David-Andersen

Norwegian jewellery of timeless grace

The idioms of Scandinavian design—its emphasis on the beauty inherent in simplicity, its realisation of the interplay between form and function—has become ubiquitous in recent years. However, all concepts and styles have their origins. When it comes to Norwegian jewellery, the century and a half of excellence upheld by the craftspeople of the David-Andersen company simply cannot be overlooked.

Founded in 1876 by Mr. David-Andersen, the Oslo-based jewellery house remains a reliable choice for customers seeking sophisticated, meticulously designed, and beautifully crafted, items of fine jewellery. With enthusiasts up and down the country and a peerless range of handpicked gemstone pieces, decorative enamel items, and fine silverware, David-Andersen’s jewellers face a tricky balancing task: to reflect and pay homage to 150 years of heritage and distinction, while simultaneously looking to bold new futures.

Localfolk caught up with gemmologist and jewellery designer, Hallvar Sagøy, to discuss the glittering past, radiant present, and sparkling future of this hugely distinguished Oslo brand.

“David-Andersen has changed a lot since 1876, and recent decades saw a significant change in strategy,” Hallvar explains, pointing out that the brand used to be, in many ways, a far bigger operation that took care of design for a number of different partners. “Today, the brand aims more for the exclusive market, and is focusing on producing its own designs rather than working for anybody else.”

Several aspects of the jewellery brand, which once boasted the largest jewellery store in Scandinavia (the flagship store that still stands at Oslo’s Karl Johan’s Gate), remain gloriously intact. David-Andersen—like so many heritage brands—remains very much a family business, today in its fifth generation of owners. The brand values, too, remain unchanged from their lofty nineteenth-century ideals. “Tradition, knowledge and passion are the company values. That, and a team of employees who have a devoted love for the company—and for the jewellery business as a whole”.

When speaking about the inspiration for his beautiful items of fine jewellery, Hallvar is quick to recognise the weight of history behind his designs.

“I’ve been with David-Andersen for eleven years, and we’re always seeking out new ways to elevate artisanship for a new generation. However, we are fortunate enough to have a huge archive collection to draw inspiration from.”

It’s an archive of stunning gemstones and exquisite enamels—and it isn’t hard to understand how such craftsmanship easily supersedes the whims of jewellery fashions. Indeed, as Hallvar mentions: “handcrafted jewellery and handselected gemstones have a truly timeless quality.”

It’s impossible in 2021 to talk to any brand about the future without mentioning the elephantsized pandemic in the room. Has COVID-19 affected business for David-Andersen, as it has done for so many others? Hallvar is adamant that there have only been upsides.

“The pandemic has only brought positive challenges,” Hallvar insists. “People aren’t going out to eat, they aren’t spending their money on travel. Instead, they’ve been looking to create lasting memories with jewellery, seeing them as safe investments, and as gifts for those closest to them.”

Indeed, it’s been a period of serious growth for David-Andersen. The brand, which already expanded outside of Oslo to open its seventh showroom in Bergen, is planning to imminently open its eighth in Trondheim, where it feels its values and timeless quality will fit seamlessly into the burgeoning luxury scene the city is embracing.

As for other aspects of David-Andersen’s future, Hallvar mentions that the brand has been in recent years reaching out to a more youthful audience with more affordable silver jewellery, securing a dedicated audience for the decades to come. His pride in his work is palpable, and when asked about his proudest achievement in recent years, he ponders over the brand’s topselling items before giving a definitive answer: “a five-carat diamond ring, finished and sold this year”.

Hallvar and the entire team at David-Andersen have every right to be proud. They safeguard an ongoing heritage of the best in Norwegian design, combining the utmost in luxury with a truly distinctive approach to beauty and style. Long may it continue.

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