A one-time Alberta, Canada, medical student, Robert Ackermann found that his scientific interests could be integrated into a career devoted to creating beautiful objects of rare quality. His ardor for permanent values and a fascination for precious metal constructions drew him to goldsmithing.In 1980, Robert was privileged to learn the trade from the bottom up under the master goldsmiths at Trudel Juwelier in Zurich (Switzerland), a studio that was internationally renowned for its high standard of quality and post-Bauhaus designs. After graduating with the Federal Diploma of Competence, he worked at one of Zurich’s finest goldsmiths, Riethmann Goldschmied.In 1986 Robert Ackermann returned to Canada, creating handmade, contemporary jewelry in his own studio. In 1993 he established Robert Ackermann Inc. in Montreal, Quebec. He graduated as a gemologist with the Gemological Institute of America in 1995.Robert has exhibited his work throughout Canada and at major international trade shows. He has also taught college-level courses at the École de Joaillerie et de Métaux d’Art de Montréal and served on numerous juries.Imbued with the famous Swiss standards of quality and precision, Robert has won several awards and honors. In 2002 and 2003, he won two First Prizes at the American Gem Trade Association’s AGTA Spectrum Awards, considered among the most prestigious jewelry prizes in the world.When sponsored to reside in the United States, Robert was appointed to teach jewelry design and manufacturing for 11 years at the leading jewelry school in the country, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).Robert Ackermann now serves a clientele that looks to him for rare and lasting pleasures: jewelry that marries the most innovative design with the most sophisticated quality standards. He continues his ongoing commitment as an educator and as an always-curious, forever-learning master of his trade.“People will stare. Make it worth their while.” — Harry Winston