Color is a calling card for Brazilian heritage jeweler Sauer known for its vibrant gem choices, especially emeralds. Sauer’s Creative Director Stephanie Wenk does a mini deep dive on her relationship to designing with color in our latest installment of Small Talk. Read on for the full exclusive interview now on our blog.
Color is such a huge part of the brand's identity. What is your favorite color or stone and what personal significance does it hold for you?
I’m drawn to a wide variety of stones and colors. What intrigues me most is how they interact with each other, or with unexpected materials, in surprising combinations. That dialogue between hue, texture, and form is central to Sauer’s history and design language. In my work, I’m always looking for ways to honor that heritage while bringing a fresh, contemporary perspective to the table, such as revisiting archival designs and reinterpreting them through a modern lens, using color as both a connector to our past and a tool for constant reinvention.
The emerald, in particular, holds deep significance for us. In 1963, our founder Jules Sauer discovered the first Brazilian emerald in Minas Gerais – a landmark moment that helped establish Brazil as a major player in the global gemstone market. Since then, the emerald has become Sauer’s signature stone and a powerful symbol of our origins, craftsmanship, and enduring connection to Brazil’s natural richness.
How does color or a specific stone play a role in designing a new piece? Are there any new colors or new ways of designing a certain stone coming down the pipeline?
We often begin with the stone — its tone, cut, or even a unique inclusion — and let it guide the design. The color combinations are carefully composed to evoke emotion, explored through our pillars of spirituality, art and nature. We often experiment with sculptural settings and unpredictable stones, cuts and materials. In our new Ma collection, for example, which launches soon in the US, we used pebble stones in conjunction with diamonds.
How do you personally style Sauer's colorful pieces together?
I love a mix: combining saturated tones with neutrals or layering warm and cool hues for a playful tension. I tend to avoid “matchy-matchy” looks and instead treat jewelry like art, where contrast brings everything to life. Even the most vibrant piece can feel surprisingly versatile when styled with intention.
What are your favorite Sauer pieces available at Broken English?
I love the Frames pieces, they feel quintessentially Sauer. Whether it’s the malachite Frames bracelet or the rock crystal Frames hook earrings, there’s a timeless elegance to the way they highlight the natural beauty of each stone. I’m also very drawn to the Zaha rings – their organic, architectural form brings a sculptural, almost futuristic edge that I find endlessly inspiring.
