Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Custom Jewellery & Silversmithing Excellence
Studio 303, founded by Swiss-trained master jeweller and silversmith Ernst Pfenninger, has been crafting bespoke jewellery and silverware for over 45 years. Our expertise lies in transforming client visions into unique, handcrafted pieces using traditional Swiss techniques combined with modern innovation. We specialise in custom-designed jewellery, ceremonial items, corporate awards, and religious artefacts, serving discerning clients across Australia and internationally. Our Sydney-based workshop has also nurtured generations of artisans through comprehensive jewellery-making classes, fostering creativity and technical excellence.With a reputation built on precision, originality, and exceptional craftsmanship, we have created iconic pieces for institutions like the Federal Court of Australia and the Australian Tourist Commission. Our commitment to quality remains unwavering, whether producing one-of-a-kind commissions or teaching students the time-honoured skills of gold and silversmithing. Though we have permanently closed our doors in December 2023, our legacy continues through the enduring beauty of our creations and the artisans we've inspired.
Services
Custom Jewellery Design
Ceremonial Silverware
Corporate Awards
Religious Artefacts
Jewellery Classes
Silversmithing Workshops
Special Commissions
Wedding Rings
Artistic Engraving
Metal Forming
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- 45+ years of Swiss-trained craftsmanship and industry experience
- Specialise in transforming client concepts into unique handcrafted pieces
- Combine traditional silversmithing techniques with modern design innovation
- Offer comprehensive jewellery-making classes for all skill levels
- Proven track record creating iconic pieces for major institutions
What people say
Original and superbly crafted
Outstanding hands-on teacher
Unrivalled creative atmosphere
Perfect execution of complex designs
Industry-leading technical expertise
Services
Custom Jewellery Design
Transform your vision into unique wearable art through our custom design process. Using traditional Swiss techniques combined with modern innovation, we create one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect your personal style. Our 45+ years of expertise ensures exceptional craftsmanship in every creation, from engagement rings to statement necklaces.
Ceremonial Silverware
Crafting prestigious ceremonial items that embody tradition and excellence. Our workshop has produced maces for the Federal Court, University processional staffs, and Keys to the City. Each piece combines historical significance with contemporary artistry through meticulous handcrafting techniques.
Jewellery Classes
Learn gold and silversmithing from a master artisan in our fully equipped Sydney workshop. Courses cater to all skill levels, covering wax modelling, stone setting, and advanced metal forming. Small class sizes ensure personalised instruction and hands-on learning experiences.
Corporate Awards
Create meaningful corporate recognition items that reflect your brand identity. We design and manufacture custom trophies, medals, and commemorative pieces that combine artistic excellence with professional symbolism, ensuring lasting impressions for your organisation's milestones.
Religious Artefacts
Specialising in handcrafted religious items that balance tradition with contemporary design. Our workshop produces both mass-produced and unique pieces for churches and institutions, maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship in creating meaningful spiritual objects.
People
Ernst Pfenninger
Master Jeweller & Silversmith
Swiss-trained master artisan with 45+ years of experience creating bespoke jewellery and silverware. Recognised for technical excellence in both production and teaching, with works held in high esteem by institutions and private collectors.
Sharon Pfenninger
Business Partner
Co-founder instrumental in establishing Studio 303's reputation since 1989. Played key roles in business development and creating the welcoming educational environment that made their jewellery school renowned.
Questions
What services does Studio 303 offer?
We specialise in custom jewellery design, ceremonial silverware, corporate awards, religious artefacts, and jewellery-making classes for all skill levels.
Can I commission a custom piece?
Yes, we create bespoke items from concept to completion, working closely with clients to transform ideas into unique handcrafted pieces.
Do you offer jewellery-making classes?
We provide comprehensive classes for beginners to advanced students, covering goldsmithing, silversmithing, and specialised techniques in our fully equipped workshop.
What makes Studio 303 unique?
Our Swiss-trained master craftsmanship combines 45+ years of experience with traditional techniques and modern innovation for unparalleled quality.
Have you created notable commissions?
We've produced iconic pieces including the Federal Court's silver oar mace, University ceremonial staffs, and international award trophies.
Reviews (4)
Sheila Mcdowall
Nov 26, 2020
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I wanted some jewellery given to me my mother re set in a dress ring. Ernst had a huge photo catalogue of rings he had made over 50 years to help choose a design I liked that could be adapted to my own personal taste. The extend of his experience in jewellery design made me feel very confident straight away that the ring would be very professionally designed and made. He took a lot of time discussing my design and also offered me options for the old gold. I found him to be very trustworthy and honest. Sharon, his wife, was exceptionally helpful with design selection too, communicating how things
Connor Williams
Oct 11, 2020
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Sharon and Ernst helped me to create a ceremonial mace based on my design from start to finish. This would normally be a daunting process. It's a rather large outlay, and you just don't know whether what you had in mind will eventuate to what will end up in your hands. Sharon and Ernst were fantastic to deal with. They talked through the entire design and provided assistance with what can be done.
Their experience with crafting custom pieces large or small is very clear. Nothing was too hard, and they were able to ship the final product interstate. I am extremely pleased with the mace they produced
Their experience with crafting custom pieces large or small is very clear. Nothing was too hard, and they were able to ship the final product interstate. I am extremely pleased with the mace they produced
Flynn Howley
Sep 09, 2020
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I decided that for my 21st birthday I wanted a ring, nothing fancy, but something that had some weight to it, something that I could pass on. After a few session chatting with Ernst and Sharon in the studio we came up with a design that I was happy with. A ring that had a style and design that I couldn't find anywhere else. Despite COVID-19 setbacks Ernst and Sharon when to great lengths to fabricate the ring just in time for my birthday. The ring was everything I had imagined in my head, Ernst took my vague ideas and brought them into reality. I was over the moon with the results and I have nothing
Elizabeth Anderson
Jun 09, 2020
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My fiance and I truly had the most amazing experience working with Ernst and Sharon, and we couldn't recommend them highly enough. We had both of our wedding rings made at Studio 303 - not only is Ernst an incredibly talented designer and master craftsman, we always had the most warm welcome and great chats when we were there. You cannot go wrong working with Ernst and Sharon - their work is of the highest quality and is simply beautiful...and they really are just the most lovely people to help you create something special. Thank you again for everything!
