Sven Boltenstern: Goldsmith of Vienna

This publication examines the work of Viennese goldsmith Sven Boltenstern within the context of contemporary jewellery practice,

where traditional craftsmanship intersects with conceptual and artistic inquiry. Rather than treating jewellery solely as decorative object, Boltenstern approaches it as a sculptural and narrative medium in which material, process, and cultural symbolism become central to meaning.

A defining aspect of his practice is the deliberate exposure of making. Hammer marks, structural joints, and technical interventions remain visible, foregrounding the temporal dimension of craftsmanship and resisting the polished anonymity often associated with luxury objects. Precious metals such as gold and silver are thus not merely carriers of value but sites of transformation, experimentation, and reflection.

The publication situates this approach within broader debates on the status of contemporary jewellery between design, applied arts, and fine art. It highlights how Boltenstern’s work negotiates tradition and innovation, balancing historical goldsmith techniques with sculptural abstraction and conceptual positioning. In doing so, the book frames his practice as part of an expanded understanding of material culture in which ornament, objecthood, and artistic discourse intersect.