Born in Pforzheim on August 4, 1859, Theodor Fahrner was the oldest of seven children and the only son of Theodor Fahrner Sr., and his wife Pauline. His father ran a ring factory in Pforzheim, where Theodor Fahrner Jr. apprenticed as an engraver and showed his extraordinary artistic abilities. Fahrner Sr. died in 1883, his son took over the firm and continued the family business.

Pforzheim city directory listed Theodor Fahrner’s firm in 1895 as “Ring Factory, pins, rings, brooches” located at Luisenstrasse 52. Noteworthy, Fahrner, Jr. commissioned free-lance artists to make modern jewelry designs who worked in the two great epochs of style, Art Nouveau and Art Deco. As a result, he soon gained the title of one of the most innovative and interesting jewelry producers in Europe.

Among the most notable designers who worked for Fahrner were Max Benirschke, Hermann Haussler, Friedrich Katz, Georg Kleemann, Paul Burck, Franz Boeres, Rudolf Bosselt, Patriz Huber, Bert Joho and others. The cooperation between the artists and manufacturers initiated by Fahrner paid off. The first success was in 1900, when Fahrner creations received silver medal at the Paris World’s Fair.

With the introduction of the “TF” trademark in 1901 began the expansion of production abroad. In 1910 the firm registered “Fahrner Schmuck” trademark. According to 1907 business directory, 100 employees worked at the factory.

On July, 22, 1919 Theodor Fahrner died after a long illness. Martha Fahrner sold the firm to Gustav Braendle, who retained the brand name of “Fahrner-Jewelry”.

In 1979, after 125 years of changing history, the doors of the firm of Gustav Braendle “Theodor Fahrner Nachf.” in Pforzheim closed. Fahrner jewelry has become valuable as collectors’ items.

Antique Jewelry by Theodor Fahrner