About Us
“If music is mathematics made audible, origami is mathematics made visible.” — Paul Jackson
About Fine Principles
What began with the desire to combine graphic design and jewellery is today a label with its own unique facet — characterized by clear lines, thoughtful design and fine details.
Founding story
Meet our founder Alexandra Schwarzwald — the creative mind behind Fine Principles.
With a keen eye for detail and a visual vocabulary that speaks the language of geometry and grids, Alexandra utilizes the potential of folding techniques and creates multifaceted jewellery according to a meticulous principle of order.
But let's start from the beginning. After graduating with a BA in Communication Design in 2016, Alexandra discovered her passion for jewellery making. She shifted her focus from graphic design to object design and began creating wax models by hand. From the very beginning of her journey, she approached her studies systematically, exploring facets and their effects on different dimensions.
Alexandra was looking for new creative possibilities and decided to delve into the world of digital origami. With her newfound enthusiasm for 3D modeling, she decided to shift her focus from analog wax work to digital, where she recognized great potential.
In August 2021, she took a creative break and explored forms that emerged from a variety of folding grids. After months of testing and prototyping, her first collection, 'Series XF', was finally ready to be shown to the world. The presentation took place at the BLICKFANG design fair in Hamburg in October 2022, where the jewelry was unveiled to the public
Folds as a source of inspiration
A principle as old as nature itself.
The term 'fold' is firmly rooted in our language — according to the DWDS (Digital Dictionary of the German Language), the Old High German word 'faldan' first appeared around 800 AD and developed in the following centuries from 'valten', 'valden' to 'vōlden', and in the 9th century from 'faldōn', 'faltōn' to finally 'fold'. Thus, various meanings such as 'curve', 'interlock', or 'bend over' were in circulation at the same time.
Folds have multifaceted meanings and are, quite literally, a product of nature. Over the course of our evolution, landscapes have folded, as have leaves, blossoms, buds, shells, snail shells, mushroom caps, insect wings, and much more. We ourselves carry them on our skin and even within our bodies in the form of a helical double helix—DNA.
Scientists, engineers, mathematicians, educators, artists, designers, and hobbyists of all ages remain fascinated by origami. It's not just about folding paper; it can be applied from 1D to 2D to 3D and is independent of the material.
The German educator Friedrich Fröbel recognised the potential early on and incorporated it into his 'gifts of play'. Josef Albers and Paul Jackson, for example, also used paper folding to teach their students geometry, spatial reasoning, or simply artistic expression.
Many remarkable inventions in science and technology have found their inspiration in folding. Examples include the airbag or tiny origami robots that are placed in the stomach via a capsule and can be controlled from the outside after unfolding.
Perhaps with this approach we have shown you a new perspective on folding — a world you can now discover for yourself.
Paul Jackson — Paper Artist & Engineer
Inspired by Paul Jackson's approaches to folding — a universe shaped by geometry, creativity and nature.
Since 1983, Paul Jackson has been a professional paper folder, paper artist, paper engineer, author, and teacher — specialising in origami and the art of folding. He also ventures into other realms, exploring folding in education, mathematics, physics, music, and, of course, nature.
To date, Paul Jackson has written over 40 books and taught students in design fields such as architecture, fashion, ceramics, jewelry, product design and textiles at more than 80 universities and colleges in 13 countries.
Together with his wife, the Israeli origami artist and educator Miri Golan, he founded the 'Folding Together' project and launched the 'Origametria' program, which uses origami to teach geometry. Since 2018, it has been included in the national mathematics curriculum by the Israeli Ministry of Education.
Meanwhile, more than 30,000 primary school children learn origami every week to boost their self-confidence, but also to develop their motor skills, hand-eye coordination, logical thinking, concentration, aesthetics, three-dimensional perception and the basics of geometry.
Concept of 'Beauty & Logic'
Designed around 'beauty & logic' — these are the two elements that define the jewellery.
In her work, Alexandra uses design and mathematical principles to create a clearly structured concept that also leaves room for creative further developments.
One design principle is the transformation of two-dimensional folded grids into three-dimensional forms. The first collection, 'Series XF', draws its inspiration from the folding technique of the so-called 'X-form'. As the name suggests, this creates a repeating pattern of triangles that together form a rhythmic sequence of X's.
Alexandra uses mathematical number sequences as a useful tool. These serve to limit and specifically control folding processes.
Series & the play with folding
The collections are released as series because they present a clear structure and a continuous design concept.
The first series, 'XF', is based on the 'X-form' folding technique. As the name suggests, this technique is characterised by a repeating pattern of triangles that form successive 'X'-like shapes. The 'X-form' is not only found in paper folding, but also in sculpture, art, architecture, ceramics, graphic design, and, of course, jewellery design.
Another example of playing with grids is the universal 'V-fold' — a widely used method for folding surfaces and shapes. When executed with precision, this technique can unlock the potential for highly complex and intricate objects. By adjusting the fold angle or adding multiple crease lines, the shape can be manipulated, resulting in a multitude of unique patterns and forms.
This flexibility in design opens up potential for numerous forms of expression, with each variation offering its own rhythm and visual texture.
IDs — Identification of the pieces
Each piece bears an ID consisting of a numerical and alphanumeric code.
For example, behind the ID 'XFCE642S' lies the series 'X-shape', the category 'circle earring', the number of facets '64', the material thickness '2' and the size 'S'.
Depending on the series, the IDs are adjusted, as each follows its own logic.
“We forgo polishing. For more character.” — Alexandra Schwarzwald
About the production
Our pieces are manufactured in Pforzheim, where experts contribute their expertise to the manufacturing process, combining modern techniques with traditional craftsmanship.
Made in Pforzheim — Made in Germany
With over 250 years of jewellery and watchmaking tradition, Pforzheim is still a mecca for everything related to jewellery.
The gold city of Pforzheim — formerly Portus on the Enz, a Roman settlement founded in 90 BC — is a major city in the Black Forest with a long history for goldsmiths, jewelry artists, designers and jewellery lovers.
That's why we work with foundries, goldsmiths, and metal suppliers from Pforzheim, where everyone is locally based and well-connected. We believe in supporting local craftsmanship and strive for long-term relationships with our producers.
Manufacturing — Tradition & Technology
From the initial idea to the final check — the journey from 2D to 3D and final manufacturing.
Currently, it takes several weeks to produce the jewellery in small quantities. This is due to the complex and time-consuming processes that take place behind the scenes.
The journey begins with an exploration of folding techniques and initial ideas, which are further developed in sketches. After the design is finalized, it is transferred to the digital realm using 3D software. Prototypes are then created, evaluated, and adjusted as needed. Finally, the CAD drawings are reviewed to ensure feasibility.
Once the design has been approved by the foundry in Pforzheim, the actual production phase follows, which is divided into four essential steps:
CAD verification & 3D printing
The first step is the precise printing of each model, based on the CAD design. This allows for an even more accurate reproduction of the piece of jewellery than using a silicone mold.
Lost wax casting process
The lost-wax casting method is used to carefully cast the models. Modern casting machines ensure that every piece — whether a single item or a small series — is manufactured with precision.
Goldsmith's work
After casting, the jewellery is finished and cleaned by hand to ensure that each piece is ready to be worn.
Vermeil (gold-plating)
In this step, the jewellery receives an electroplated layer of gold, applied in the desired colour (alloy) and thickness to complete the process.
Unpolished facets
We have all heard the term 'facet' before, but few can describe it accurately.
The word itself is derived from the Latin 'facies' (meaning 'front' or 'face') and is basically nothing more than a smooth surface on a geometric shape.
The facets in our jewellery are created during the transformation from 2D to 3D — they are therefore a central feature of our design. To preserve their clean lines and precision, we deliberately leave the surface untreated after casting and refrain from polishing, as polishing always involves the removal of material and character.
The fine pressure grooves bring a subtle texture to the material and create a discreet shimmer. Each piece of jewellery thus bears the fingerprint of its manufacturing process.
Made to order — production on request
We believe that good jewellery takes time and that responsible consumption begins with its production.
That's why we focus on small production runs and only manufacture our jewellery after you order. This allows us to produce consciously and conserve resources.
If your favourite item isn't immediately available, we ask for your patience. Production can take approximately four to six weeks — but you won't get an off-the-rack product.
Certifications in production
We work with what we can be responsible for — and for us that means certified refineries & recycled and fairly sourced precious metals.
Our casting partner sources recycled gold and silver from refineries in and around Pforzheim, all of which are members of the RJC (Responsible Jewellery Council). These companies meet the standards — both in terms of material traceability (Chain of Custody) and ethical, social, and environmental responsibility (Code of Practices). In short, the RJC is the world's leading sustainability organisation in the jewellery industry.
Both the caster and the attached goldsmith's workshop operate in accordance with REACH regulations. REACH is Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 of the European Union and stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals.
The primary focus is on protecting human health and the environment from the risks posed by the use of chemicals. At the same time, the aim is to improve the competitiveness of the chemical industry in the EU and promote alternative methods for dealing with harmful substances in order to reduce animal testing.
Furthermore, the caster partner receives fairly mined gold and silver from Fairever — a certified supplier of Fairtrade and Fairmined precious metals. This ensures that the raw materials not only come from ethically responsible sources, but are also extracted with respect for the environment and social justice.
Fine Principles has been an officially Fairmined-licensed brand since September 2024!
This agreement is between us, Fine Principles, and the ARM (Alliance for Responsible Mining, registered charity no.: S0001168).
The ARM develops standards aimed at transforming the artisanal and small-scale mining industry to ensure responsible and fair practices in economic, environmental, ethical, and social terms. The organisation also supports access to certified precious metals through traceable supply chains.
Sustainability vs. Recycling
Sustainability is a multifaceted concept and requires the constant questioning of various core areas.
According to the BMUV (United Nations Brundtland definition) , it means "enabling development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" (Brundtland Report, 1987). Four key aspects play a central role in this: ecological, economic, social, and cultural sustainability.
Ecological sustainability means using natural resources responsibly and protecting the environment. Economic sustainability ensures that economic developments remain viable in the long term and that resources are used efficiently. Social sustainability encompasses fair working conditions, social justice, and the promotion of education and prosperity. Finally, cultural sustainability supports the preservation of traditions, values, and cultural diversity for future generations.
In the jewellery industry, terms like fair, sustainable, environmentally friendly, or recycled are often associated with positive values. But what do they really mean, especially in connection with precious metals?
A prime example is recycled gold. At first glance, it seems like an environmentally friendly solution — but the reality is far more complex. According to the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), gold is considered recycled if it has been reprocessed at least once after its initial refining, even if it was originally mined and never circulated. This illustrates the importance of taking a closer look.
Furthermore, recycling precious metals does not automatically reduce the extraction of new raw materials — especially given the current high demand. Fairever points out that this process can still be energy-intensive, requires environmentally harmful chemicals, and causes environmental degradation. The social aspects must also be considered — child labor is sadly still a reality in many e-waste landfills.
At Fine Principles, we rely on recycled RJC and Fairmined certified precious metals as a minimum standard. But sustainability means more than just choosing the right materials — it requires responsibility, awareness, and constant questioning. It's about creating transparency and sharing knowledge so that you, as a consumer, can make informed choices.
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* The OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) is an international organisation with 38 member countries that focuses on promoting economic growth, stability and prosperity in its member states.
Their goal is to develop sustainable policy solutions that address global challenges such as poverty, environmental problems, and unemployment. The OECD is committed to a fairer and more environmentally friendly global economy.
