the essence
KUVARA jewellery is a modern and stylish label that was founded in 2020 by the jewellery designer Vanessa Ohlhausen. The designer makes the jewellery in fair and sustainable handwork in her studio in the Schwobhaus in Bern. Her great passion for organic surfaces reflects human irregularities. Asymmetry often plays a role and underlines the unique character of the jewellery. These can be understood as self-confident and extravagant statements. KUVARA jewellery is exclusive and has a retro-chic design language. The combination of precise craftsmanship, high-quality materials and the experience in the goldsmith's art is the essence of every piece of KUVARA jewellery.
Designer and Founder
Jewellery designer Vanessa Ohlhausen holds a Master of Arts in Design & Future Making and a Bachelor of Arts in Jewellery & Everyday Objects.
Her work is characterized by attention to detail and interest in people. Jewellery is something that is worn close to the body and thus has a strong connection to the person. Jewellery supports in the own expression, is identity-forming. With her jewellery design, she wants to bring the individual personality of the wearer to the fore.
Inspiration
Vanessa draws her sources of inspiration from nature, architecture and from direct reference to the human body. She is most interested in abstract form. Organic surfaces and asymmetrical designs are important components of her jewellery.
Through the interplay between regularity and irritation, she wants to clearly oppose serial production and emphasize this point of view. It also fits into the natural, human concept: We too have more facets and not everything is always predictable.
Material and sustainability
Mainly precious metals, 925 sterling silver and 18 karat gold are used from 100% recycling sources. Any metal that falls off during production is collected and remelted.
The sustainable gemstones are hand-selected and individually set into the jewellery. Gemstones are obtained from secondhand sources when large companies liquidate or take inventory.
Generally, there is direct contact with all dealers to view the materials and workmanship on site.
KUVARA jewellery is completely made in Switzerland and Germany by Vanessa Ohlhausen.
Techniques
KUVARA jewellery pieces are made in precious handwork. Traditional craftsmanship is used to generate stylish designs.
Classic techniques such as sawing, drilling, milling, soldering, forging, engraving and casting are always interpreted innovatively. For example, different casting techniques are used to create individual surface structures or 3D printed molds are used to create a new design.
There is also a lot of experimentation in electroplating. Here the unique KUVARA technique was developed and since the final result cannot always be completely controlled, the unique character of each piece of jewellery is once again emphasized. The motto is: it is filed until it is perfect.
STUDIO
The studio is located in the Schwobhaus in Bern. Here, artists and cultural workers from different fields work independently. Through the community there is an exchange between creative people.
In addition to the city location in Bern, there is a close relationship to the "gold city" of Pforzheim. With its many jewellery companies from electroplating to casting, this city is a real "Mecca for jewellery makers".