Kobi Bosshard

A DigitalNZ Story by Courtney Johnston

Swiss born goldsmith Kobi Bosshard has been making jewellery in New Zealand for more than 50 years. Asked in a recent interview 'What is the most important aspect of what you have done?', Bosshard replied: "Before Jens Hansen [another immigrant jeweller of Bosshard's generation] died, he and I talked a lot about dying and all sorts of things, and Jens said, 'I want to be remembered for having been a decent human being.' I would say the same. I would like somebody who looks at the work to think, 'The work was made by somebody who cared, who was sensitive to things.' I think that's as good as you can get. I think we were sensitive to our time, the surroundings, and appeared honest with ourselves; that's probably the best we can ever achieve. When I look at a painter like Henri Matisse, he came back to a completely honest sort of innocence, and if the work shows that, I think we have succeeded."

Kobi Bosshard

Brooch

Brooch

Pin of Brooch

Brooch

Bangle

Brooch

Sample piece - for Mayoral Chain (Paparua Country Council)

Bangle

Bangle (Square to Round Bangle)

Necklace

Pendant

Ring

Brooch

Pin of Brooch

Brooch

Pendant

Brooch

Ring

Brooch

Brooch

Brooch "Souvenir: a pebble from Haumoana"

Bangle

Brooch

Necklace

Brooch

Pendant

Earring

"Coin"

"Coin"

"Coin"