Josef Koppmann

Jewellery maker

©Josef Koppmann

Minimalist jewellery

Josef runs a showroom at OXO Tower
He is a graduate of the Arts and Crafts College in Vienna
He fuses sterling silver with a 24-carat gold overlay

Jewellery making has always fascinated Josef Koppman, since a young age the artisan was intrigued by the mysterious process of shaping hard metal into intricate forms. Today Josef’s splendid jewellery art is exhibited in leading galleries across Europe. His signature technique is fusing sterling silver with a 24-carat gold overlay. The artisan is not shy about playing with symmetry, creating original patterns, and experimenting with geometrical shapes. Every piece is handmade in his London studio using traditional goldsmithing techniques and applying a trademark master’s touch. Josef's works are extremely visual and have graced the pages of world fashion, lifestyle, and jewellery publications.

Interview

©Josef Koppmann

©Josef Koppmann

Why did you choose to be a jewellery designer?: I think that the craft rather chose me. At a very young age, I was enthralled by how one can shape hard metal into complex forms. I am lucky that I could make a career out of something I love doing so much.
How did it all begin?: I graduated from the Arts and Crafts College in Vienna, Austria. After that, I completed a traditional apprenticeship in Silandro, Italy. Then I worked for a number of different designers until I finally opened my own workshop in London in 1995. That’s how I started.
What inspires you to create?: My work is inspired by modern architecture, predominantly brutalism. It’s universal and not tied to a country. As for the reason why I really love my profession, it’s the perpetuity: the fact that I create something that will be treasured long after I am gone.
What is little known about your work?: It is really important to me that the wearer and collector know as much about me and my work as possible. If there is one special thing to know about me as an artisan, it would be my obsession with old tools.

Josef Koppmann is a master artisan: he began his career in 1983 and he started teaching in 1996