Wolfers

After moving to Brussels, Louis Wolfers, founder of the company, registered his goldsmith's hallmark in 1852. The capital W surmounting a boar's head thus became the company's emblem. The company's first speciality was silverware, where the family's expertise was renowned for its large silver pieces, such as centrepieces decorated in the Rococo and Japanese styles.

In 1887, the company moved to Galerie de la Reine, the first covered passageway in Brussels. In 1909, the architect Horta designed the interior of the boutique in the Art Nouveau style.

Philippe Wolfers, son of Louis and commercial director of the Wolfers et Fils workshop, is also known as a famous jeweller. First acclaimed by the critics at the Brussels Universal Exhibition in 1897 for his silverware, he was later acclaimed for his artistic talents. Between 1897 and 1907, he created around a hundred pieces of Art Nouveau jewellery.

It was during this period that the "Wolfers style" developed, an original style for its time inspired by flora and fauna. Philippe Wolfers created silver jewellery characterised by detailed chasing, enamelling and the setting of fine stones. 
From then on, his sculptures and jewellery earned him the title of "Belgian René Lalique".

Philippe Wolfers then continued his personal creations, abandoning silver for gold.

Subsequently, the company succeeded to maintain its growth by moving towards modernity and produced Art Deco silverware.

In 1958, the company was once again the centre of attention at the Universal Exhibition, where a number of goldsmiths' and silversmiths' pieces were shown to the public, including the highly successful Ondine table centrepiece.

This necklace in 18K yellow gold, decorated with acanthus leaves, dates from the 1960 - 1970s.  

In 1975, seeking to expand internationally, Wolfers established a partnership with the French house Chaumet which lasted for around ten years. At that point, the styles of the two houses came together to create modern and creative jewellery, always inspired by flora and fauna.

In 1987, Patrick Descamps took over the reins at Wolfers, continuing the Wolfers style with his creations.