEMORIES OF THE BEGINNINGS
1949
EVERYTHING STARTS WITH THE
The manufactory behind IsabelleFa was founded on July 13, 1955, when Emil Mössner established the “Emil Mössner Goldwaren” in his hometown of Eisingen. A trained goldsmith and silversmith, Mössner became a master goldsmith on August 23, 1949.
Master craftsman’s diploma of Emil Mössner
Emil Mössner: Master-Goldsmith since 1949
The goldsmith studio of Emil Mössner was founded in July 13th 1955
Goldsmiths in the first workshop of the Emil Mössner Goldwarenfabrik (1959)
Goldsmiths in the first workshop of the Emil Mössner Goldwarenfabrik (1959)
1955
THE FIRST GOLDSMITH’S WORKSHOP
The Emil Mössner Goldwarenfabrik specialized from the outset in the handcrafted production of gold chains. Then as now, classical crafts such as those of the goldsmith, finisher, chain goldsmith, jewel goldsmith, gemstone setter and polisher are practiced here.
Emil Mössner
* 10.01.1922 - †02.02.2002
Emil Mössner's employees in front of the company's new building (1963)
Emil Mössner (standing) and his team in the new premises (1963)
1963
THE MOVE TO HÖHENSTRASSE – OUR CURRENT LOCATION
Over the years, the initially small workshop was expanded into an increasingly large manufactory. As was usual among the many numerous manufacturers in the nearby city of Pforzheim, the Emil Mössner Goldwarenfabrik initially produced exclusively for the wholesale trade.
IMPRESSIONS FROM THE PAST
New production processes began replacing the handcrafted production of jewelry in the 1970s. Especially gold chains could be manufactured more simply, with greater speed and at lower cost by modern methods. Wholesale demand accordingly declined for exclusive gold chains made at the manufactory in Eisingen.
Zurichterei 1965
Zurichterei 1965
Polisher (1965)
1955 bis 1980
1982
The founder’s son, the master goldsmith Hans-Georg Mössner, took over the management of the Emil Mössner Goldwarenfabrik in the mid 1980s. His wife Isabelle Mössner (née Fagnoul) from Malmedy, Belgium joined the company in 1987. The couple had met at the goldsmith’s school in Pforzheim.
Isabelle Fagnoul in the atelier of Jeweler Jacobi Stuttgart (1985)
THE POTENTIAL OF GENUINE CRAFTSMANSHIP
Inspired by their love of the traditional crafts practiced at the manufactory in Eisingen, Isabelle and Hans-Georg Mössner dedicated themselves to the preservation and continuation of this precious expertise. Instead of switching to modern production methods, the two goldsmiths recognized the potentials and strengths of traditional craftsmanship.
Hans-Georg & Isabelle Mössner
1987
Isabelle and Hans-Georg Mössner established "IsabelleFa GmbH - Fabrikation feiner Goldwaren" on December 11, 1987. The new brand name “IsabelleFa” was inspired by Isabelle Mössner’s given name and her maiden name Fagnoul.
The first logo of IsabelleFa
Isabelle and Hans-Georg Mössner recognized that the manufactory’s traditional production methods were particularly well suited for the production of voluminous pieces of jewelry. Thanks to these classical techniques, flawless surfaces could also be created in large formats and on a level of quality far surpassing what mechanical production processes can achieve. Handcrafted production also makes it possible to create chains in imaginative styles, combining components of different sizes and in diverse designs.
Puristic design and spacious surfaces as Brand Identity
Puristic design and spacious surfaces as Brand Identity
Puristic design and spacious surfaces as Brand Identity
Puristic design and spacious surfaces as Brand Identity
IMMACULATE SURFACES
Jewelry from the IsabelleFa brand concentrates entirely on emphasizing large, highly polished and matte surfaces of gold and platinum. The focus is solely on the expressiveness of the forged precious metal. Isabelle and Hans-Georg Mössner developed new collections and, for the first time, voluminous curb chain bracelets, as well as necklaces and bracelets. The potential of these new designs quickly became apparent. The provenance of these distinctively large-format, puristic pieces was instantly recognizable. IsabelleFa became well known in the industry for its blend of minimalistic style and perfect workmanship, a winning combination which earned the manufactory numerous awards.
The so-called “Navette” chain is one of our manufactory’s most famous inventions. IsabelleFa premiered this new chain design at the beginning of the 90s. The pointed oval shape of the individual eyelets is the characteristic element in the design of the Navette chain. The invention of this design was a milestone for the manufactory. That’s why the Navette chain is integrated into our brand’s logo.
The original: The "Navette" chains of IsabelleFa
The original: The "Navette" chains of IsabelleFa
The original: The "Navette" chains of IsabelleFa
The original: The "Navette" chains of IsabelleFa
The original: The "Navette" chains of IsabelleFa
THE FIRST ADS
OF ISABELLEFA
Photo H.P. Hoffmann
Photo H.P. Hoffmann
Photo H.P. Hoffmann
Photo H.P. Hoffmann
Photo H.P. Hoffmann
Photo H.P. Hoffmann
Photo H.P. Hoffmann
parfumflacon
Already as a young girl, Isabelle Fagnoul was enthusiastic about perfume flacons. At the age of 14, she helped out in a perfumery in her Belgian hometown of Malmedy, where she received her first flacon as a gift. During her goldsmith’s apprenticeship, she discovered that many of history’s famous goldsmiths had also crafted containers for noble fragrances. Forging, chasing, guilloching, inlaid metalwork and enameling numbered among the remarkable artisanal techniques that were used in the creation of these elegant flacons. With this in mind, she began collecting unusual handcrafted flacons from various epochs and made from diverse materials. Her collection presently comprises approximately 50 antique flacons. Despite years of searching, Isabelle Mössner was never able to find flacons made of platinum. Inspired by the great goldsmiths of the past, she transformed her idea into reality and created her own flacon for the IsabelleFa brand. The result, which was first marketed in the early 1990s, was very likely the world’s first platinum perfume flacon. One of its special features is a rubellite cabochon in the screw cap.
First flacon sketches and first pieces of flacon jewellery
First flacon sketches and first pieces of flacon jewellery
First flacon sketches and first pieces of flacon jewellery
First flacon sketches and first pieces of flacon jewellery
First flacon sketches and first pieces of flacon jewellery
First flacon sketches and first pieces of flacon jewellery
First flacon sketches and first pieces of flacon jewellery
First flacon sketches and first pieces of flacon jewellery
2015
The first logo of IsabelleFa
IsabelleFa launched its new logo in 2015. The symbol depicts a flacon bearing the initials “IF” and surrounded by a chain. This emblem unites two motifs that are important in this jewelry manufacturer’s history: the flacon and the navette chain.
1955-2015
Today’s brand logo combines the image of this flacon with the navette chain, which IsabelleFa developed in the early 1990s. Both motifs comprise the brand’s identity and reflect the twin pillars of IsabelleFa: time-honored goldsmithery coupled with an unmistakable style.
Hans-Georg Mössner
Isabelle Mössner
Isabelle, Hans-Georg, Patrick & Alexandre Mössner
2017
Jewellery brands and designers are increasingly becoming targets of counterfeiters. If you would like to know whether it is an original piece of jewellery from our manufacture, please contact us.
Small signs of wear are usually unavoidable in everyday life. Please contact us if you would like to have your polish renewed.
For any questions, IsabelleFa advisors are at your disposal (Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM). Get in touch with us via contact form, email or telephone.