Daniela Volshenk is a New York based South African fine jewellery designer whose practice explores notions of home and family through the lens of travel and storytelling. Often inspired by hardware and mechanisms, her designs are developed through focus on bold form and an intentional use of setting techniques to honour precious natural materials. Daniela’s process involves a careful balance between manual techniques like hand carving and traditional goldsmith skills alongside computer aided design software like Rhino 3D to create pieces with precision. Mechanisms, clasps and the technical workings of settings take after those found in traditional fine jewellery as she places herself in a broader jewellery context.
Current Obsession:
Daniela Volshenk: My collection, which I call Bound, is a personal exploration of my relationship with home, rooted in my nomadic Afrikaans heritage. I draw inspiration from the mechanisms of the cattle-drawn wagons that once transported my family, and I work with materials native to South Africa—mopane wood, citrine stone, and metal hardware. Through these elements, I craft pieces that bind medium and design to honour the secure yet ever-changing sense of belonging, and the warm, nostalgic feeling of travelling home.
‘I craft pieces that bind medium and design to honour the secure yet ever-changing sense of belonging, and the warm, nostalgic feeling of travelling home.’
CO:
DV:
CO:
DV:
Instagram @danielavolschenkjewellery
All featured images are courtesy of the artist.
Our annual series SO MINT! is back, shining a spotlight on the rising talents of fresh graduates in fashion, jewellery, and design from around the world.
Are you a recent graduate with remarkable work to share? Submit your portfolio via this link!
Submissions are open until the end of August 2025.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us via veronika@current-obsession.com.
