homeland, a very special jewellery box

Outside, there are impressive mountains and green meadows – but as soon as the door opens onto the showroom of Mamma Bavaria in Riedering it is like entering a different world: antique furniture, unusual items and nostalgic lamps that hang from the ceiling of the long room. The walls are panelled in old wood and decorated with antlers. A bright and pleasant light shines in through the fully glazed roof. “The space feels like a little jewellery box, decorated with traditional and modern elements,” is how Florian Weidlich describes his showroom.

From classical wedding rings and bracelets to pendants in the form of summit crosses and Lederhosen as waistcoat pins – this artist and designer, who was born in Rosenheim, creates unique pieces of jewellery and draws on his native land for inspiration. At the same time, he is carrying on an old tradition. The art of goldsmithing was already widespread in Bavaria by the 18th century. It reached its peak in 1806 when the French Emperor Napoleon came to Bavaria and many crowns and other items were designed for the family of King Ludwig I. In contrast to the opulent and ornate designs of that era, Florian Weidlich tends to focus on creating more delicate, detailed items of jewellery.

A piece of Bavaria to take home

The 35-year-old has travelled widely but chose to settle back in Bavaria. He loves his homeland and its customs but he is always on the search for new ideas. He sees no contradiction in this approach: “Traditions are not set in stone. They will only survive if people carry them on and adapt them. I try to be traditionally different, and to be consistent in my approach,” asserts Florian Weidlich. The artist finds inspiration in the scenery of his native Bavaria. In his jewellery workship, he sketches ideas, makes models out of wax then creates prototypes of his new design.

This is jewellery with history, but at the same time it gives wearers their own stories to tell. The ideas do not all come from Florian Weidlich: he is happy to be influenced by his customers’ wishes. “I want to create a piece of Bavaria that people can take home,” he says. This leads to the creation of special pieces of jewellery featuring strong symbols such as the Bavarian lion, or bracelets made to resemble “Goaßln” (whips). From jackets and traditional waistcoats to Lederhosen: His fashion collection, which he offers alongside the jewellery, is light and rich in detail – neither ostentatious nor opulent, and with prices to suit any budget. His aim is to capture the history of his homeland in his craft and ensure it continues for many decades to come.

Writing stories in gold

The concept of the Bavarian Free Spirit is passed on: locals and visitors, friends and married couples, young and old – they all love coming to his showroom. People appreciate the friendly atmosphere, where each customer is greeted in person by the artist himself – whether they are looking for something specific or just wishing to browse and drink a cup of coffee at the in-store bar. “Nobody should feel forced to buy something. The showroom is a platform for encounters – a place of conversation,” is how Florian Weidlich describes his premises. A place in which old stories are revived and given a new lease of life – captured in gold.