The craft of goldsmithing in Austria
Traditional craftsmanship throughout Austria, inscribed 2026
Gold and other precious metals have been handcrafted for millennia. Goldsmiths create a great variety of objects, distinguished by a high level of precision and creative expertise. These include jewellery, insignia, medals, religious objects, and other works of lasting value.
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Creating a piece of jewellery is a multifaceted and holistic process. From the initial design to the finished piece, every step takes place in the goldsmith’s workshop. Alongside the creation of new works, goldsmiths are also engaged in the restoration of antique jewellery and sacred objects, including chalices and monstrances. A further characteristic of this craft is the hallmarking of finished jewellery: goldsmiths mark their works with a maker’s mark, which signifies responsibility and origin. Since 2001, this mark has also fulfilled the additional function of certifying the fineness of the piece.
The techniques used in goldsmithing have remained virtually unchanged for over 5,000 years. To this day, goldsmiths continue to forge, engrave, and set dazzling masterpieces that transcend generations. Over recent decades, new machine‑assisted techniques such as casting, 3D printing, and laser processing have emerged. While these methods are more cost‑effective, they cannot replace the traditional techniques of the goldsmith’s craft—such as alloying, soldering, setting, casting, forging, embossing, engraving, chasing, enamelling, and gilding—nor can they substitute the wide range of tools involved.
Austria’s goldsmithing trade currently comprises around 560 businesses, including many family‑run firms and sole traders. Today, master craftspeople pass on their skills and expertise, based on centuries‑old knowledge, to apprentices at 20 vocational training centres across Austria and at a vocational school in Graz. Regular gatherings at goldsmiths’ social events, trade fairs, national guild meetings, and training courses provide opportunities for the open exchange and exploration of new techniques and developments. Events providing a glimpse into goldsmiths’ workshops, jewellery competitions, information sessions, and museum partnerships help raise public awareness of the craft of goldsmithing.
Downloads
- [Translate to English:] Bewerbungsmappe 3 MB (pdf)
- [Translate to English:] Expertise Kirchweger 147 KB (pdf)
- [Translate to English:] Expertise Schmidt 138 KB (pdf)
- [Translate to English:] Expertise Schwarzinger 61 KB (pdf)
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