The training is a link between art, craftsmanship and design and thus provides for a flexible vocational orientation in the field of jewellery design. In the last 10 years, more than 50 graduates have been able to pursue a wide range of careers in the fields of unique jewellery, accessories, trade, sales, marketing, cultural management and artistic jewellery. Furthermore, a small but exquisite young jewellery scene has developed which, despite different approaches, is well connected and has formed various groups and studio communities. These include artists and designers who have already won prizes in international competitions, participated in exhibitions and fairs and founded their own studios. The special feature of this training, which has found its place at a school for fashion and art, is the fact that the concentration is not only on a sound and profound training, but also on public presence, networking and approaches outside one’s box. Enthusiasm for the subject of jewellery design is a precondition for the committed promotion of young talent and the development of the jewellery scene in Austria and this is a major objective of the artistic team at Herbststrasse.

In its anniversary exhibition, the College of Jewellery Design shows as many different approaches as possible. The spectrum ranges from dignified goldsmith craftsmanship, experimental production techniques and new technologies to conceptual design. The 10th anniversary of the Kolleg Kunst SchmuckDesign at KunstModeDesign Herbststrasse shows how the young generation is giving new impulses to what is probably the oldest art movement and is rethinking the meanings and functions of jewellery in a different and new way: be it philosophical questions such as those of identity, emotional approaches to jewellery or new interpretations of traditional jewellery forms. The small, very heterogeneous selection of 40 pieces of jewellery exemplifies the range and diversity of jewellery creation at Herbststrasse and, by involving teachers and graduates, is also intended to provide an insight into current developments into contemporary Austrian jewellery.