Having originally trained as a goldsmith, Reto Theilkäs spent several years in the profession, getting to know the different facets of the craft. When the opportunity arose, he studied at the training and research centre of the German Gemmological Association in Idar-Oberstein (D), and successfully completed its internationally recognised Diploma in Gemmology. Reto Theilkäs has been an independent gemstone dealer (since 1994). It is the elemental nature of pearls and gemstones which captivates him.