I am delighted to introduce a remarkable emerging talent from Germany whose jewelry breathes the rhythm of the ocean. Winner of both the Young Designer Corner Prize and the Public Vote at Gemworld Munich, Marcel Gebert has already captured the attention of the industry with his poetic, sea-inspired creations. As a member of the jury, I had the pleasure of speaking with Marcel to dive deeper into his creative world, his design philosophy, and the artistic journey that brought him here.
Your journey into jewelry design is truly compelling. Could you share a bit about your background and what first drew you to the world of jewelry?
I grew up in a small village near Idar-Oberstein, and as is often the case in such places, almost everyone in and around Idar-Oberstein has some connection to gemstones and jewelry. This was also the job of my grandfather, who introduced me to these materials at an early age through his business, and I was always certain that I would also work with these extraordinary materials. After graduating from school in 2021, I wanted to start an apprenticeship as a goldsmith, but COVID and short-time working made this not possible. I started studying business administration with a focus on brands and luxury consumer goods. In 2023, I became more and more willing to learn the craftsmanship, so I decided to start training as a gemstone setter alongside my studies.
Every creative begins somewhere — who were the artists, jewelers, or even natural influences that shaped your early vision? In what ways did they impact your creative voice?
I believe my creative journey began somewhere between nature and the big city. Two worlds that still fascinate me. In nature, I find peace, forms, and that quiet perfection. The city, on the other hand, brings movement, contrasts, and that constant feeling of change. Both inspire me in different ways and often flow into my designs unconsciously.
Other artists have also had a strong influence on me, not necessarily through specific works, but through their attitude of seeing things differently. This has shown me that jewelry can be more than just decoration. It can tell stories, reflect emotions, and show character, just like my “Spirit of the Ocean.”
The ocean is clearly a strong muse in your work. What is it about the marine world that speaks to you, and how does nature guide your creative process?
The sea has a very special magic for me, especially in Ibiza. I travel there every year because the island simply won’t let me go. This play of nature, light, water, and this special energy inspires me every time. The waves of the sea represent calm and depth, a feeling of freedom, and at the same time, Ibiza has this vibrant, lively party scene that is full of movement and contrasts. I often try to combine these things and create jewelry from them.
The piece you presented at the Young Designer Corner this year resonated deeply with both the jury and the public. Could you take us behind the scenes — from the initial spark of inspiration to the final hand-crafted detail?
I sketched some of my ideas, but to be honest, the first idea was the piece “Spirit of the Ocean.” I couldn’t get it out of my head and wanted to make it right away. I looked for suitable gemstones/diamonds. The aquamarine cabochons were a perfect fit. I’m really happy about that because they were exactly the right color and excellent quality. Then it was time to put my craftsmanship to work. Problems had to be solved, and step by step ,it became a piece of jewelry that I’m really proud of.
Showing at Gemworld for the first time must have been a milestone. How would you describe your experience — both professionally and emotionally — stepping into the jewelry trade fair world?
After the announcement that I was the winner, the rest of the weekend was a positive sensory overload. I had lots of job offers, interviews, and similar requests. Last week, I had a radio interview, and next week, a TV crew is coming to film my daily life. I am incredibly grateful that it has come to this and am excited about everything that follows. My first collection was also well received at the trade fair and I was also able to sell a few of my pieces of jewelry, which made me very happy.
As your brand continues to take shape, what can we look forward to next? Are there new designs, collaborations, or creative directions you’re excited to explore?
Since my jewelry has been so well received by people, I am incredibly motivated to create more jewelry or even unique pieces. My sketchbook is filled with drawings and ideas. I am also on the lookout for more competitions to join. At the trade fair, I discovered some new stones, engravings, and similar items. This gave me even more inspiration and encouraged me to look for new things. I received some tips that will help me to grow my brand, and I am excited to see where the journey takes me. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to the jury, the exhibition organizers, and everyone else who has supported me along the way. It has been a great enrichment to my life and a unique experience.
We are looking forward to discover your new pieces at Gemworld Munich in October 2026 at Messe Munchen.
