Bio

Suzanne had an early start as protege of the world famous goldsmith Sepp Schmölzer, which led to a Solo Jewelry Exhibition at Künstlerhaus Klagenfurt, Austria (1979). The show consisted of silver jewelry, small sculpture, large mirror and brass wall hangings, illuminated by Barbara Krobath’s striking detail photography.

This early success was followed by studies at the Academy of Applied Arts – Vienna, Austria, class of Metal and Industrial Design. Jewelry became exploration transcending traditional materials.  Suzanne began experimenting with porcelain, lamp work, glass bead weaving, and ventures into ready-mades, eventually re-discovering polimer clay, a childhood staple.

Work with the design team of Diane Von Fürstenberg on custom made accessories for Haute Couture collections resulted in a move to New York City. The earrings, necklaces, armbands and broaches were of a new, colorful, bold look reflecting the exuberance of New York nightlife with brilliant (Swarovski) crystal and gold leaf enacting a metaphor on the city skyline.

As an Independent Jewelry Designer Suzanne sold in New York as well as Nordstrom department stores. At the same time taking things back to Vienna with a special show of marbled clay and metal creations at Seghaier Gallery and featured in Brigitte magazine, and a line of hair ornaments at Gallerie Henn (Vienna), produced and presented by Barbara Krobath. The work echoed influences from Jazz as well as the burgeoning Hip Hop & Graffiti movement combining contemporary urban signatures with an Art Deco sensibility.

New York City’s underground fashion and punk rock scene of the 90ies resulted in a detour on various graphic projects for band posters and collateral, edgy and controversial. Living in a sprawling loft in a Downtown Brooklyn studio, band rehearsal & party space Suzanne began working on light sculptures and room installations. The daytime job at a special format film & design company Dennis Earl Moore Productions made her acquire extensive computer skills while becoming familiar with all aspects of film and video production. The incredibly diverse projects, each with distinctly content driven, innovative media technology opened up new kinds of perception and visual understanding.

Continously thriving in Brooklyn, New York, Suzanne returned to her roots and emerged with a new line of hand-crafted sterling silver jewelry titled Neptune. A formal abstract based on sea life and natural growth patterns. As the ideas evolved, forms spun out towards the mathematical, arriving at the Möbius band– single surface shapes as inspiration for Serpentine, the latest collection.

Coeur d’Argent, [established 2025 in NYC], represents Suzanne’s work in jewelry for the 21st century: Neptune, Serpentine, as a unique and evolving expression of contemporary jewelry design.

The design process most often starts with a drawing. Then wax carving, combined with digital modeling, taking advantage of the distinct ways of experimentation and discovery each method offers. When to allow the hand to guide a scalpel or a flame, or to manipulate the object on screen is a continuous deliberation. Any method, digital or analog and messy, is an essential part of Suzanne’s practice. And the play never ends…