“Do not follow fashion, but be guided by the present”
The name Georg Jensen is synonymous with sophisticated, understated and timeless jewellery, tableware, homeware and watches, the ultimate in sleek Scandinavian design.
Georg Jensen (1866 – 1935) was a Danish silversmith and designer who achieved international acclaim for his innovative use of metals to produce functional, yet stunningly beautiful, creations.
Jensen spent his childhood surrounded by the lakes and forest north of Copenhagen, and as such was deeply touched by nature. He was inspired at a young age to become an artist, and we can see this love of nature and the natural world reflected throughout his work.
Having completed apprenticeships as both a goldsmith and a sculptor, in 1904, at the age of 37 Jensen opened a silver smithy in Copenhagen. It was from here that he forged himself an enviable reputation as a fine craftsman, with both a deep appreciation of the materials he was using and a rare artistic talent.
Nature was a constant theme in Jensen’s work, which was influenced by the Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts movement of the time, with opals, green agate and amber often incorporated into his creations. Despite the influences of the age, Jensen created his own unique and distinctive style of silver work. He skilfully applied hammer marks to the surface of the silver, oxidised grooves and indents and set beautifully coloured gemstones into his creations. He used his artisanal skill and artistic talent to express his love of all things organic and natural, in stunning designs incorporating fruits, flowers, blossoms and leaves, in sublime yet simple organic forms.
Jensen exhibited his works at several major foreign exhibitions, winning a gold medal at the Brussels Exhibition of 1910, and quickly building a reputation as an outstanding, and highly original, silversmith. His silverware achieved immediate popularity and commercial success, making him the first silver maker to realise a profit from the manufacture of modern silver.
Jensen delighted in artistic collaboration and partnerships, he actively sought new perspectives and insights into his design processes. As such, his studio attracted a host of talented silversmiths, metalworkers, jewellers, designers and artists, with whom he revisited and perfected his designs and continued to refine his craft throughout his life. His fresh and innovative spirit, combined with exceptional design and craftsmanship, became the hallmarks of the Georg Jensen brand of today.
With this huge success came further growth, and in 1919 the acquisition of the first factory building was necessary to keep up with the demand for Jensen products, especially his highly popular tableware collections.
Looking back, we can see how Georg Jensen’s unique talent had a huge influence on modern day Scandinavian design. He followed his own path, rejecting the popular ostentatious romantic ornamentation of the time, in favour of something more fluid and organic. He embraced the craft-based approach to production that came with the Art Nouveau Era and used it to share his incredible designs and creations with the world.
At his death in 1935 Jensen’s silver smithy was acknowledged as one of the most important in the world, and his obituary in the New York Herald Tribune saluted him as the greatest silversmith of the last 300 years.
Today, the Georg Jensen brand takes inspiration from Georg Jensen’s original designs, whilst reinterpreting and transforming them into new and exciting creations for our time. With the help of renowned designers such as Sigvard Bernadotte, Alfredo Häberli and Constantin Wortman, the brand still creates timeless and elegant pieces that ensure Jensen’s legacy as a design innovator lives on.
At Allum & Sidaway we carefully select jewellery designers who reflect our passion for combining skilled craftsmanship with beautiful contemporary design and functionality. You can see this in every piece of our exquisite Georg Jensen collection. The outstanding quality, simplicity and style of the skilfully crafted silver hearts, loops, hoops, love knots, infinity symbols, daisies, spirals and grape designs create a breath-taking collection of rings, bangles, earrings, cufflinks, ear cuffs, necklaces and bracelets. Georg Jensen’s legacy lives on in every piece of jewellery inspired by his designs, timeless designs that are delighting a new generation.
Whether you are looking for beautiful silver jewellery to wear every day, to give as a gift, or for a special occasion, you will be sure to find something you like in our Georg Jensen jewellery collection. Call into one of our beautiful stores or take a look at our Georg Jensen collection online to see these beautiful pieces. You will not be disappointed.
Allum & Sidaway are experts in the jewellery business. Everything we do is centred around creating a luxurious and welcoming retail environment for you. From the comfortable seating areas, the rich purple and soft grey hues, to the velvet carpet, and the highly trained and welcoming team. Every detail has been carefully considered to create a space that feels comfortable, relaxing and welcoming. We want you to enjoy shopping with us and can guide you effortlessly through every step of your jewellery purchase. Your experience matters!
