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Why Trust Matters More Than Beauty – Barbara Meier in Conversation

With Barbara Meier, The Natural Gem is gaining not only a well-known public figure, but also a convinced advocate for a new form of high-quality investment: transparent, responsible, and lasting in value.

Barbara Meier, Brand Ambassador of The Natural Gem
Barbara Meier, Brand Ambassador of The Natural Gem

The Natural Gem

Barbara, you recently became Brand Ambassador for The Natural Gem. Was there a moment when you knew: this is the right fit?

Barbara Meier

Gemstones have fascinated me ever since I was a little girl and received an Advent calendar filled with gemstones. I believe that stones can have an effect on us as human beings, and I often give them as gifts. Of course, because of my work, I also frequently wear jewellery with beautiful and rare stones at shoots or on the red carpet.

I first discovered gemstones as an investment through The Natural Gem. As with most of my collaborations, I asked many questions at the beginning — including critical ones — and took a close look at the origin of the stones and the working conditions behind them. My questions were answered carefully and in detail. That convinced me, together with the passion and incredibly deep expertise for these beautiful stones that I sensed at The Natural Gem.

The Natural Gem

You work with many brands. Why is The Natural Gem such a particularly good fit for you?

Barbara Meier

As I said, gemstones have always fascinated me. So being able to work with them is something very special, and I learn something new every time I visit the offices. Sometimes I ask to be shown particular features in the stones under a magnifying glass and have them explained to me.

That interest is something we share.

At the end of the day, however, a partnership also has to be aligned with my values and with the company’s attitude. Does the company take responsibility? Is the origin of the “product” verified? Are all questions answered? Is there transparency and independent certification?

In this respect, The Natural Gem has always made every effort to give me a good feeling and has answered every question that arose honestly.

Robert Ziegler, Interviewer and Gemstone Expert at The Natural Gem
Robert Ziegler, Interviewer and Gemstone Expert at The Natural Gem

The Natural Gem

In the podcast, you spoke about how intensively you have engaged with these topics. Where does this interest come from?

Barbara Meier

I simply believe that we all bear responsibility for what we do. And I try to take that responsibility seriously. For many years, I have volunteered in my free time for various organisations that protect children and the environment.

I am the mother of two young children. That makes the responsibility twofold: to be a good role model for my fans and followers, but also for my children.

For me, sustainability does not stop at food or fashion — it also applies to investments and jewellery. And this is exactly where The Natural Gem has shown me that there is a way to combine beauty, value, and responsibility.

The Natural Gem

You also visited us in Vienna. What impressed you most there?

Barbara Meier

How beautiful the premises are, and how much you can sense the love of gemstones everywhere. There is always something to discover. Uncut stones are also displayed, which makes it wonderful to visualise the process of how, for example, a piece of jewellery comes into being.

And then there is the calm atmosphere the rooms radiate. You can tell that this is not about quick sales, but that great importance is placed on in-depth consultation.

The Natural Gem

What fascinates you personally about gemstones?

Barbara Meier

Gemstones fascinate us as human beings in so many different ways. That is what I find most exciting.

Chemically, it is so impressive how these stones form in nature over millions of years, and how different environments or elements produce different colours.

Spiritually, stones have an effect on us that we can feel, even if we cannot truly explain it.

Aesthetically, we enjoy the beauty of stones and often want to keep them close to us, in the form of jewellery — sometimes every day.

Historically, there are stones with incredibly fascinating stories, including crown jewels.

And ultimately, financially as well: gemstones are also an interesting investment and a valuable addition to more traditional forms of investment.

The Natural Gem

You spend a lot of time in the world of jewellery and aesthetics. How does that fit with The Natural Gem?

Barbara Meier

For me, it fits together perfectly. What I find wonderful here is that it does not stop with the gemstone as an investment; you can also have individual pieces of jewellery created.

With recycled gold and genuine craftsmanship, it is possible to create a wonderful counterpoint to fast-moving, environmentally harmful mass production.

Pieces of jewellery like those from The Natural Gem are often passed down through generations. That is wonderful, because products like these have become rare.

The Natural Gem

You are working together on your own collection. What is your vision?

Barbara Meier

I want to create jewellery pieces that are timeless — but that also convey a clear attitude. It is not just about creating something beautiful, but something meaningful.

Ideally, I would like us to succeed in designing pieces that will later be passed on. We urgently need a countermodel to our throwaway society. Sustainability and transparency must be at the very top of our list of values. The Natural Gem and I fully agree on that.

The Natural Gem

You will also be appearing more frequently on the podcast in the future. What can listeners expect?

Barbara Meier

On the one hand, of course, I will be talking about our collaboration. But above all, I would also like to ask questions on behalf of the listeners. I am not as deeply familiar with the subject as the people here are. And I believe that many of the questions I ask myself are probably questions many people out there have asked themselves too.

I am already looking forward to being involved more often in topics related to lifestyle, trends, and sustainability.

The Natural Gem

What would you like to achieve in the long term with this partnership?

Barbara Meier

I hope that we can create a new awareness. That people begin to consume more consciously — including in the high-end segment.

That they ask questions: Where does this come from? Is it sustainable? Can I trust it?

If we can help make precisely these questions more important, then we will already have achieved a great deal.

The Natural Gem

Finally — your favourite gemstone?

Barbara Meier

That actually changes again and again — the more I learn, the more fascinated I become by the diversity. And that is exactly what makes gemstones so special.

Quick Facts mit Barbara Meier

Gemstones in three words: natural wonder – emotional – meaningful

Investment or emotion? An investment that also brings beautiful emotions with it.

What is more important: beauty or origin? Origin — I do not find something beautiful if it has come to me under poor working or environmental conditions.

Why The Natural Gem? Because this is about trust and genuine collaboration.

Conclusion

The partnership with Barbara Meier stands for a clear attitude: transparency, trust, and sustainability are not a trend — they are the future.

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Dr. Thomas Schröck
The author:

Dr. Thomas Schröck

The founder and managing partner of THE NATURAL GEM has been active in international gemstone trading for 30 years. As a doctor of economics and a certified gemmologist in Switzerland, Germany and the USA, among other countries, he is one of Europe’s leading experts on naturally-coloured, untreated gemstones and investments in them.

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