Couer De Lion Guide
OD'S JEWELLERS BRAND GUIDE: COEUR DE LION
German Bauhaus Precision Meets Emotional Colour – Architectural Jewellery with Lebensfreude
Author: Chris O'Dea
Last Updated: October 2025
Quick Navigation:
Brand Overview | History | Craftsmanship | Culture & Design | Size Guides | Care & Warranty | FAQs | Why Choose OD's | Links
1. Brand Overview – Why Coeur de Lion Matters
Coeur de Lion is the benchmark for contemporary German jewellery design — where architectural geometry meets emotional colour and everyday wearability. Every piece is handcrafted in Stuttgart using 316L stainless steel, genuine natural gemstones, freshwater pearls, Swarovski® crystals, anodised aluminium and Polaris resin, creating jewellery that feels both modern and timeless.
Founded in 1987 by Carola and Nils Eckrodt, the brand fuses Bauhaus discipline with expressive colour harmonies. The iconic GEOCUBE® line, introduced in 1999, has become one of Europe’s most recognisable contemporary jewellery designs and is now a reference point for geometric, cube-based jewellery worldwide.
At OD's Jewellers, Coeur de Lion appeals to customers who value distinctive design, sustainable craftsmanship and enduring quality. It is perfect for those who want jewellery with personality, meaning and longevity — not disposable fashion.
Perfect for:
- Customers who love contemporary German design and Bauhaus-inspired aesthetics
- GEOCUBE® collectors building coordinated necklace, bracelet and earring sets
- Those who appreciate natural gemstones with symbolic meaning
- Gift-givers wanting colour, story and personal significance
- Eco-conscious buyers who care about responsible sourcing and long-lasting design
2. The Coeur de Lion Story – Heritage & Innovation
Coeur de Lion began in 1987 in Stuttgart, when Carola and Nils Eckrodt started handcrafting jewellery from unconventional industrial materials. Early pieces used gearbox components, rubber, petrol hoses and alloy steel — bold, avant-garde designs that debuted at the Avantgarde exhibition in Munich, then the main trade fair for innovative fashion jewellery. The Düsseldorf couturier Hanns Friedrichs, known for dressing Joan Collins, bought the entire first collection, immediately validating the brand’s distinctive vision.
The turning point came in 1999 with the launch of the GEOCUBE® necklace: a Bauhaus-inspired composition of precision-cut cubes arranged in sophisticated colour combinations. It quickly became a design icon, stocked by museum shops and premium retailers around the world. Since then, GEOCUBE® has been reinterpreted every season with new colours, gemstones and materials.
The brand has received consistent international recognition, including:
- Best Jewellery Brand 2014 – UK Watch & Jewellery Awards
- German Brand Awards – 2016, 2019, 2020, 2022 (Luxury category)
- German Design Award 2018 – Luxury Goods & Excellent Product Design
Today, Coeur de Lion remains family-run under the leadership of Carola and Nils. Around 150 staff work at the Stuttgart studios, approximately 97% of whom are women. The brand sells through roughly 4,000 retailers in 30 countries, including premium airport stores, cruise ship boutiques and onboard airlines such as Lufthansa — while keeping 100% of production in Stuttgart for maximum control over quality and authenticity.
3. Craftsmanship & Materials
Every Coeur de Lion piece is hand-finished in Stuttgart, with meticulous attention to detail at each stage — from cutting, threading and gluing to sanding, assembly and final quality control. Short supply chains and in-house production ensure a consistent standard across the entire collection.
Key materials used:
- 316L Surgical-Grade Stainless Steel – Hypoallergenic, corrosion-resistant and long-lasting, available in silver, rose gold PVD and yellow gold PVD finishes.
- Natural Gemstones – Including amethyst, amazonite, aventurine, rose quartz, chalcedony, agate, haematite, carnelian, lapis lazuli, rhodochrosite, turquoise, onyx, sodalite and smoky quartz. Each stone carries its own symbolic meaning and contributes to Coeur de Lion’s rich colour language.
- Freshwater Pearls – Cultured pearls selected for lustre and shape, carefully matched within each design.
- Swarovski® Crystals – Known for brilliance, cut precision and colour depth, they add sparkle and intensity to many GEOCUBE® and seasonal designs.
- Anodised Aluminium – Diamond-sanded and UV-stable, providing vibrant, durable colour with a contemporary finish.
- Polaris Resin & Cut Glass – Lightweight yet impactful materials that expand the palette of colour and form.
- Nylon-Coated Steel Wire – Used in necklaces and bracelets for strength, flexibility and durability.
Each necklace and bracelet features a stainless-steel quality seal, and all pieces are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity — a visible guarantee of genuine Coeur de Lion craftsmanship.
4. Coeur de Lion in Culture & Design
Coeur de Lion stands at the intersection of mathematical precision and human emotion. Clean lines, perfect cubes and strict symmetry are balanced with bold colour gradients, natural stones and tactile finishes. The result is jewellery that feels modern, optimistic and uplifting.
Design pillars:
- GEOCUBE® Collection – The signature cube design since 1999, recognised as a contemporary design classic and often seen in museum shops and curated concept stores.
- Birthstone & Gemstone Collections – Pieces built around natural stones and their traditional symbolism (love, clarity, luck, wisdom, protection and more), giving each gift or self-purchase a personal story.
- Natural Stone Focus – Colour gradients and combinations inspired by nature, sky and landscape, celebrating the character of each gemstone.
Culturally, Coeur de Lion represents:
- Lebensfreude – Joy of living, expressed through colour and light
- Individualität – Individuality, thanks to mix-and-match sets and gemstone choices
- Nachhaltigkeit – Sustainability in the form of durability, repairability and local production
5. Size Guides
Coeur de Lion sizing follows standard European jewellery measurements, with extension chains and flexible constructions designed for comfortable everyday wear.
Necklaces:
- 40 cm – Choker, sits at the base of the neck
- 41–42 cm – Short collar length
- 43–45 cm – Standard neckline (most common everyday length)
- 48–50 cm – Mid-chest
- 60–100 cm – Long layering chains or statement pieces
Most necklaces include an extension chain for 2–3 cm of adjustability.
Bracelets (plus extension):
- 16.5 cm – Small wrist
- 17–18 cm – Medium / standard
- 18.5–19 cm – Larger wrist
- 34 cm – Two-row or double-wrap designs
Many bracelets include a 3 cm extension chain to fine-tune the fit.
Rings:
Coeur de Lion rings typically follow EU sizing from 52 to 60 (approximately UK L to T). For an accurate fit, OD’s Jewellers can measure your ring size in-store and recommend the most suitable size for each design.
6. Care & Warranty
Coeur de Lion pieces are designed for long-term wear, but like all fine jewellery they benefit from careful handling and routine care.
Brand-specific care tips:
- Diamond-sanded, anodised aluminium elements are UV-stable and highly colourfast, but should still be protected from harsh chemicals and abrasives.
- Avoid contact with water, perfumes, lotions, hairsprays and cleaning products to preserve plating, stones and wires.
- Remove jewellery before showering, swimming, exercising or sleeping.
- Store pieces separately in their original boxes or soft pouches to avoid scratching gemstones, pearls and metal surfaces.
Warranty:
- All Coeur de Lion pieces include a 2-year manufacturer guarantee from the date of purchase.
- The guarantee covers defects in materials and workmanship.
- It does not cover general wear and tear, accidental damage or damage caused by improper care.
- Proof of purchase from an authorised retailer, such as OD’s Jewellers, is required for all claims.
Lifetime repair service:
Coeur de Lion also offers a lifetime repair service for pieces outside the guarantee period. Typical repair costs are charged at flat rates (usually around €15–€19 plus shipping, depending on the work). This extends the lifespan of each piece and supports the brand’s sustainability goals by repairing rather than replacing.
OD’s Jewellers will coordinate UK–Germany logistics for warranty and paid repairs. Typical turnaround times are approximately 4–6 weeks, depending on the nature of the work.
7. FAQs
Is Coeur de Lion jewellery really made in Germany?
Yes. 100% of design, assembly and quality control takes place in Stuttgart, Germany. This centralised production model is a core part of the brand’s identity and quality promise.
What does "Coeur de Lion" mean?
"Coeur de Lion" is French for "Heart of a Lion" and is traditionally translated as "Lionheart". It represents courage, strength and bold individuality — values that run through the brand’s designs and colour choices.
What materials are used?
Coeur de Lion uses 316L stainless steel, genuine natural gemstones, freshwater pearls, Swarovski® crystals, anodised aluminium, Polaris resin and cut glass, all combined with nylon-coated steel wire for strength and flexibility.
Will the jewellery tarnish or fade?
Stainless steel and high-quality PVD plating provide excellent resistance to tarnish. Diamond-sanded, anodised aluminium is UV-stable and designed to retain its colour for many years when cared for correctly.
Can I wear Coeur de Lion jewellery in water?
No. To protect the plating, wires and materials, jewellery should be removed before bathing, swimming or showering and kept away from chlorinated or salt water.
How long is the guarantee?
The manufacturer guarantee lasts for two years from the date of purchase and covers manufacturing defects only.
Are repairs possible after the warranty expires?
Yes. Coeur de Lion offers lifetime repair services at flat rates. OD’s Jewellers can advise on costs, arrange the repair and manage the process for you.
What is the GEOCUBE® collection?
GEOCUBE® is Coeur de Lion’s most iconic design — a Bauhaus-inspired cube necklace concept first introduced in 1999 and now available in many colourways and combinations, often with matching bracelets and earrings.
8. Why Choose Coeur de Lion at OD's Jewellers
OD's Jewellers is an authorised UK stockist of Coeur de Lion, offering genuine pieces with full manufacturer backing and informed, personal service.
What you get at OD's:
- Authenticity & Confidence – Genuine Coeur de Lion jewellery with Certificates of Authenticity and full 2-year guarantees.
- Expert Styling Support – Help with building coordinated GEOCUBE® sets, choosing gemstone meanings for gifts and matching colours to outfits and occasions.
- Aftercare & Repairs – We handle all warranty claims and lifetime repair requests, coordinating with the Stuttgart workshop on your behalf.
- Family-Run Service – OD’s is an independent, family-run jeweller with over 30 years’ experience in curated European jewellery and watches.
Visit Us:
OD's Jewellers, 41 Barrow Street, St Helens, WA10 1RY
Tel: 01744 730985
Opening Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9:00am–5:30pm

