The Need For Beauty
The Sabo family is ushering in a new era of brilliance, crafting fine jewellery designed to last a lifetime. In conversation: Thomas, Rita, and Santiago Sabo share their thoughts on beauty, visions, and personal favourites
T e x t
MANUELA TIEFNIG
P h o t o s
SABOTEUR
The jewellery and watch brand THOMAS SABO ranks among the leading names worldwide. But that’s not the end of the story: SABOTEUR was founded by Thomas Sabo and his son Santiago, while artist and Thomas’s wife, Rita Sabo, is the creative force behind the line SACRA.
The SACRED PLANET pendant is adorned with 158 red rubies.
The SACRED PLANET pendant is adorned with 158 green emeralds.
Other collections include ELEMENTAL, FINE PIERCING, and PETIT. In 2022, the very first SABOTEUR store opened its doors in Vienna. Here, the dynamic family shares insights into their journey of success.
Artist Rita Sabo’s SACRA collection is inspired by treasures, sacred artefacts, and the mindful passing on of these earthly heirlooms.
Above: A glimpse inside the world’s first SABOTEUR store in Vienna.
Below: Founder Thomas Sabo (centre) with his wife Rita and son Santiago.
“We believe in the universal desire for beauty and strive to create the perfect piece of jewellery to fulfil that longing,” is the family’s guiding principle.
But how important is beauty to them — and what do they personally consider beautiful?
Thomas Sabo: Beauty is what provides us with comfort and hope, especially in difficult times — and right now, we need that more than ever. The most flawless beauty is found in nature, which has always been a profound source of inspiration for me. I’ve long drawn on the influences of my travels to shape our collections.
Rita Sabo: Yes, nature is a key inspiration for both of us. But for me, it’s also about a feeling of connection. Beauty can be expressed in a gesture of togetherness, a symbol of affection. That’s why I love jewellery — it is always a symbol, a meaningful token.
Santiago Sabo: To me, beauty lies in authenticity and uniqueness. Especially in challenging times, it’s so important to listen to your inner voice — simply to be yourself. It may sound like a cliché, but in my view, it is truly the most beautiful and essential thing in life.
What vision did you pursue with the opening of the world’s first SABOTEUR store and the launch of SABOTEUR Fine Piercing in Vienna?
Thomas Sabo: It means a great deal to me to work together as a
family, creating the kind of world we want to see. With the SABOTEUR store in Vienna, we have brought our vision to life in the very place we call home. The store embodies the lifestyle we want to share through the brand: creative, free-spirited, and multifaceted.
With the opening of our first SABOTEUR boutique in Munich, we have now reached yet another milestone.
Santiago Sabo: SABOTEUR was born from conversations my father and I had about our dreams for life and our vision for the future. Early on, my father taught me to follow my passion. Each of us brings different talents and strengths to the table, but we all share the same direction — one that we pursue together with our community, the SABOTEUR Society.
Do you have personal favourite pieces of jewellery that you never leave home without?
Santiago Sabo: The signet ring engraved with my father’s and my own initials — which also form our SABOTEUR logo — is practically part of me. It never leaves my finger.
Rita Sabo: Aside from my wedding ring, the SACRED PLANET is my most treasured piece. It gives me strength and confidence every day.
Thomas Sabo: Naturally, I always wear my wedding band, as well as a bracelet with tiger’s eye beads. It symbolises a long and fulfilling life. It sounds like bright horizons lie ahead.
What does the future hold?
Santiago Sabo: At SABOTEUR, we want jewellery to become an extension of one’s personality. Our work is deeply connected to the art of the body and self-expression. Just as people continuously reinvent themselves, we constantly evolve our collections. We’re already looking forward to presenting something new in our stores this June!
Thank you for the interview.
Fine Piercing Studio: At SABOTEUR, clients can enjoy exclusive surroundings
while receiving ear and nose piercings from professional piercing artists.
SABOTEUR
SABOTEUR by THOMAS SABO
Spiegelgasse 8, 1010 Vienna
tel.: +43 (0) 664 4681908
saboteur.world
@saboteur.world
