Sapphires, diamonds, amethysts: at A. E. Köchert, precious stones are turned into skilfully decorated tiaras, earrings and necklaces. With the help of a hot flame and polishing tools, new creations are made – the work requires a good eye and an even steadier hand. As imperial and royal court and chamber jeweller, A. E. Köchert was not only entrusted with the care of the imperial treasure, but also with the creation of bespoke pieces.
Even though the origins of A.E. Köchert lie in tradition, modernity was equally important: Collaborations ranged from the famous architect Theophil von Hansen and Erwin Lang to contemporary artists such as Erwin Wurm or George Condo and many others. Even today, the jewellery is appreciated by an international clientele.
© Courtesy of the artist
Which place do you currently call home and where do you work on your projects?
I live in Sievering, an old little village of winemakers on the outskirts of Vienna. I work in the first district Vienna, not far from St. Stephans Cathedral, which marks the center of the city.
Do you have a favourite place in your area where you like to relax and linger?
I go for long walks with my wife and our dog in the vineyards of Sievering, Neustift and Grinzing.
© WienTourismus/ Paul Bauer
Are there any urgent political issues or problems in your region?
The local political situation is very good: Vienna is one of the best places to live in the world. However the global situation with its multiple crisis is very present in the minds of the people living in Vienna.
In your opinion, what has developed well in the last 5 years – and what has not?
Very well: less traffic true to parking regulations which are applied all over the city, the city is getting greener every year due to massive tree-planting all over the city, there are more and more cycle-paths.
Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers – whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?
– A.E.Köchert (jewelry)
– Mühlbauer (hat-maker)
– Scheer (shoe-maker)
– Lobmeyr (glass and porcelain)
– Wiener Silbermanufaktur (silver)
– Maurizio Giambra (tailor)
– Knize (tailor)
– Lena Hoschek (tailor)
– Jungmann&Neffe (textile)
– Demel (pastry shop)
– Oberlaa (pastry shop)
© Peter Rigaud
Is there anything particularly innovative in your region? Also in comparison to other places you have already visited?
There are a lot of very interesting projects in the word of music.
– Gansch
– Alma
– Franui
Do you have a secret restaurant tip that you would like to share with us?
I recommend “Rosebar Centrala” (close to Augarten), “Wetter” (Yppenplatz), the “Würstelstand” (streetfood) at Stephansplatz, Pöschl (Franziskanerplatz).
© Centrala
What are your 3 favourite apps that you use every day and couldn’t live without?
– ORF
– Ö1
Do you have any favourite newspapers or online magazines? And how do you keep up to date with politics or social and cultural issues?
– ORF
– Die Zeit
Imagine you could be mayor for a year – what would you change?
I would build much more cycle-paths, I would invest in exciting street art projects, I would connect the “Donaukanal” with the city of Vienna by putting the car-traffic into underground-tunnels.
© WienTourismus/ Julius Hirtzberger
One last question: If you could choose another place to live – regardless of financial or time constrains – which one would you choose?
I wouldn’t like to live anywhere else.
© Courtesy of the artist
