OTHMAR ZSCHALER (1930-2023)

Born in Chur, Switzerland in 1930, Othmar Zschaler was interested in the properties of gold from a young age. This early fascination led him, in 1946, to begin a four-year apprenticeship with a local goldsmith, where he developed the technical skills essential to fine jewelry making. Between 1950 and 1960, Zschaler continued his studies in Bern while working as a freelance designer. During this time, he participated in exhibitions and accepted commissions, including work for church vessels. In 1960, he opened his own atelier in Bern.

Zschaler’s jewelry blends modern design with a deep reverence for the raw, natural forms in which gold is found. As an expert goldsmith, he is able to create pieces rich in texture and color. Always looking to express himself in novel ways, he incorporates gold along with other precious and semi-precious stones, ivory, acrylic, and fine hardwoods like ebony. Believing that jewelry should mirror the personality of its wearer, Zschaler studies his clients closely, creating unique pieces of jewelry that embody each individual.  A true artist, Zschaler’s ideas are first brought to life in a sketch before being executed by hand in his atelier.

Zschaler’s achievements include receiving the Confederate Grant for Practical Art in 1957, 1958, and 1959. In 1967, he was honored with the Bavarian State Prize, and in 1968, he participated in the symposium Silver Jewelry in Czechoslovakia. His works reside in permanent collections at the Schmuckmuseum Pforzheim, the Schweizerisches Landesmuseum, Zurich, the Historisches Museum, Bern, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, among many others.