The house of Sillam has always been renowned for its quality, perfection and style. The actual name Sillam heralds from a famous family of Sword smiths, whose roots were founded in Paris in1835.
Legend has it that a Sillam family ancestor was gifted with the special ability of producing precision quality blades at an unusual speed and proficiency. It was said that he could turn out six blades of the highest quality in a single day. A gift that earned him the name “Six lames” (Six blades), or in its present form SILLAM.
In time the family decided to turn their alchemic expertise towards the realm of jewelry. As goldsmiths, they excelled at their craft and passed down a tradition of precision led techniques in the art of fine jewelry.
The family’s coat of arms became their insignia and in time a symbol of exclusive master craftsmanship.
Today this same symbol is the trademark for the House of Sillam. It still depicts the same six swords, crowned with a single diamond solitaire.
Such tradition and success eventually elevated the house of Sillam to makers of Haute joaillerie and finally to Vienna where they continued to prosper and build a reputation for excellence.
Now at the helm and responsible for the present day image of Sillam is its creative Director and C.E.O. Henri. J. Sillam. Henri is personally responsible for designing some of the exquisite pieces in the exclusive collections. His trademark is originality in contemporary design using rare gems and pearls.
Contrary to tradition, Henri postponed his training as a goldsmith to study amongst other things medicine and then psychology at both Yale and the University of Vienna respectively.
The detour proved invaluable, as Henri became ever more interested in the desire that enthralls a woman, drawing her to a particular piece of jewelry. This and in particular the magic effect it then appears to have on her personality. Henri believes that a woman’s eyes dazzle with the brilliance of the gems that surround her. His aim is to ensure that this is especially so when she is wearing a piece of Sillam jewelry.
Working with Henri and helping to make the House of Sillam what it is, are the small professional team of goldsmiths, setters and a gemologist. It is here that the precision led techniques are honed and the ultimate in beauty achieved.
Each member of the team has many years of experience, which enables them together to produce pieces at a proficiency for which the Sillam name became originally renowned.
In the humble workshop of which it is part, takes place once a month small seminars for those customers enraptured with the world of gemology but who never had the chance to learn more. Here, clarity size and colour are discussed and demonstrated, in an attempt to give confidence and inspiration to their customers.
Bespoke jewelry and haute joaillerie is the principle work of the House of Henri J. Sillam and the area in which its expertise and service are fully renowned.
All the resources of the house are laid at the disposal of those private customers wishing to commission a particular piece of jewelry, or contribute to an existing design.
Henri J. Sillam is proud to have produced unique pieces of fine jewelry for many discerning and sometimes well-known customers. It is our policy, however, that unless otherwise waived by them, Henri J. Sillam maintains their privacy and does not reveal details about particular clients.
The House of Sillam believes in implementing wherever possible, initiatives towards maintaining a sustainable eco-friendly working environment. Towards this end, recycling of materials and environmentally responsible policies are employed in all areas of production.
The House of Henri J. Sillam always humbly aims to support in whichever way possible, both the national and international community.
At home, projects include fundraising for the “CliniClowns” appeal for children, “Ärzte ohne Grenzen“ (Doctors without borders) and “Wider die Gewalt“ (Action against violence).
Internationally, the “Dialog für den Frieden” (The art of dialogue resolution training) the foremost organization in the world, working towards training individuals as to how to effectively resolve conflicts in areas such as Ruanda and the Middle East.
When possible, the House of Sillam also tries to produce pieces that can be used to promote awareness of different causes. In the case of Aids, the renowned red ribbon brooch composed of 401 brilliant-polished burmese rubies set in 18 carat white gold.
As one of the principles of the House of Sillam, is to impress upon its customers that it can be just as gratifying to give as well as to receive. The Company welcomes the opportunities when presented, to benefit from its participation in these worthwhile projects.
It is widely accepted that in the production of fine jewelry trust and transparency are vital to the profession. In this regard Henri J. Sillam is by no means different, but attempts to go further to ensure that all efforts are made to give the customer confidence in their purchase. All steps are taken to maintain this policy of transparency when dealing with appraisals and every guarantee of quality available is given.
When necessary, as with unusual gemstones, antique pieces, the determination of rare metals, technical specifications and valuations, consultation with a variety of experts are available.
Recommendations for expert valuations and certifications can also be provided. Gem certifications from the GIA, IGI, EGL, HRD, GLA and GSL institutes can be arranged in-house. (Please seek specific information from our offices)