Zlatarna Celje

Zlatarna Celje is a Slovenian jeweler and goldsmith based in Celje, with approximately 70% of its business deriving from jewelry and gold bullion sales. The company also produces dental alloys and industrial gold. Its retail stores are primarily located in Slovenia and countries of the former Yugoslavia. Zlatarna Celje markets its products under two brands: Zlatarna Celje and Lencia. The latter has collaborated with Slovenian skier Tina Maze on a jewelry collection since around 2008. Founded in 1921 by Italian goldsmith Giuseppe Pacchiaf and his brothers Alojz and Ivan Knez, the company initially employed 100 workers. Following World War II, the government confiscated half of the shares from Pacchiaf's heir and later nationalized Ivan Knez's shares. By 1963, it was under the management of the Municipal People Committee of Celje (MLO) and transitioned into an industrial enterprise, becoming a key player in Europe with exports to North America, Australia, and Asia. In 1974, annual exports reached $1 million. After Slovenia's independence, Zlatarna Celje faced financial difficulties due to lost Yugoslav markets, inefficiency, and poor marketing, leading to bankruptcy in 1997. Aurodent, a subsidiary, rescued the company before its closure. In 1999, the Albreht family acquired control through AL Company, relaunching the brand successfully. Bojan Albreht holds a 55% controlling interest and serves as chairman. In 2011, following a business review, Zlatarna Celje was added to the World Gold Council's list of trustworthy gold traders. The company invested in constructing the Plaza hotel BTC City in Ljubljana around 2012, marking its ...