About Us
We create one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry—a fusion of science and Swiss craftsmanship that transforms your personal signature into a timeless jewel.
Who We Are
After nearly 20 years of experience as goldsmiths, we’ve come to realize through countless conversations with our customers that what matters more and more is not simply crafting yet another gold ring, but rather capturing stories through our work—signs of appreciation that go beyond the superficial.
We’re convinced that, these days, the meaning behind things often matters more than their material value. Almost everything is fleeting, yet some things can be preserved. The most important things are the relationships we build in life. Through our work, we aim to create symbols of these unique stories—ones that are truly personal and genuinely valuable. To
make visible the invisible bonds between us, and to immortalize what truly matters in wearable symbols that may well outlive us.
Every piece of jewelry we create begins with your RETINA® signature, discovered in the hidden depths of your eye. From this secret pattern, we craft testaments to your inner beauty—pieces that are more than just jewelry: they are small works of art that tell stories of uniqueness and connection.
Our creations don’t just sparkle—they speak. They carry a story, a feeling, a legacy—one that may one day amaze your grandchildren.
Dr. Stefan Wacha
Founder & CEO
Mission
Our mission: to create deeply personalized jewelry that makes those who wear it feel unique, connected, and truly special.
Vision
Our vision: that the world wears jewelry that is not only beautiful, but also deeply personal—timeless symbols of individuality and connection. In a world of mass production, we want to remind people what it feels like to wear something that truly belongs only to them—because it comes from within.
How the Idea for RETINA® Came About
We searched for wedding rings ourselves, but none of them really spoke to us. As beautiful as they were—most of them seemed like mass-produced items. Even so-called one-of-a-kind pieces, shaped by hand or with a hammer, lacked a deeply personal essence.
We wanted to find a way to immortalize a part of ourselves in such a meaningful piece of jewelry without compromising its beauty. Fingerprints seemed like the obvious choice, but they looked unattractive. Then I remembered my background as a neuroscientist: the retina. It is completely unique to every person—even identical twins—and became the key. This insight formed the basis for RETINA® jewelry.
Dr. Stefan Wacha
Founder & CEO
I am a goldsmith and jewelry designer driven by passion—inspired by the desire to create something truly personal and unique, beyond the traditional boundaries of jewelry design.
Every RETINA® piece of jewelry is one of a kind. Tailor-made for each individual, it reflects the uniqueness of the wearer—or of the loved one for whom it was created.
Drawing on my background as a neuroscientist, I discovered the ultimate key to individuality: the retina. Hidden within the eye—often referred to as the window to the soul—it bears a pattern that is as unique as the person themselves.
Marlen Wacha
Goldsmith & Jewel Setter
With a steady hand and a keen eye, she gives gemstones their final setting. Whether diamonds, sapphires, topazes, or a stone with a personal history—she sets each piece with dedication and technical mastery: pavé, bezel, or prong settings. Precise soldering, exact spot welding, and engraving are just as much a part of her repertoire as intricate repairs that restore old jewelry to its former glory. Her creative process often begins with a sketch—a quiet idea that takes shape, guided by experience, technique, and artistic sensitivity.
Our Philosophy
RETINA® jewelry is not a status symbol meant to impress others, but rather to express what is truly valuable to you.
It is a symbol with depth that carries hidden meaning.
Our creations are not variations on mass-produced designs.
They are personal masterpieces, born from your uniqueness—the unmistakable pattern of your retina.
Where others seek to impress with visible glitter, we value inner beauty—the self-assured radiance of individuality.
RETINA® thus embodies a fundamentally new, subtle, and intimate form of luxury.
Not to seek attention, but to symbolize love, belonging, and identity.
To remind us of the value of our uniqueness: There Is Only One.
Rheinsprung 10
4051 Basel
Our Atelier
Where unique stories begin.
Our Atelier
We welcome you to our cozy atelier in Basel’s historic old town, where a warm and personal atmosphere awaits you.
Every consultation is conducted at a leisurely pace, allowing us to guide you with care and turn your visit into an inspiring journey into the world of RETINA®.
In our workshop, every piece of jewelry is crafted with dedication and precision.
From milling and polishing to engraving, diamond setting, casting, soldering, and watchmaking—every detail deserves our undivided attention.
This dedication ensures that your creation is not only unique but also unforgettable.
Our Workshop
In our workshop in Baselland, every creation is brought to life with meticulous attention to detail, passion, and precision.
As traditional goldsmiths, jewelers, and watchmakers, we devote ourselves to every step of the process—whether it’s milling, polishing, engraving, or setting the finest diamonds by hand. We combine time-honored techniques with state-of-the-art equipment—whatever your piece of jewelry requires.
Most of our creations are crafted using vacuum investment casting, and each piece of jewelry takes several weeks to be perfected through further techniques such as soldering, spot and laser welding, and high-gloss polishing of the finest details.
Every step is taken with the sole aim of making each piece of jewelry not only unique but unforgettable—a masterpiece of craftsmanship that will endure for generations.
The Art of Goldsmithing
The Precision of Gemstone Setting
Fine Swiss Watchmaking
Start your RETINA® journey.
Book your personalized design experience at our studio in Basel—or from anywhere in the world via phone or video call.