Georg Jensen: Denmark’s unofficial crown jeweller

Although it’s not unheard of for a jeweler to have a century-long history, not many succeed in taking that illustrious history into the present.

Georg Jensen has done this with astounding confidence and a sense of innovation.

With its ever-expanding range of beautiful objects and noteworthy collaborations, it has grown into a Danish powerhouse that has come to represent quality, craftsmanship and a timeless aesthetic ever since the silversmith and sculptor Georg Arthur Jensen, born in 1866, founded the jewellery brand in 1904.

Producing tableware as well as haute joaillerie; toys and small leather goods as well as watches and bicycles, Georg Jensen is the go-to for chic home goods and stylish gifts. As a child, Georg Arthur Jensen, who was raised just north of Copenhagen, wanted to become a sculptor. Trained as a goldsmith from the age of 14, he continued to study at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen and started to exhibit his work as time progressed.

Georg Arthur Jensen - Jeweller, Deisgner, Artist and Craftsman - Copenhagen, Denmark

He soon changed course from fine art to applied arts, keenly recognizing the commercial potential of this route. In 1904, he opened a small silversmithery at 36 Bredgade, Copenhagen, reviving the tradition of the artist craftsman by combining the discipline of metalsmithing with fine arts.

Soon, Jensen’s Art Nouveau designs gained traction. In 1909 he opened a retail location in Berlin, in 1921 he opened one in London and in 1924 he took New York. His work has been collectible already during his lifetime, with the Danish Museum for Decorative Arts acquiring pieces, and two successful exhibitions of his creations taking place at The Fine Art Society in post-war London, in 1921 and 1923.

Jensen’s philosophy of creating democratic designs that are both functional and beautiful continues to be widely loved today. His sculptural, organic aesthetic has made the brand a great fit with Zaha Hadid’s sensibility, for example, with the late architect creating a sensuous collection of fluid jewellery before her passing. Other icons to have worked for the house are London's Ilse Crawford of StudioIlse and interior designer Patrica Urquiola.

Georg Jensen design clock face, wall clock, Copenhagen, Denmark

Georg Jensen iconic vase, water vessel designed by Ilse Crawdord of London's StudioIlse

The first Georg Jensen store in London on Maddox Street in 1921

Originally designed in 1960 by Soren Georg Jensen, the Copenhagen candlesticks

Pop down to get a glimpse at Jensen’s first shop location to the current Georg Jensen store on Amagertorv 4 for some home shopping for yourself or a loved one. Either way, be transported into Jensen’s world of beautiful sculpted forms.