Jochen earned his Master certificate in goldsmithing at the Master School in Idar-Oberstein, a German town with a rich heritage in the gemstone industry that dates back over 500 years, and where, today, many of the finest gemstones in the world are sent to be cut and polished. The classic craftsmanship with which he was trained honors centuries of tradition, and the influences of Idar-Oberstein are evident in the way in which he selects the stones with which he works. Never rushed, Jochen applies a profound level of thoughtfulness and respect for the essence of the gem and allows the stone to dictate his creative process. “It’s essential that each piece should be unique,” he explains. “When I select the stone, I already know what the piece is going to look like and how it’s going to feel on the body. I always imagine how the owner of the ring is going to look.”

Jochen’s Idar-Oberstein-based workshop, far from the bustle of city life, is the embodiment of his philosophy of what defines luxury. A modern and minimalist architectural framework is juxtaposed with traditional tools and workbenches scarred by use, where highly skilled artisans can be found applying the utmost precision and care to their craft. These seemingly incongruous effects operate in perfect harmony, showcasing a symbiosis of exceptional quality and durability, and demonstrating how traditions and craftsmanship can be combined with contemporary demands.

Jochen designs jewelry to be worn for a lifetime. The equilibrium and balance he applies to his work can be felt in the finished product, where the solid construction of his pieces gives way to a delicate softness, and the pieces feel lighter on the body than they appear. Throughout his entire body of work there exists a reverence and respect for the process of jewelry design and fabrication, for the preciousness of the metals, and for the gems that have taken millions of years to form in the earth.