Klaus Spies

I found my love for jewelry in my early teens and was fascinated by all the possibilities to create beautiful things. Growing up in Europe, I was touched by the masterworks of the goldsmithing tradition almost as old as mankind. During the last 20 years, I have experimented with all kinds of techniques, but the learning process in the art of goldsmithing never ends. Aside from creating new collections, I am always experimenting with new materials and methods.

Creating my own jewelry is a way to express myself. I get my ideas by observing my surroundings wherever I am: in nature by looking at the patterns of plants or animals, in the cities by watching the people, in dreams by listening to my inner voice. I use a wide variety of goldsmithing techniques like chasing, fabricating, wax carving, casting etc.

Over the years I have developed my own style, aiming for perfection in craftsmanship while still breaking the rules of joyless, classical, industrialized jewelry. I want my jewelry to look natural. Therefore I spend a long time on surface treatment, which gives each of my pieces a unique look. I favor complex surfaces with matt, brushed or hammered finishes. My preferred materials are sterling silver and 18 Karat gold, in combination with well-chosen gems.

Klaus Spies was born in Saarlouis, Germany. He traveled extensively through South America and Mexico where he first learned the art of goldsmithing. He pursued his craft in Berlin, Germany through the 80s under various goldsmiths and designers and in a collaborative jewelry studio in Kreuzberg.

Klaus moved from Berlin to Chicago, IL in 1999 where he started Spies Design. Since then, Klaus has been exhibiting in numerous art fairs and galleries throughout the country. In 2008 he moved to Asheville in the mountains of western North Carolina where he now has a studio and showroom in the city’s lively downtown.