Since 1959, ‘SCHMUCKmünchen’ – known simply as “Schmuck” until 2024 – has been presenting the latest trends in contemporary jewelry art from around the world. The highlight of the special show is the presentation of the Herbert Hofmann Prize. The prize is awarded to three of the participating artists after a decision by an international jury and is considered the Oscar of jewelry art.
SCHMUCKmünchen is curated annually by a renowned expert in the field. Sam Tho Duong, who came to Pforzheim as a boat refugee from Vietnam and trained there as a jewelry artist, is responsible for the current selection. This time, there were more than 1,000 applicants in total – a new record. Sam Tho Duong selected works by almost 70 artists from 29 countries. In addition to many young talents, pioneers of contemporary jewelry art such as Bernhard Schobinger from Switzerland and Esther Knobel from Israel are also represented, as are well-known artists from subsequent generations such as Laura Deakin from Australia and Eunmi Chun from South Korea.
Laura Deakin, Ring Au Foundina 2, 2024. Sterling silver, microplastic found objects, rhodium 3.5 x 6.8 x 6.8 cm. © Laura Deakin.
Esther Knobel, Brooch IL, 2025. Copper mesh, enamel, silver 6 x 7 x 3 cm. © Roni Cnaani.
Mira Kim, Brooch Dialogue, 2025. Mokume-gane (silver, copper), sterling silver, 9.4 x 9.4 x 2 cm. © Mira Kim.
Erico Nagai will be honored as a “classic of modernism” at SCHMUCKmünchen. Born in Tokyo in 1947, the jewelry artist came to Europe in the late 1960s and studied in the jewelry class of the Munich Art Academy under Franz Rickert and Hermann Jünger from 1970 onwards. She has lived in Munich ever since. Erico Nagai has received numerous awards for her work, which blends influences from her native Japan with ideas and forms of Western modernism, including the Bavarian State Prize, the Herbert Hofmann Prize, and the Design Prize of the City of Munich.
Handwerk&Design, located in Hall B1 at the Munich Exhibition Center, is the centerpiece of the International Craft Fair and has even more highlights to offer. The special exhibition TALENTEmünchen showcases works from an international competition for young designers. Young visitors will also find the concept “Paths to Design – Training in Bavaria” interesting.
Individual jewelry and handicrafts are offered by numerous individual exhibitors and several group presentations. A wide range of outstanding jewelry art can be seen in the “Frame” exhibition concept: international galleries present selected works around the special show SCHMUCKmünchen. In addition, the Bavarian State Prizes for special technical and creative achievements in craftsmanship will be awarded at “Handwerk & Design.” Participants in SCHMUCKmünchen also have a chance to win these prizes, which are endowed with 5,000 euros.
Hye Jung Sin, brooches Hidden Side, 2021. Sterling silver, fine silver, copper 25.5 x 60 x 30 cm. © KC Studio
Sabine Steinhäusler, Brooch Streching Movement, 2024. Fine silver, steel. Photo Paul Müller.
SCHMUCKmünchen is organized by the Chamber of Crafts for Munich and Upper Bavaria and sponsored by the Danner Foundation in Munich. Interested visitors can get an overview of the event program at a specially set up jewelry info point right next to the Handwerk gallery on Ottostraße.
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- Neue Messe Munich
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