Christine Hafermalz-Wheeler
On receiving my article of apprenticeship aged 18, I opened my store, Goldschmiede Christin in Stuttgart, West Germany. Since then I have been self-employed, making one-off jewellery pieces in 18ct gold and sterling silver.
My passion is for stones and I have a wonderful selection of shapes, colours and textures from which I draw my inspiration. These allow me to develop designs of 'perfect asymmetry' that are excellent to wear and display exciting artistic tension.
Jewellery is exciting, come and play! "Christine's work is like no other jewellery you will ever wear; a single glance confirms this".
The German apprenticeship system gave me a very thorough training in the working of precious metals. From alloying gold - creating an 18ct blank from fine gold, from old rings of varying carat, in red gold or my favoured bright yellow - to depletion gilding, the removal of copper and silver from the upper surface to leave a fine gold colour. Forging, repoussage, chasing, raising, bending, folding all give shape, texturing is achieved by matting, polishing, stippling, reticulation.
Making, repairing, reworking. Rings, Double Rings, bangles, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, cufflinks, shirt studs, brooches. Pearl strings, stone necklaces, gold chains.
Schwaebisch Gmuend, Germany. Workshops of Herbert Fischer and Werner Raschke. 1968 - 72.
Articles of Apprenticeship: Goldsmith
Member: Verband Bildender Kuenstler
Member: Gesellschaft der Goldschmiedekunst
1972 - 87: Goldschmiede Christin in Stuttgart, Germany (up to 6 employees)
1987 - 92: Workshop in Sussex, England (solo)
Since 1992: Workshop in Auckland, NZ (solo)
Staying true to her conscience and seeking a truth beyond trend and fashion. For 37 years, Christine has represented her own philosophy, seeking to create timeless objects of lasting value.
2000: Navigator, an Essay in Jewellery. Auckland Museum
2007: Homage to Pan Yu-Lin. Capital Museum, Beijing
2008: Designer Showcase. Forbes Gallery, 5th Avenue, New York
2008: Fine Jewellery Award, National Jewellery Showcase, Wellington.
"The last time I saw colour and stones used like this was in the work of (Italian Goldsmith) Fulce di Verdura, late 30s early 40s. After that, why did we forget that stones are coloured and beautiful?"
See: http://www.theartistgoldsmith.com/theartist/references.html
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Member Profile
Christine Hafermalz-WheelerChristine is a Goldsmith. Trained in Germany, she was taught the skills of working metal alongside an education in design and gemology.
35 years of making one-off pieces of art jewellery, to her own dictate, have established her as a leading maker. Recognized internationally, her work has featured in leading locations in US, UK, Germany.
"I love making jewellery. Bringing the very best out of stones, matching a design to a personality, creating and art work that will stand the test of time and give the wearer lasting pleasure is my goal."
