Manu Schmuck's founder, Ilse Ebert, identified a market gap early on. She noticed that many women, like herself, were drawn to modern jewellery but were often deterred by the high prices. This led her to found Manu in 1986, with a steadfast commitment to offering sophisticated, high-quality designs at affordable prices. Manu's jewellery is not just about the materials and craftsmanship, but also about making it accessible to a wider audience.

Primarily using the technique of lamination, fusing silver and 22-karat gold, to bring simplicity and expressive design together. The desired understated look is often achieved using matt or textured surfaces, oxidisation and natural gemstones.

Some necklaces are created using an exchange system, whereby a pendant integrated with the mechanism can be interchanged and worn on different strands of stone beads, making it entirely adaptable and versatile. This unique feature allows you to create your own style and adapt your jewellery to various occasions, adding a sense of empowerment and excitement to your wardrobe. 

Johannes Weege, second-generation director of the company, explains, "We believe in simple, authentic design rather than flashy luxury. Our collection, comprising approximately 300 pieces, is regularly updated with new designs each Spring and Autumn. This continuous evolution keeps our customers engaged and interested in the latest trends and designs, ensuring that there's always something new and exciting to discover at Manu Schmuck."

In 2025, author Florence Knapp featured Manu's jewellery in her bestselling debut novel "The Names".  In the book's epilogue, the author tells how she drew inspiration from Manu's pieces in the development of one of the main characters, who is a jeweller.