MAKERS | EUROPE | AUSTRIA | SILVERWORK

Jarosinski & Vaugoin | Silversmiths

In a city once home to hundreds of silversmiths, only one remains—Jarosinski & Vaugoin, a Viennese institution crafting exquisite silverware since 1847. Led by sixth-generation silversmith Jean-Paul Vaugoin, the atelier continues to shape heirlooms fit for royalty, blending centuries-old tradition with contemporary craftsmanship.

How did you begin?

Jarosinski & Vaugoin was founded in 1847, but our story stretches further back still. My family arrived in Vienna from France in 1773, bringing generations of silversmithing knowledge. Today, we are in our sixth generation, custodians of a tradition that has long intertwined artistry with craftsmanship.

I had not always intended to follow this path. My father passed away in 2003, and at the time, my world was one of numbers, not noble metals. I was just 20 years old, freshly out of military service, and beginning my studies in Economics at the Vienna University of Economics. Finance and brokering—those were my worlds, or so I thought. 

The workshop, however, was facing difficult times. I would often ponder whether I could be the one to close a 155-year-old story. The thought was unbearable. So, perhaps with a youthful recklessness or a sense of duty, I stepped in. I balanced my studies with work at the atelier, learning the meticulous craftsmanship while navigating the financial realities of keeping such a venerable institution alive. Ultimately, it was not just about sustaining a business. It was about preserving an art form, a lineage, a way of making that still holds magic in a world moving ever faster.

How did you learn?

Most of my learning happened in the workshop, watching our silversmiths in the lively studio. The company has existed for over two centuries, and while the world outside has changed dramatically, our approach remains much the same.

Every piece is still hand-forged to precise dimensions, using techniques passed down through generations. Our atelier holds an extensive collection of tools—hammers of every shape and size. Over the last 200 years, we have collected these, each designed to create intricate, bespoke patterns that define our pieces. 

How do you plan, prepare, and execute your work?

Our guiding principle is that the client always comes first. Anything is possible. I’ve never had much time for people who instinctively say, “no.” Sometimes, realizing a particular vision takes careful thought and ingenuity, but that challenge is part of the craft.

The process of working with artists or designers follows a similar path. Translating sketches and drafts into silver can be intricate—at times, more complex than expected—but the solution always reveals itself. There is an art to problem-solving, just as there is to silversmithing itself. With patience and precision, we always find a way. 

The making begins with a single sheet of silver, which is heated, stamped, and carefully hand-filed. The form is bent, polished, and brushed to finish. To ensure longevity, we add a fine layer of silver, reinforcing its durability so that each piece becomes an heirloom crafted to last for generations. Even as technology advances, the essence of our craft remains rooted in tradition, shaped by hand, refined by experience, and designed to endure.

Who or what most influences your work?

Jarosinski & Vaugoin reflect on the artistry of 18th and 19th-century Europe, which is our most significant influence. French, English, and Austrian silversmiths perfected techniques that remain unsurpassed. French silver is all about refinement, English design is bold and structural, and Austrian craftsmanship marries both with unparalleled precision. These historical threads weave through every piece in the workshop, ensuring that each design represents a little piece of history. 

What does a typical day look like for you?

Mornings begin in the atelier, where the atmosphere is calm and methodical—though work is always to be done. Orders flow steadily, yet finding skilled silver-smiths to meet the demand is increasingly difficult. Craftsmanship is at risk, and I take great pride in the artisans who continue it with such precision and care.

Each piece we create is more than just an object; it carries a story, something you can feel when you hold it in your hands, so I often glide between the studio and the showroom. Our workshop, housed in a centuries-old building, feels like a time capsule. Yet, there’s fresh energy here. We are the last silversmith studio in Austria to offer apprenticeships, and I work closely with the next generation to pass on our vision and techniques.

Beyond the workshop, my days are never the same. There are clients to meet and narratives to share. Often, this takes me across the globe, ensuring that our legacy is preserved and continues to evolve. Running the business means overseeing everything—marketing, sales, production, stocking, and invoicing. It is a twenty-four-hour job, but when a client calls, I go. That’s the nature of true craftsman- ship: it is not just about making objects but about building relationships, understanding visions, and keeping tradition alive.

Interview by Emma Becque
Images by Isabel Bronts