1. Brand Overview / Why Thomas Sabo Matters

On May 8, 1984, Thomas Sabo founded his namesake company in Lauf an der Pegnitz, Germany, introducing sterling silver jewellery at a time when gold dominated the market. His vision: make premium-quality silver accessible and expressive.

At OD's Jewellers, Thomas Sabo represents the pinnacle of modern sterling silver design—a fusion of rebellious creativity, German precision, and timeless luxury. The brand redefined jewellery as self-expression, not status. From its signature Charm Club and Rebel at Heart lines to high-end Fine Jewellery, every piece reflects bold individuality and meticulous craftsmanship.

Perfect for:

• Customers demanding both edge and elegance—authenticity, emotion, and design-led luxury built to last
• Charm collectors building personal storytelling bracelets (Charm Club: 500+ designs)
• Rebel at Heart fans seeking blackened silver, skull motifs, and masculine energy
• Those valuing German craftsmanship heritage (RJC certified, recycled silver, in-house restoration)

What makes Thomas Sabo different:

• May 8, 1984 founding: 40+ years of silver-first expertise
• Silberstraße headquarters: Street renamed "Silver Street" in honour of the brand (2016)
• RJC certified since 2021: Ethical and sustainable production verified by independent audit
• RTL Spendenmarathon partner since 2007: Annual charity bracelet raising millions for children's causes
• In-house restoration service: Clean, polish, and restore pieces to near-new condition at German HQ

2. The Thomas Sabo Story (History & Heritage)

1984 – The Beginning

On May 8, 1984, entrepreneur Thomas Sabo founded his company in Lauf an der Pegnitz, Germany, introducing sterling silver jewellery at a time when gold dominated markets. His vision was simple: create high-quality silver pieces that were both beautiful and widely accessible.

The breakthrough came with an ear cuff inspired by London punk culture, becoming a fashion statement for an entire generation. Collaborations with international designers and growing presence at global trade shows established the brand as a pioneer of contemporary silver craftsmanship.

1990s – Building the Foundation

1992: Thomas Sabo employed talented graphic designer Susanne Kölbli as head designer. She would serve as Creative Director until 2020, shaping the brand's distinctive aesthetic.

1998: The first Thomas Sabo shop opened at Große Bockenheimer Straße 6 in Frankfurt, marking the beginning of retail expansion.

2005 – The Charm Club Launch

A defining moment came in 2005 with the Charm Club Collection—hundreds of collectible charms celebrating individuality and emotion under the motto "Love, Luck, Fashion & Passion." It became an international phenomenon, loved for its personalisation and sentimentality, driving global expansion.

2007 – Rebel at Heart

The launch of Rebel at Heart in 2007, a bold line featuring blackened 925 sterling silver, masculine energy, and symbolic motifs (skulls, crosses, dragons), attracted a new generation of collectors and positioned Thomas Sabo as a unisex lifestyle brand.

The same year, Thomas Sabo established the Thomas Sabo Foundation, supporting disadvantaged children and youth.

2013–2019 – Expansion & Prestige

With approximately 190 stores in 25 countries and over 2,900 retail partners, the brand became a global powerhouse.

2016: The company moved into its new state-of-the-art headquarters in Lauf an der Pegnitz on a street specially renamed "Silberstraße" (Silver Street) in honour of the brand.

2019: Thomas Sabo expanded into sunglasses.

2019–2021 – Ethical Commitment

Thomas Sabo joined the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) as a member in February 2019, achieving full RJC certification in October 2021 after an independent external audit, reinforcing its commitment to ethical and sustainable production.

Today – Legacy of Modern Craft

Still privately owned, Thomas Sabo continues to lead from Germany with approximately 1,200–1,600 employees internationally and creative control over every design. Its commitment to craftsmanship, responsibility, and individuality remains at the heart of its success, with operations spanning over 70 countries worldwide.

3. Craftsmanship & Innovation

Materials & Techniques

925 Sterling Silver – Recycled: All silver used is 100% recycled and reprocessed through certified German refineries. Premium-grade, durable, and hypoallergenic.

18ct Gold Plating (Yellow/Rose): Applied via electroplating for lasting finish.

Lab-Grown & Genuine Gemstones: Including spinel, sapphire, ruby, obsidian, tiger eye, rose quartz, and zirconia—all sourced or created under strict ethical guidelines.

Hand-Set Stones: Each stone placed individually using microscopes and precision tools.

Hand Enamelling: Adds depth and colour across Charm Club and Rebel at Heart collections.

Blackened Silver: Achieved through unique oxidising process, creating the iconic darkened effect of the Rebel at Heart line.

Design & Production

Every design originates at the Lauf an der Pegnitz headquarters, where ideas are developed using 3D models and wax prototypes.

Jewellery is produced by trusted international partners who have collaborated with Thomas Sabo for over 30 years.

Quality testing includes checks for metal purity, polish, stone setting, and plating integrity.

Sustainability & Ethics

RJC Member since 2019, Certified 2021: Following independent external audit in accordance with RJC Code of Practices, guaranteeing conflict-free materials and ethical labour.

Recycled Silver Policy: 100% of silver used is recycled and reprocessed through certified German refineries.

FSC-Certified Packaging: All boxes and bags support responsible forest management.

Kimberley Process Compliance: All diamonds and gemstones sourced through Kimberley Process-compliant suppliers.

In-House Restoration Service: Pieces can be cleaned, polished, and restored to near-new condition at the German headquarters.

4. Thomas Sabo in Culture & Events

Global Influence

Thomas Sabo's jewellery regularly features at international fashion events in Paris, Milan, and New York, bridging fine jewellery and high fashion.

Celebrity Connections

Current Ambassadors:

• Rita Ora (2019–2021): Brand ambassador representing women's jewellery and watches collections, including campaigns for the Magic Garden collaboration
• David Garrett: Violin virtuoso and long-standing testimonial for the Rebel at Heart Collection, authentically representing the line's rebellious rock aesthetic
• Poppy Delevingne (unveiled 2012): Ambassador for Charm Club, embodying playful femininity and personal expression

Other Notable Ambassadors: Katy Perry (2011, brand's first global face), Georgia May Jagger, Sabine Lisicki, Formula 1 driver Nico Rosberg

Awards & Recognition

RJC Certification (Member 2019, Certified 2021): Official recognition for sustainable and ethical production following independent external audit.

RTL Spendenmarathon Partner (since 2007): Annual charity bracelet supporting children's causes, raising millions of euros for the RTL Foundation's international projects.

German Craftsmanship Excellence: Known for pioneering 925 silver's rise as a luxury standard.

Brand Philosophy

Thomas Sabo merges self-expression, craftsmanship, and conscience—jewellery that balances glamour with authenticity, designed to be cherished and passed down through generations.

5. Size Guides

Rings

Bracelets & Bangles

Measure wrist circumference and add +1 cm for comfort.

Standard lengths: 16–21 cm (adjustable on most styles).

Printable measuring bands available via Thomas Sabo's online guide.

For comprehensive jewellery sizing guidance, see our Master Jewellery Size Guide.

6. Care & Warranty

Thomas Sabo-Specific Care

Blackened Pieces – NEVER Use Jewellery Baths: Rebel at Heart's signature blackened silver is intentionally oxidised. Never dip blackened pieces in silver baths or polishing solutions—this removes the darkened finish. Polish gently with a soft, dry cloth only.

Standard Sterling Silver Care: Non-blackened pieces can be polished with a Thomas Sabo cleaning cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals.

Pearl Jewellery Storage: Store separately in soft cloth bags. Pearls scratch easily and shouldn't contact other pieces.

Warranty

2-Year Manufacturer Warranty from date of purchase (covers material/manufacturing defects).

Covers:

• Manufacturing defects in movement/construction
• Workmanship defects
• Material defects (925 silver purity, plating integrity)

Excludes:

• Batteries (watches)
• Straps/bracelets (wear items)
• Crystals (unless manufacturing defect)
• External parts and spare components
• Accidental damage, misuse, or unauthorised repairs
• Normal wear-and-tear

Post-Warranty Repairs: Available at German HQ or authorised service partners (4–6 weeks turnaround). OD's Jewellers coordinates all repairs.

Authenticity: Every item bears the Thomas Sabo hallmark—proof of 925 silver purity. UK items above statutory weight carry an official Assay Office hallmark.

7. FAQs

Is Thomas Sabo jewellery handmade? Yes. Every design includes hand-finished details—stone-setting, enamelling, and polishing. While production involves trusted international partners, quality control and final finishing meet German standards.

Is Thomas Sabo silver real? All pieces are made from 925 Sterling Silver (92.5% pure silver), with select pieces plated in 18ct yellow or rose gold. 100% recycled silver sourced through certified German refineries.

Can my Thomas Sabo jewellery be repaired or restored? Yes. An in-house restoration service in Germany handles cleaning, polishing, and part replacements. OD's Jewellers coordinates repairs with typical 4–6 week turnaround.

Are Thomas Sabo diamonds ethical? Yes. Diamonds and gemstones are sourced through Kimberley Process-compliant suppliers. Lab-grown stones used where specified, offering ethical transparency.

Is Thomas Sabo sustainable? Yes. The brand uses 100% recycled silver, FSC-certified packaging, lab-grown stones, and is an RJC certified member (certified 2021) following independent audit.

What is the Charm Club? A collection of over 500 collectible charms symbolising memories, milestones, and individuality. First launched in 2005, it remains one of the brand's most beloved collections. Build personal storytelling bracelets with charms representing your journey.

What's special about Rebel at Heart? Launched 2007, featuring blackened 925 sterling silver with bold, symbolic motifs (skulls, crosses, dragons). This collection brought masculine energy and rock aesthetic to Thomas Sabo, attracting a new generation of collectors. Critical care note: Never use silver baths on blackened pieces—this removes the intentional oxidised finish.

8. Why Choose Thomas Sabo at OD's Jewellers

Authorised UK Retailer

Genuine Thomas Sabo pieces with full manufacturer warranty. We never stock counterfeits or grey-market goods.

Exclusive Range

Charm Club, Rebel at Heart, Fine Jewellery & Watches across current collections.

In-House Experts

Advice on sizing, care, personalisation, and building Charm Club collections.

Aftercare Service

Warranty coordination and polishing support. We coordinate German restoration services (cleaning, refinishing, repairs).

Gift Presentation

Free FSC-certified packaging and engraving options available.

Trusted Stockist

Serving St Helens and beyond for over 30 years. Family-run expertise—we're here before, during, and after your purchase.

9. Links & Authority

Official Resources:

• Thomas Sabo Official Website (UK)
• Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) Member Profile
• UK Assay Office Hallmarking Standards

Shop at OD's:

• OD's Jewellers – Thomas Sabo Collection
• Contact OD's Jewellers
• Visit: 41 Barrow Street, St Helens, WA10 1RY