Bernd Wilhelm
Molten metal glowing in the crucible

Behind the Scenes

Copper and gold drawn through the drawbench

Strength & Precision

Drawing a copper core into a strip of gold – a process that requires both strength and precision.

Shaping the metal

The Physical Side of Craft

Goldsmithing is not always delicate work. Some stages require real physical effort.

From Wire to Links

The wire is wound around a spindle, ready to be cut into individual links.

Winding the wire
Polishing

Bringing Out the Shine

Link by link, the inside of each one is carefully polished with strips of leather.

Setting the Stone

Setting a stone takes a steady eye, a precise touch and years of experience.

Stone setting
The Master

In His Element

After a lifetime of craft, Bernd knows every machine, every tool and every process – and still enjoys being right in the middle of it.