Artisans in Berlin paving the way for enduring craftsmanship in the goldsmithing field
In the heart of Berlin, the city's vibrant contemporary art and design scene is fostering a new wave in goldsmithing. This ancient craft, with roots dating back to 4000 BC, is now embracing the future with open arms.
Once a protected title in Germany, the goldsmith trade has faced significant challenges over the past two decades. The German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH) reports a staggering 69% decrease in gold- and silversmithing apprentices, dropping from 1,444 in 1998 to only 448 apprentices in 2022. However, the city's jewellery-making community is thriving, with more independent jewellers offering workshops and organising events to connect, collaborate, and share their knowledge.
One such autodidact is Varvara Krotkova, who teaches workshops for budding jewellers, providing an alternative path to forge a career in jewellery-making. Her efforts, along with the resilience of established goldsmiths like Johanna Gauder and the designer-goldsmith duo behind BAZK Berlin, Bert van Wijk and Angela Gomez, are helping to keep the tradition alive.
Johanna Gauder, a traditionally-trained goldsmith and founder of her eponymous brand, lists inflation, increasing costs of production, and a lack of skilled professionals as contributing factors to the difficulties faced by the goldsmith craft. Despite these challenges, her brand offers seven collections of sleek, minimalistic silver rings, bracelets, and necklaces, available on johannagauder.com. Follow Johanna on Instagram @johannagauder to stay updated on her latest creations.
BAZK Berlin, a joint venture founded by Angela Gomez and Bert van Wijk in 2016, offers gold and silver pieces with a rough finish, often reminiscent of time-worn concrete. Their 'fuck' pieces, complemented by stacker rings and pendants, often featuring sapphires and diamonds, are a testament to their experimental approach. Shop BAZK Berlin's products on bazkberlin.com and follow @bazkberlin on Instagram for a glimpse into their world.
Innovative technologies are increasingly impacting the future of goldsmithing in Berlin by integrating advanced tools such as AI-powered design, precision machinery, and new digital fabrication techniques. These innovations transform traditional handcraft methods by enabling complex geometries, new materials usage, and digital workflows that support both artistic exploration and scaling production.
The city's adoption of cutting-edge methods like AI-assisted design and real-time rendering technologies is enabling goldsmiths to experiment with complex, personalized jewelry pieces more efficiently. Although direct Berlin-specific goldsmithing tech trends are not detailed, the broader context includes the use of AI and digital fabrication, precision and machine tools, and artistic integration, all of which are influencing goldsmiths Europe-wide, including Berlin-based artisans.
Anna Butwell, the creator of Metal Atelier, established in 2018, brings a rock'n'roll edge to the scene with her most recurring design element: the word 'fuck', stamped on her rings and bracelets. Shop Metal Atelier's products on metalatelier.com and follow @metalatelier on Instagram to stay updated on her unique creations.
Handcrafted jewellery has a higher status than ever, with consumers preferring rough-hewn pieces that show signs of human craftsmanship over machine-made items. Yet, despite the ubiquity of metal jewellery, an artisanal piece remains a luxury item not everyone can afford. The future of goldsmithing in Berlin lies at the intersection of tradition and innovation, where AI-driven design, advanced computer-aided manufacturing, and integration within Berlin’s dynamic art ecosystem are shaping the landscape of this ancient craft.
- Varvara Krotkova, an autodidact jeweler, teaches workshops to encourage newcomers interested in the goldsmith trade, offering an alternative path for a career in fashion-and-beauty and small-business.
- Anna Butwell, the founder of Metal Atelier, combines traditional goldsmithing techniques with a modern, edgy aesthetic, fusing lifestyle and business with her unique, handcrafted jewelry pieces.
- To stay competitive in the contemporary business environment, established goldsmiths adopt innovative technologies like AI-powered design, precision machinery, and digital fabrication to foster growth and adapt to the demands of home-and-garden enthusiasts and career-oriented consumers.
