Like a leopard on a leash, Spreng's jewelry attracts
attention. Bursting established boundaries, he transcends class, creates
rarity. His precious objects convey such distinctive character that
the wearer with less individuality risks being debased to an appendage.
What's required is self-confidence, the ability to command the center
of attention. Have you ever strolled a boulevard with a leopard?
Spreng's jewelry is precious. Gold, platinum, and rare gems composed
with simple, clear lines and bodies carry distinctive names: Ice Cream
Cone Rings, Volcano Brooches, Jewelry Tarts, Eye Rings . . . unforgettable
names . . . extraordinary jewelry.
Rings, brooches, necklaces, pendants, bangles, all hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind,
are inscribed by the Master . . . like a painting. Under the brand name
"Georg Spreng" his work is sought by top-jewelers world wide.
Formerly an industrial designer, Spreng co-founded Frog Design, an international
industrial design company with a reputation for innovation and creativity.
When the big success came, so did routine and administration work. He
smiles: only the thought of it makes him happy, thinking of his hide-away
in Canada where he and his family have a cabin by a clear lake . . .
a bonfire surrounded by forest.
At the cabin Spreng remembers a buried ingot of gold. The gold, red-heated
in the fire, is shaped with only an axe and hammer. Working the ingot
throughout the day he wields . . . a neckpiece . . . archaic, original,
entire. This is the world that Spreng creates.
As an autodidact, his knowledge and skills are based on century old
artisan techniques. Although gems are cut in classical ways, he finds
it fascinating to contrast the classic with contemporary design. An
empathy and respect for gold, platinum, gemstones, however, doesn't
prevent him from playing with the materials. A trace of irony, a hint
of mockery, can emerge.
The wearer should feel that the jewelry has been created with joy. His
Jewelry Tarts, their "protected space" sprinkled with sparkling
stones, form gold gardens surrounded by platinum rims . . . fences .
. .. These constitute his very best.
By using his connections, Spreng searches for rare gems world wide.
He explains that many of the stones he selects are one-of-a-kind, and
rise in value from year to year, sometimes as much as tenfold in ten
years. As he talks, a ten carat diamond on an Ice Cream Cone Ring, with
its tantalizing fire, gloriously fractures light in enchanting facets.
Although gold, platinum can be melted again, again be reformed anew,
Spreng loves the thought of creating a piece of abidingness, something
unchanging, something never to be thrown away. He asserts, "If
this jewelry is dug up in a thousand years I want it to still work,
to mirror our present time."
If then, there will still be leopards?