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© Rudolf Heltzel
© Rudolf Heltzel
© Rudolf Heltzel
© Rudolf Heltzel
© Rudolf Heltzel

Christopher Heltzel

  • Goldsmith
  • Kilkenny, Ireland
  • Master Artisan
Christopher Heltzel Goldsmith
Contact
Irish, English, German, Greek, Swedish
Hours:
Monday to Saturday 09:30 - 13:00 / 14:00 - 17:30
Phone:
+353 (0)567721497
© Rudolf Heltzel

An icon of Irish craftmanship

  • • Christopher learned his skills from his father
  • • Traditional skills are core to his work
  • • His precious metals are ethically sourced

Christopher Heltzel creates stunning wearable sculptures. He uses one of a kind gem stones that have whole worlds sparkling inside them. To wear a piece of Heltzel jewellery is to wear a piece of history. He has a respect for traditions and techniques that have been unchanged for centuries without being limited or constrained by the past. He learned his trade under the guidance of his father Rudolf Heltzel, whom was influential in the careers of many young Irish goldsmiths. Rudolf was invited to Ireland in 1966 by the Irish Export Board to up the gold and silver facilities at the Kilkenny Design Workshops. In 1968, Rudolf opened a studio in Kilkenny where Christopher Heltzel works today.

Read the full interview

Works

  • © Rudolf Heltzel
  • © Rudolf Heltzel
  • © Rudolf Heltzel
  • © Rudolf Heltzel
  • © Rudolf Heltzel
Photo: © Rudolf Heltzel
Graduated green tourmaline

This gold ring was set with five colours of green tourmalines. Designing for Christopher is a mental exercise where he sets himself a theme, mostly an abstract idea, and explores it within defined borders.

Height 2.2 cm
Width 2.7 cm
Depth 1.6 cm

Photo: © Rudolf Heltzel
Butterfly No.1

Part of the Butterfly collection, this necklace is composed of one pair of carved bicolour tourmaline wings, sapphires, rubies and diamonds. It takes time to gather the exact grouping of rare gemstones to inspire the perfect sculptural setting.

Height 7.5 cm
Width 5 cm

Photo: © Rudolf Heltzel
Pendant from the Butterfly collection

Balanced on handmade gold chains, these precious butterfly forms are captured in a pose just before taking flight. This pendant design was dictated by the aesthetic of the gemstones and how they best complement a woman’s body. This collection of butterflies was created from a series of extraordinary carved, unique tourmaline pairs.

Photo: © Rudolf Heltzel
Pendant from the Rock Crystal collection

The Rock Crystal collection is based on the selection of extraordinary quartz gems. Each stone is a play between clarity of crystal and a composition of natural inclusions. With movement the pieces enliven and flicker with lightness, fluidity and energy.

Height 6.5 cm
Width 5 cm
Depth 1.6 cm

Photo: © Rudolf Heltzel
Citrine in 18ct gold

This handmade gold ring was set with a single elegantly cut citrine. Christopher's creations are different to conventional jewellery designs, with his use of jewels that reflect personality and an inventive way of thinking.

Height 3.8 cm
Width 2.6 cm
Depth 2.6 cm

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