Helen Clara Hemsley. James Bates Photography

Theme:
Contemporary jewellery art

Can Danish jewellery art reinvent itself when the artistic education (Institut for Ædelmetal/Institute for Precious Metals) is shut down, and the field doesn’t have a dedicated specialized museum in Denmark?

What traditions and stories is Danish jewellery art built upon? How does the industry respond to contemporary demands for sustainability and new consumer patterns? Does jewelry still have a place in a world of abundance, climate anxiety, and discontent?

Much suggests that Danish jewelry art is finding its own ways regardless.

From September 28-30, the Copenhagen Goldsmiths’ Guild is inviting for the third time to a packed program during ‘City of Jewelry’ in Copenhagen.

Formkraft focuses on Danish jewellery art as of 2023.

The archive on Formkraft contains a number of interesting articles about Danish jewelry art. Search the Archive

Editor

A deeper renewal

By Heidi Laura, journalist, writer and co-editor

Can Danish jewellery art reinvent itself in a world where profit, volume, and quick turnover dictate most things? And is it time to seriously move on from traditional materials like gold and diamonds, which are haunted by dirty production conditions - a path that several Danish jewelry artists have already embarked on?

Alone together. Helen Clara Hemsley. James Bates Photography.

Article

Jewellery artist forge new connections and open up dialogue

By Sisse Tanderup, PhD, External Lecturer, Department of Design, Media, and Education Sciences at the University of Southern Denmark

The collector, as a figure, plays a significant role among jewellery artists in the City of Jewelry. A collector can be seen as a modern storyteller, possessing a special eye and sensitivity to things, reflecting a profound democratic view of the material world, as nothing inherently stands above anything else. Sisse Tanderup discusses Danish jewellery art based in the City of Jewellery.

Kranhjerte- Kædedetalje på byggepladskran, 2023. Sølv 925

Interviews

Lone Løvshal, oldermand. Kjøbenhavns Guldsmedelaug

Education is needed to ensure a golden future for the goldsmith profession

By Nana Balle, journalist

Marie Louise Kristensen. Fotograf Dorte Krogh

The art academy in Munich has the mandate to create a sanctuary for the students

By Emilie Kleding Rasmussen, Journalist

Katja Kjems Nielsen “Animania Earring”

Design School Kolding: “Our students need to understand the industry – but also find their own artistic stance”

By Nana Balle, journalist

Interview

The jewellery anchors us in the world – but who anchors the jewellery?

By Helle Dyrlund Severinsen, Master of Arts, editor

Josephine Winther is a jewellery artist and former teacher in the Accessory program at the Design School Kolding. Now, she teaches aspiring jewelry artists at the Holbæk Art High School. Here, she shares her perspective on Danish jewellery art, the potential of the field, and dreams

Josephine Winther Fotograf Kirstine Autzen

History

Ole Bent Petersen. Foto: Museum Kolding. Iben Kaufmann

JEWELLERY FOR A PIERCED EARLOBE: ‘TOO SIMPLE A TASK’ Danish jewellery design in late modernity

By Lars Dybdahl, design researcher and author

Ernst Paltscho var en østrigsk hofjuveler, som havde sin storhedstid under Art Nouveau og Art Deco perioden. Sommerfuglebroche af udskåret bjergkrystal, opaler, rubiner og diamanter fra 1900-tallet var skabt til at gøre indtryk, som kendetegnede mange af smykkerne fra perioderne. Foto Bruun Rasmussen.

The adorned human

By Mathilde Rude , journalist and valuation expert

Read theme article

Portrait

Slow Luxury: Jewellery and Sustainability

By Martin Mitchell, journalist and communication consultant specializing in sustainability

Designer and goldsmith Katrine Ingrid Christensen graduated from the Design School Kolding with a collection of recycled jewellery. Now, she works in couture for one of the world's largest luxury brands. Here, she talks about working with sustainability in a jewellery world that, at the same time, demands attachment to the products but is also influenced by the race of fashion trends.

Kathrine Ingrid Christensen. Fotograf Frederik Frølich Honoré

Book review

Still a Bit Ahead

By Heidi Laura, journalist, writer and PhD

A new book on Nanna Ditzel's jewellery provides a beautiful overview and a fresh appreciation for her design language.

Read book review

Nanna Ditzel