I grew up in a small village in southern Germany. Due to the influence of my aunt I was interested in art from an early age and sure that I wanted to become a painter. Then, the lucky coincidence - I met a jewelry designer. His métier fascinated me instantly. Precious metals, gemstones and pearls from all over the world, the way of working with finest tools and even the smell of his workshop… For me, all this was new, exciting and exotic. The following years, I was allowed to try out goldsmithing there from time to time - and I found my vocation. 

In 1988 I quit the art academy and started an apprenticeship in Idar-Oberstein. During four intensive years my strict master taught me almost everything about this craft. As a journeyman I spent four more years in Reutlingen which had been similarly rewarding and influential. To graduate from Master School in Pforzheim was the next logical step and completion of my learning. Establishing a workshop requires capital, so I worked a few years as a salaried master craftsman to gain the financial base for it. 

In 2004 I finally established my studio.