Gemstones and Jewellery

Graduates from Idar-Oberstein Nominated for SCHMUCK and TALENTE 2026

The Idar-Oberstein Campus of Trier University of Applied Sciences is successfully represented at the international special exhibition SCHMUCK & TALENTE Munich 2026: Several graduates of the Campus of Design, Gemstones and Jewellery have been selected for the prestigious exhibition and will present their work on one of the world’s most important platforms for contemporary jewellery. The exhibitions will take place from 4 to 8 March 2026 as part of the International Handicrafts Fair at the Munich exhibition grounds (Hall B1). From more than 1,000 international submissions, nearly 70 works from 29 countries were selected. SCHMUCK Munich 2026 is curated by the renowned jewellery artist Sam Tho Duong.

With the successful selection of its graduates, the Campus of Gemstones and Jewellery in Idar-Oberstein once again highlights its international visibility and its significance as a centre for education and innovation in contemporary jewellery and gemstone design. Participation in SCHMUCK as well as in TALENTE in Munich is regarded as a special distinction and stands for high artistic quality, innovative strength, and international recognition. A total of eight alumni are represented this year:

SCHMUCK 2026:

In her work Respiro (2025), Catalina Brenes (MFA) combines organic materials such as shell with industrial and drawing-based elements. Layers of paint, resin, and graphite create a fragile balance between body, breathing, and materiality.

With the brooch Bedding Time (2025), Chen Xi (MFA) works at the intersection of jewellery and object. Aventurine, stainless steel, and paint merge into a poetic narrative about intimacy, everyday life, and rest.

Mira Kim (MFA) combines the traditional Japanese metal technique mokume-gane with guilloché engraving. Her works, including Dialogue and Patterns, are characterised by multilayered surfaces, high technical precision, and a reflective approach to structure and ornament.

The work Two Egg Leaves (2025) by Nga Ching Ko (MFA) combines textiles, wood, and metal into a sculptural jewellery form. Central themes include transformation, growth, and the relationship between softness and stability.

In Yàn #4.3 (2025), Jiun-You Ou (MFA) works with inkstone, industrial materials, and precious metal. Her jewellery pieces move between archaic materiality and contemporary construction.

With earjewels – clownerie (2025), Danni Schwaag (Dipl.) develops vividly coloured, hybrid jewellery objects. Enamel, mother-of-pearl, galalith, and plastic come together in playful yet critically reflective works addressing the body, staging, and identity.

TALENTE 2026:

Arianaz Dehghan (MFA) works with agate, human hair, and dyed cotton yarn. Her pendants address themes of closeness, memory, and vulnerability, moving sensitively between bodily reference and personal narrative.

In his series Ruler, Levan Jishkariani (MFA) combines gemstones, wood, steel, and synthetic materials. His works are characterised by constructive tension, visibly articulated joints, and a deliberate play with weight, balance, and material contrasts.

Information about our alumni can be found here: