Christine - The Artist Goldsmith
Central Nelson
For 50 years Christine has drawn her inspiration from the physical reality around her, travelling widely to seek out jewels, precious metals, shells and stones – natural materials on which to set her imagination free.
Born at the very heart of Europe, in the city of Erfurt, Christine was only four when her parents risked their lives in a daring and successful escape bid from East to West Germany, spiriting their daughter away with them to a new life near Stuttgart.
Her father being a plumber, she learnt metalwork early in life and her ambition to become a Goldsmith took root at the age of twelve. Four years apprenticeship in Schwäbisch Gmünd led to qualification and her subsequent election to Germany's prestigious Union of Professional Artists.
For seventeen years Christine ran a flourishing gallery and workshop in the centre of Stuttgart, before moving to Britain in 1988 and on to New Zealand in 1992. Living with her husband – manager David, she produces at least one major Collection a year, presenting valuable and greatly sought-after pieces to an international following.
All Christine’s jewellery is personally handmade. No two pieces are the same. Metals are acquired only in their raw form; neither setting nor polishing is entrusted to others. Whether bold or delicate, in gold or silver, each piece is built and shaped with traditional tools and the now rarely used mouth-blown soldering torch. Acute attention-to-detail combines with refreshing practicality, so that her rings remain comfortable, her earpieces and necklaces light enough to wear all day.
"Relaying my reactions to the imposing paintings of Gustav Klimt and re-living the colours of Franz Marc's works through stones allowed me to express emotions rarely seen in jewellery, creating stories to be worn."
Being a professionally trained Goldsmith, Christine offers maximum value to a full range of jewellery services:
- Creating one-of-a-kind jewellery artworks
- Incorporating client’s stones and metals in commission pieces
- Repairing and servicing jewellery
- Restringing and refurbishing pearl necklaces
Creating
With over 50 years’ experience as a creative Goldsmith, Christine carries a wonderful selection of one-of-a-kind jewellery in 18ct gold and sterling silver. Her love of colourful gemstones gives each an individual character. These are ideal for very personal birthday and anniversary gifts, weddings and special treats. Her work is highly collectable and of proven Museum quality.
Commissions
The setting of a client’s stones (recently a beautiful 6ct emerald) to optimal effect (as a magnificent ring) using gold provided (inherited rings, broken chain, an ear stud, heavy gold bracelet) gives new and dramatic life to sentimental material, rendering it functional today and ideally suited to handing down through the family.
Repairing and Servicing
With a deep understanding of her metals, Christine can advise on maintaining the value in your jewellery through repair or alteration. Even a good clean and polish can help to restore a piece to past glory!
Refurbishment
Pearl strings should be restrung every couple of years to avoid breakage and loss of material (cf the car service). The addition of extra elements – gold rings, coloured stones, interesting spacers - can transform a simple string to an exciting necklace at very little cost!
Traditionally, German “Wertarbeit” has been about delivering long-term value through high quality materials and workmanship; this ethic has driven Christine’s long career. Be your investment a few hundred or many thousands of dollars, she promises to deliver an expert service based on a thorough understanding of her craft.
We look forward to imparting maximum VALUE into the creation of YOUR special piece of heirloom jewellery.
03 265 8071 // 021 817 209
Central Nelson (by appointment)