Zoltan David
Austin's jewelry artist, the classically trained creator of award-winning work
Sir Zoltan David’s career is a storied one, decorated with a host of accolades as unique as the handcrafted jewelry he creates.
A classically trained goldsmith and diamond setter, David defines himself as a “jewelry artist,” a singular term that reflects the artistry, craftsmanship and execution seen in his award-winning work.
Born in Budapest, Hungary, David began his career in Vancouver, Canada and established Zoltan David Fine Jewelry Design in 1980. He eventually anchored in Austin, a move he attributes to his wife — a fifth generation Texan — as well as his love of water and the outdoors.
It was in Austin where David established his first storefront (located in the Arboretum for 10 years), thus moving his work from the exhibition-only space into the retail environment. And it is in Austin where his internationally recognized pieces are conceptualized and created — all crafted in-house by a staff he has personally trained.
Throughout his career, David has received a number of unique accolades. He was the first designer in history to be named both New Design Talent and New Designer of the Year by Jewelers of America, and in 2007, National Jeweler Magazine named David one of the “Top 100 Designers in the Past 30 Years."
Perhaps his most prized achievement is being awarded a patent for his signature metal ornamentation technique, the only metal ornamentation patent worldwide. For David, the achievement represents the truly unique quality of his creations.
Today, his creations are displayed at the Flagship Gallery in the Hill Country Galleria and at Zoltan David Collection at The Oasis. While his work has been recognized across the globe, the artist has no plans of leaving the southern locale he's grown to call home. “Austin has been very good to me,” he says warmly.