History of Griffin

GRIFFIN – The Thread Awakens

In 1866, Carl Schinle, a visionary manufacturer and trader of ornamental trimmings, founded GRIFFIN in Schramberg, Germany. In the heart of the Black Forest, Schramberg is known for its lush landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and deep-rooted tradition of exceptional craftsmanship (and, of course, its famous Black Forest Cake). The Schinle and Armbruster family has owned the company for more than 158 years, preserving its legacy of excellence. 

The Black Forest is renowned for its dense woods, picturesque villages, and cuckoo clocks, as well as its unparalleled handcraft skills. The region has a long history of producing high-quality handmade goods, from intricate wood carvings to fine jewelry. Particularly Schramberg, once home to Junghans, the largest watchmaker in the world, was known for its precise craftsmanship.

This rich tradition of craftsmanship was leveraged by Carl Schinle to create fine-spun natural silk under the trademark GRIFFIN. Taking its design from Schramberg's crest, the Griffin logo quickly became a symbol of superior quality in the jewelry supply industry. 

Carl Schinle recognized the jewelry industry's need for high-quality thread and made use of his contacts in Germany's jewelry capital, Pforzheim. With Black Forest handcrafting excellence and Carl's innovative vision and production methods, GRIFFIN has become a leading manufacturer of bead stringing materials, especially our signature triple-twisted carded bead cord. 

Now in 2024, GRIFFIN has endured and experienced a lot. As well as the Franco-Prussian War, the company survived both World Wars. The period between WWI and WWII, including hyperinflation, was the most challenging. There was a shortage of everything, from raw materials to spare parts, which were extremely difficult to obtain. In spite of rapidly devaluing currency and extremely challenging circumstances, the company continued its operations and global sales during the hyperinflation of the 1920s. 

With over 154 years of loyalty to its location, GRIFFIN was headquartered in the picturesque Black Forest from 1866 to 2020. In 2020, GRIFFIN relocated its headquarters and production to Malta as a result of increasing internationalization and global demand. The island nation of Malta, situated in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, is rich in history and culture, having been influenced by a variety of civilizations throughout history.

Geographically, it is an ideal hub for international trade and business, which enhances GRIFFIN's ability to meet global demand. This move aligns with GRIFFIN's growth strategy and embraces Malta's dynamic culture. Within the European Union, the company combines its historical expertise with modern innovations. 

Nowadays, GRIFFIN offers a wide range of products, including silk threads, fine metal wires, and high-tech fibres. Worldwide, these products are suitable for both professional jewellers and hobbyists. Its products have expanded over the years to include clasps, endings, findings, tools, and other jewelry accessories. 

As GRIFFIN, we strive to maintain the highest standard of quality while continuously innovating. Using state-of-the-art machinery and efficient production methods, we ensure that our products meet the needs of our diverse customer base, from professional designers to DIY enthusiasts. GRIFFIN maintains this tradition by keeping everything in-house. GRIFFIN is one of the very few manufacturers left in the world that can manufacture the products without third parties. As a result, we are able to maintain and control the quality of our products. 

Whether you are creating, repairing, or manufacturing unique jewelry pieces, GRIFFIN 1866 Ltd. has everything you need in one place. With the Black Forest's tradition of handcraft skills at our roots, we are committed to excellence and innovation. 

The next blog will explain why GRIFFIN's triple twisted cord is the world's number one as well as our collaboration with silk farms.