From delicate and smooth to heavy and rough each of Tanja’s ranges differs very much from the next. The 'organic' series has been described as mini sculptures by The Crafts Council, and her latest range 'dream structures' derives inspiration from architectural forms and an interpretation of three dimensional drawing in space.
In the ‘Satellite’ collection beautiful cabochon gemstones are placed on the rim of a smooth rounded ring. The white silver is combined with the rich colour of the fine gold on the edges. Whilst with her ‘Lovers’ rings, Tanja has gone for a more traditional look but often with a twist, for instance in her use of rough diamonds.

There is an ambiguity of function in all her pieces. They are unique, mysterious, as if with some purpose unknown to the wearer. They catch the eye of those that glimpse them, and like so many forms and curiosities of nature, are a pleasure to see and touch.

Tanja Ufer started designing and making jewellery with an apprenticeship at Pforzheim Goldsmithing School, Germany, in 1993. She spent two years there learning from a broad range of courses including: silversmithing; goldsmithing; enamelling; engraving; gemmology (the study of gem stones); technical drawing and the history of art & craft.

The apprenticeship continued with a two year placement working for well-known jewellery designer Peter Haarstick, in Bremen, Germany. Here she gained further experience in working with highly precious materials, one off pieces and commissions.

Her apprenticeship successfully culminated in a Journeyman exam in 1997. The Journeyman piece was awarded a grant from the Bremen County Council, which enabled Tanja to accept an offer for an Master of Arts in Metalwork and Jewellery design at Sheffield Hallam University. The freedom of thinking and exploration, broadened her understanding of jewellery as an ideas medium, integrating a conceptual approach into her work.

On completion of her MA Tanja took a business course and established a studio with the help of a Setting Up grant from the Crafts Council of England, and a Start Up loan from the Prince's Trust.

Since 2000 Tanja Ufer Jewellery has gained a respected place in the contemporary jewellery world, both nationally and internationally. She shows in prestigious galleries such as Electrum (London) and Cebra (Düsseldorf), and has exhibited at the highly regarded Chelsea Craft Show (2007 being her 4th year) . Her recent international shows include the New York Gift Fair, PhiladelphiaMuseum of Art & Craft Fair and the Inhorgenta International Jewellery Fair, Munich. In 2007 she will participate in the new Crafts Council Show 'Origin' at Somerset House, London.

Born: 07/08/1973 in Bonn, Germany

Education:
2000
NVQ 3 Business planning for Owner Managers
1997-1999
MA Metalwork & Jewellery, Sheffield Hallam University
Apprenticeship in Goldsmithing,
Journeyman exam (1st grade)
Goldmithing College Pforzheim, Germany
1983-1992
Abitur, High school, Liebfrauenschool, Bonn

Work:
2010 part time Tutor at London Jewellery school
2000- present Self- employed Jewellery Designer Maker
2002-2005 Associate Lecturer Metalwork & Jewellery,
Sheffield Hallam Univesity
2000-2002 Meynell Youthclub, Sheffield Futures, Jewellery classes
1995-1997 Master Goldsmith Haarstick, Bremen

Workshops:
2005 Treasures of today, Millenium Galleries
Lost wax modeling and casting

Grants:
2000 Setting up grants, Crafts Council
Prince’s Trust Business Developing Grant

Exhibitions:
2009
Summer exhibition, Moha Gallery Vienna
Dazzle London, Maria Margoni gallery, Greece
Cebra gallery, Duesseldorf
2008
Rare Find exhibition, New Ashgate gallery,
Electrum Christmas exhibition, Dazzle London
2007
Kath Libbert, Wedding exhibition, ‘Rings’ Leeds City Gallery
Jerwood exhibition, Harley Gallery, Bielak gallery, Krakow
30 years Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Fairs:
2010
Inhorgenta, Munich
2009
East London Design Show, Made 09 Brighton,
Great Northern Craft Show, Art in Action Oxford,
Bovey Tracey, Dazzle National Theatre, Inhorgenta Munich
2008
Lustre, Nottingham, Art in Action, Oxford, Bovey Tracey
Dazzle London,
2007
Origin, London, IJL, London, Art in Action