MICHAEL ZOBEL

Presently the meeting place of the German parliament, the Reichstag Building in Berlin is a top tourist attraction. Germany is also the home of featured jewelry designer Michael Zobel.

"Through the connection of precious metals, stones and unconventional materials unique objects are created, which make the extraordinary wearable," says Zobel.

His masterfully crafted jewelry is fashioned from a wide variation of materials including 18-, 22- and 24-karat gold, sterling and oxidized silver, boulder opals, Colombian emeralds, Sahara root wood, and Tahitian mother-of-pearl.

For nearly 40 years, the former goldsmith apprentice has created visually stunning renderings that highlight intricate textures and surface patterns by swirling yellow gold with oxidized silver or indenting the metal to create a pavement-like exterior. The attention to detail is incredible.

Highlighting the beauty of the materials is Zobel's central focus where innovation takes precedence over convention. For instance, the surface design of an 18-karat gold brooch with small diamonds and lapis lazuli resembles the hues of dawn against the bluest ocean
water.

The striking arrangement of the lapis, in particular, is breathtaking, as it is not set in the standard way. Instead, the lapis looks like a paste or paint spread across the surface of the metal.  Simply beautiful.

Metal forms are fluid yet irregular like sculptures, and this quality takes nothing away from the overall beauty of a piece.

Peter Schmid, Zobel's protégé, currently owns and heads Atelier Zobel and continues his mentor's grand design approach.
________
Photo 1 (top right): 22- and 24-karat Gold and Opal Diamond Bracelet
Photo 2 (bottom left): Sterling Silver, 22- and 24-Karat Gold Brooch with Amber and Princess Cut Yellow Diamonds