Christian Balmer et Ilona Schwippel
Jewelers
Lausanne

« The plastic qualities of gold release the energy of the dialogue of forms. Worn, a jewel reveals the personality and the physiognomy, the interior and the exterior. Christian Balmer »

Jeweler since 1991, Christian Balmer exhibits his pieces in group and personal exhibitions in Switzerland and abroad. After training as a jeweler, Ilona Schwippel worked in Portugal and Israel before completing her training in Geneva. She is co-responsible for the Viceversa gallery and teaches at the University of Art and Design in Lucerne.

« A jewel can be seen as a non-verbal communication. Its emotional charge accompanies us and makes it an irreplaceable, precious object. Or untouchable. Ilona Schwippel »

In 1998, at the instigation of Christian Balmer, the Viceversa gallery took the place of the former Swiss railway counters in the heart of Lausanne and has since invited visitors to discover contemporary jewellery. There are presented the works of Swiss and international designers chosen by Christian Balmer and Ilona Schwippel, who also exhibit their respective creations.

Diplomas

Christian Balmer

1991 Bachelor in design, jewelry product and accessories, High School of Arts and Design (HEAD), Geneva

1988 CFC jeweler, Geneva

Ilona Schwippel

2010 Continuing education diploma – Luxury creations and artistic crafts, University of Geneva

2001 Bachelor in product design, jewelry and accessories, High School of Arts and Design (HEAD), Geneva

1994 Jeweler's apprenticeship, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Germany

Honors

Christian Balmer

1988 First prize, Golay-Buchel national competition

Ilona Schwippel

2001 Grant from the Cantonal Contemporary Art Fund, Geneva