Gracefully Capturing Space by Erich Zimmermann

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Erich Zimmermann

My jewelry should become a part of the person who wears it, says the master gold and silversmith from Augsburg, Germany. It should be a treasure which is beloved, which is a partner.
/ Erich Zimmermann


For his new exhibition of handmade necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings, Zimmermann finds special meaning in the words Gracefully Capturing Space. As a private pilot, the jewelry maker says he considers the heavens his third dimension of creativity. He is moved in that way to imagine jewelry as an instrument for illuminating and celebrating the grace and precision of human movement. The opening of Gracefully Capturing Space complements the Parsons Dance performance the same evening at Santa Fe’s Lensic Performing Arts Center.

What matters is this: that you feel strongly about what you want to pass on, he says. Then it is important that you are able to make the sensation understandable and make the materials interpret that sensation.

Zimmermann’s jewelry pieces are sleek and architectural, combining precious metals with gemstones – platinum with carnelian, or perhaps yellow gold with chrysoprase. The symmetrical, clean lines of Zimmermann’s earrings and necklaces interpret both the simplicity of ancient handcraft and the high-tech refinement of brushed metal.

If I design a ring, I try to become a part of that ring, he says. I try to feel like this ring, to be this ring. And sometimes it is hard for me to give this ring away.

Patina Gallery is recognized as one of the most beautiful galleries in Santa Fe. Now in its 19th year, Patina offers the finest in contemporary jewelry, fine art and design.