Talent Show: Atelier Zobel

Published

9 years ago

July 7, 2014

Talent Show: Atelier Zobel

BY TRACE SHELTON

Published in the July/August 2014 issue

KONSTANZ, GERMANY | P: +49 7531 25962 | W: ATELIEZOBEL.com

After training as a goldsmith and jewelry designer at a vocational school in Germany, Peter Schmid moved to Konstanz in 1995 to apprentice under Michael Zobel. He worked with Zobel for 10 years before taking over leadership of the atelier in 2005. Since then, the studio has continued to rack up awards and accolades for its unique designs. “I work with materials that emerge from nature,” says Schmid. “A flawless diamond is clearly beautiful — but the same beauty can be found in every stone, regardless of its value, once its character is revealed. I look for stones that demonstrate strength and individuality, that dramatize the influence of their history and environment.”

This year, Schmid says the company will continue to explore the relationship between form, the gems and the body. “We work for extraordinary people. We want you to be your best self — we’re working on helping you make a bold statement in 2014.”

In each issue, INDESIGN will feature one of five Talent Show winners for 2014. These designers were nominated and then voted on by a panel of retail store owners known for their expertise and proven track record of carrying avant-garde designers.

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What the Judges Say:

SHUM“His mixtures of metals, textures and stones make Peter Schmid’s pieces feel like you are wearing something immensely special. At first glance, the collection appears avant-garde and glamorous, but once worn, it becomes easy and accessible. ‘How do they do that?’ is a comment we hear often when showing Atelier Zobel. Good question!”

Nicole Gorman Shum, I. Gorman Jewelers, Washington, DC

JIROUTOVA“Edgy organic and passionate, with a back to the future, primal sci-fi feeling all their own. Atelier Zobel has been an innovation leader for years. Not for the shy or conventional client.”

Zdena Jiroutova, Z Folio Gallery, Solvang and Monterey, CA

MORROW“Present-ing one of Peter Schmid’s pieces lifts a jewelry store to a museum level where quality is fused into a piece. His talent knows no bounds and his choice of stones is superb. Peter challenges us in rising to another level, where what is most important is the workmanship, design and value.”

Marie-Helene Morrow, Reinhold Jewelers, San Juan, Ponce and Carolina, Puerto Rico

HILKENE“In this world of cookie cutter, mass-produced jewelry, I look for pieces of wearable art: Unique, sculptural pieces that evoke a bench jeweler pounding away at a table cluttered with stones and tools. Atelier Zobel succeeds in this mission. I hesitate to offer any suggestions to artists, but customers might like some daintier options. Maybe a bangle to stack with their cuff, or smaller earrings for the workplace?”

Sally Hilkene, Churchill, Fairway, KS

When There’s No Succession Plan, Call Wilkerson

Bob Wesley, owner of Robert C. Wesley Jewelers in Scottsdale, Ariz., was a third-generation jeweler. When it was time to enjoy life on the other side of the counter, he weighed his options. His lease was nearing renewal time and with no succession plan, he decided it was time to call Wilkerson. There was plenty of inventory to sell and at first, says Wesley, he thought he might try to manage a sale himself. But he’s glad he didn’t. “There’s no way I could have done this as well as Wilkerson,” he says. Wilkerson took responsibility for the entire event, with every detail — from advertising to accounting — done, dusted and managed by the Wilkerson team. “It’s the complete package,” he says of the Wilkerson method of helping jewelers to easily go on to the next phase of their lives. “There’s no way any retailer can duplicate what they’ve done.”