Founded in Switzerland with strong roots in Brazil, TK Collection is a boutique gemstone supplier known for its carefully sourced, characterful stones. From vivid tourmalines to rare imperial topaz, the company works closely with jewellers and designers to offer transparent sourcing, meaningful service, and a personal touch. At the heart of it all is founder Tobias, whose journey into gemstones started far from the traditional trade path — but exactly where the stones begin.

We sat down with Tobias, founder of TK Collection, to talk Brazil, Paraibas, and why a good stone always tells the truth.

How It Started

You didn’t come from a gemstone background — so how did TK Collection begin?

“We spent a few years living in Brazil, and that’s where it all clicked. Being close to the source, meeting the people behind the stones — it just opened something up for us. The beauty, the craft, the history — it was impossible not to get hooked. We’re first-generation gemstone dealers, which means we came in with fresh eyes. TK Collection started as a way to do things differently—more transparently, more responsibly.”

Tobias Kempf of TK Collection with two local gemstone miners at a Brazilian mine, smiling and giving a thumbs up at the rocky site.

And what guides you now, day to day?

“We try to stay true to what got us into this in the first place. We work as transparently as we can — from mine to market — even if full traceability isn’t always possible yet. And we genuinely value our client relationships. It’s not just about selling a stone — it’s about being a partner, someone they trust.”

On Sourcing and Responsibility

You talk about traceability a lot. How do you actually make that happen?

“Relationships. We work with people we know and trust — mainly in the countries of origin. That gives us proper insight into where the stones come from, and the conditions around them. We’re not into guesswork or grey areas.”

Do you specialise in any particular regions or types of stones?

“Definitely Brazil, especially Minas Gerais. It’s where we’ve got strong ties, both personally and professionally. We focus on imperial topaz, Paraiba tourmaline, a whole spectrum of coloured tourmaline, aquamarine… always fine, characterful stones that have something to say.”

What does ‘responsible sourcing’ mean to you in practice?

“It means knowing where a stone comes from — and working with people who are doing things properly. It’s about the human side of the supply chain as much as the environmental one.”

What’s Hot in the Market Right Now

Are you seeing any shifts in what designers or collectors are looking for?

“Yes — imperial topaz is definitely having a moment. And Paraiba’s still going strong, especially when it comes to unusual tones. Designers and collectors are looking for pieces with energy, with individuality. Cuts like oval, cushion, and pear are popular — especially when they feel a bit antique or unexpected.”

Any advice for designers choosing stones?

“Always prioritise quality — but remember that quality doesn’t have to mean the most expensive option. Look for untreated stones, great cutting, good life. A clean, well-cut stone can transform a piece, even if it’s not the rarest thing on the table.”

And what sets your stones apart?

“We’re picky! We don’t buy mixed lots — we choose every stone for its quality and character. And thanks to our work with Provenance Proof, we can offer QR-coded traceability for certain gems, showing the journey from rough to polished. That adds something emotional — and it builds trust too.”

You’ve mentioned traceability — can you explain how that works in practice?

“We started working with Provenance Proof earlier this year — it’s a platform developed by Gübelin that uses blockchain to track a stone’s full journey. For selected gems, we can show clients the original rough and all the key steps through to the final polished stone. We’ve had amazing feedback from our Swiss clients in particular — they really appreciate seeing the full picture, and it adds another layer of trust and emotion to the stone they choose.”

View a traceable gemstone example from TK Collection via Provenance Proof

Working With Designers

What makes a great relationship between a jeweller and a supplier?

“Honest communication. When both sides are open, we can actually solve problems together — whether that’s matching stones, working around budgets, or finding something that just feels right. It’s a creative process, not a transaction.”

Got a favourite memory of working with a client?

“Yes — a mine visit in Minas Gerais that we did with one of our clients. Seeing the stones at the source, meeting the miners, understanding the process from the very beginning — it brought a whole new meaning to the final piece they created. That kind of shared experience stays with you.”

Where Gemstone Dealing Is Going

How has your role changed as the industry evolves?

“It’s become much more collaborative. It used to be more of a one-way street — supplier sells, designer buys. Now, it’s more of a back-and-forth. We’re in this together, trying to create something meaningful for the end client.”

In the digital age, why does in-person still matter?

“Because stones need to be seen. You can’t feel the energy of a gem through a screen. Colour, brilliance, even weight — it’s all different in real life. That moment of connection when you hold a stone? You can’t replicate that online.”

Looking Ahead

What’s next for TK Collection?

“We’re continuing to grow in Switzerland, where we’re based. But there’s been a lot of interest from the UK recently, which we’re really excited about. We’re starting to build relationships there now.”

And what do you think the future of sourcing looks like?

“More transparent. People want to know where things come from. The challenge is to combine top-quality materials with ethical practices — but that’s also the opportunity. That’s where the future is headed, and we want to be part of that.”