A few words about me
I was born in 1966 in Neumarkt am Wallersee (near Salzburg, Austria). After having finished my apprenticeship as gold- and silversmith in Austria, I moved to New York City and initially worked there for one of the most well-known jewellers of 5th Avenue. Later, I went into business for myself and worked out of my 47th Street studio.
After 11 years in New York, I moved back to Austria in 1997 and took the examination for the master craftsman's certificate. Following that, I established my own company; by today, I design and manufacture jewellery in Austria since 2001. Usually, my customers are involved in the development of a piece of jewellry - the design „grows“ in the personal dialog with the client.
For me, this individuality is especially important when creating wedding bands. I really like to develop a pair of rings together with a bridal couple by taking up their ideas and transform them into a unique design.
I also like to integrate colourful gemstones into my creations. This does not only include the well-known colours like ruby, sapphire etc. but also stones like the richly coloured Boulder opals and other unusually coloured gemstones.
Another speciality of mine are technically highly sophisticated pieces like hand-crafted chains which are done after antique patterns. Currently, I am deeply involved with Mokume Gane (translates to „wood-grained metal“), an ancient japanese technique from the 17th century which needs very profound artistic and technical knowledge. These pieces of jewellery cannot be reproduced and thus emphasize their wearer's individuality by their uniqueness.
Finally, I also do work on jewellery like repairs, cleaning or rework. Especially high-valued pieces should be checked from time to time to identify minor damages before they become irreversible or may even lead to losing a precious gemstone.
1966 | Born in Neumarkt am Wallersee near Salzburg, Austria |
1982 | Apprenticeship as gold- and silversmith Final examination |
1986 | Moved to New York City (USA) |
1987 | Jewellery studio "VARUJAN", located at the well-known "47th Street-Diamond and Jewelry Way" in Manhattan |
1988 | From March, working for "C.G. Creations" at 47th Street Production of precious single pieces from 18K gold, platinum, diamonds and top-class gemstones exclusively for the prestigious jewellery store "VERDURA" on "5th Avenue" |
1990 | Manufacturing of own creations Exhibition in the gallery "An American Craftsman" in Greenwich Village, New York |
1992 | Realisation of new ideas Exhibition in the "Wheeler/Seidel Gallery" in SOHO, New York |
1995 | Established own company in April Mainly individual single pieces for private clients |
1997 | Moved back to Austria in September |
1999 | Examination for the master craftsman's certificate Presentation in "Kunsthistorisches Museum-Wien" (Art historical museum in Vienna) |
2001 | Exhibition at the local Neumarkt trade fair "Creativ" - Fair Salzburg |
2002 | Exhibition in the Casino Salzburg Bridal fair Schloß Sighartstein Exhibition Kiwanis-Klub-Event |
2003-2006 | Bridal fair Schloß Mondsee |
2004 | Exhibition in the "Fronfeste Neumarkt" together with Gunar Streu,
Photography Trade fair Köstendorf |
2005 | Participant of the 1st competition of goldsmiths from Salzburg |
2006 | Bridal fair Schloß Aurolzmünster |
2007-2021 | Bridal fair Kavalierhaus Klessheim (Salzburg) |
2013 | Exhibition in the "Fronfeste Neumarkt" together with Ingo Keich (Lamps and Upholstery) |