Dear Jenny, you have three daughters, a partner named Moritz, and two dogs. You also present Georg Hornemann's extraordinary jewellery at the Esel Galerie in Kampen. This sounds like a vibrant, colourful everyday life. What's your favourite way to start the day?

I love to start the day slowly and comfortably with a hot cup of black coffee. Moritz and I sit in the kitchen in our robes, looking out of the window and watching the day unfold. To be honest, if this routine is disrupted, the rest of my day feels off-kilter. We always take our time in the mornings, which sometimes means I end up driving my daughters to school still dressed in my robe. One of my daughters once remarked, “Oh man, all my friends know my mother in her robe!” The neighbours also know me this way, especially when I’m out catching the dogs in the early hours, still clad in my robe. Once the children have gone to school and the dogs are back home, my day truly begins.

Your day usually continues at the Esel Galerie in Kampen, where you’ve been working for a few years now. How did the Esel Galerie come to exist, and how did you come to present Georg Hornemann’s jewellery there?

It all started quite spontaneously. I’ve known Alexander Hornemann, Georg Hornemann’s son, since my youth, and my mother and grandmother have been customers and friends of the family for decades. One day, while Alexander and I were out for lunch in Kampen, we sat at a restaurant across from what is now the Esel Galerie. We noticed that the charming little corner house was empty and available for rent. I spontaneously suggested the idea of opening a shop there to showcase Georg Hornemann’s jewellery. Alexander was just as enthusiastic about the idea, and we sealed the deal with a handshake after our lunch. We’re now in our third year of running this gem of a store together.

What fascinates you about jewellery? Why do you enjoy wearing it yourself?

I’m captivated by the aesthetic individuality and precision craftsmanship that jewellery can possess. I’m referring to pieces that are created by true master craftsmen and resemble works of art. The exclusivity of small editions is particularly important to me, as it allows individuals to maintain their uniqueness. When a piece is produced in large quantities, it somehow loses its value and charm. I’ve always loved wearing jewellery—I consider myself a bit of a jewellery junkie. Special pieces can give people a radiant glow, which is one reason I’m drawn to them. Additionally, I have emotional connections to my jewellery, as each piece is tied to significant memories. I have always bought from Georg Hornemann because his pieces are so extravagant, and the limited editions are extraordinary, making each piece truly special.

After a long day at the Esel Galerie, what does arriving home mean to you, and how do you prefer to spend your free time?

A day at the gallery can be long, but it passes quickly. In the evenings, the whole family comes together for dinner and we usually talk about our days. In winter, we often snuggle up together on the sofa afterward, while in summer, we enjoy spending time together on the beach or walking the dogs in nature on the mudflats. Sylt provides the perfect backdrop for these moments, and I cherish life on the island year-round! On weekends, we often have friends over. Moritz is an excellent cook, and our evenings often turn into lively dinner parties filled with laughter and dancing.

Jenny Zimmerer, originally from the Rhineland, worked for many years in her family’s shoe business before moving to Sylt in 2020. At home, she enjoys wearing a velvet robe from MyMorgenrock.

Georg Hornemann is renowned as one of the most skilled goldsmiths and designers of our time. For over 50 years, he has gained international recognition for his extraordinary jewellery creations and has won numerous awards for outstanding jewellery design since the late 1960s. With his almost inexhaustible creative drive, Hornemann has significantly influenced and shaped European jewellery design. His company has been jointly run by Georg and his son Alexander for over 30 years. In addition to locations in Düsseldorf and Berlin, the Kampen store on Sylt was established in 2021.