Generations of Brilliant Norwegian Craftsmanship
In the scenic town of Voss in Western Norway, surrounded fjords and snowcapped peaks, Sylvsmidja has crafted exquisite jewelry since 1940.
Today, Sylvsmidja is Norway’s the largest jewelry workshop, and the world’s leading artisan of high-quality Norwegian Bunad Silver.
Traditional Craftsmanship
Sylvsmidja is based on long-standing Norwegian hand craft traditions, inspired by Norwegian culture, heritage, and nature.
Over time, we have perfected the craft and the way we create jewelry to last for generations.
Each beautiful piece, made from recycled silver by our skilled artisans, showcases three unique styles.:
- Heritage Jewelry: Norwegian Bunad Silver with rich traditions and symbolic motifs.
- Contemporary Jewelry: Deeply influenced by the beauty of Norwegian nature.
- Viking Jewelry: Drawing its core from the tales of Norse mythology and the Viking age.
It shines through with love for the craftsmanship.
Nothing is left to chance.
Leif and Betzy Laid the Foundation
Sylvsmidja’s story began in 1940, when master goldsmith Leif Johannessen (1892–1962) founded the company in Voss, a small town on Norway’s west coast. It has remained family-owned ever since and is now run by the 3rd and 4th generations.
Leif was born and raised in Bergen, where he showed exceptional talent for goldsmithing. While others around him became sailors and fishermen, he set his sights on Oslo to work for the most prominent Norwegian jeweler at that time. He later moved back to Bergen where he taught at Bergen Academy of Art and Design, earning great respect from his students and colleagues.
In 1917, at the age of 25, he started his own workshop in the city. Over time, he gained a strong reputation and recognition as a skilled craftsman. When King Harald V of Norway was baptized in 1937, Leif was asked to create the baptism gift on the behalf of the municipality of Bergen.
As the World War II began, Leif and his family decided to move to Voss, believing it would be safer than Bergen. Unfortunately, Voss was badly hit by the war, but Leif still managed to start his own business in a tiny room in the town. He ran the business together with his wife Betzy, until their sons, Einar and Thorleif took over in 1962.
Today, Sylvsmidja is owned by Leif’s grandchildren Susan, Anne-Kari, and his great-grand daughter Jade Camilla.
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This symbol, an ancient “drinking horn”, shaped like the letter J, is an important Sign of Quality.
It is our unique registered hallmark that is stamped on all our products, and has been with us since Sylvsmidja was established in 1940.
And the Story Lives On…
The talented goldsmith master hallmarked each piece of jewelry with a J-shaped symbol resembling a drinking horn, so that anyone who made a purchase would have the assurance of owning an authentic Sylvsmidja piece.
Our silver still bears this hallmark, in memory of and as a tribute to Leif and Betzy.