About Ivar Holth

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In 1943, during the uncertainty of World War II, Ivar T. Holth opened a small silversmith workshop in Oslo, Norway. The city was alive with new artisans at the time, each trying to make their mark. Holth found his own path through guilloché enamel, a technique that layered vivid color over precise engraved patterns. The decision set his work apart, giving his jewelry a distinctive look that caught attention at home and abroad.<br><br> Nature often guided his designs. Butterflies, leaves, and other delicate motifs appeared frequently, while some pieces drew on Victorian revival styles with more elaborate, almost narrative scenes. The colors he used reflected the landscape around him, from fjord-deep blues to fiery shades that echoed the northern skies. His workshop became known for turning small objects into striking expressions of Norwegian artistry.<br><br> Over the decades, the company grew steadily. Much of the jewelry was exported, carrying Holth’s name far beyond Norway. In the late 1970s, his son Per took over management and guided the workshop until 2007. Under his watch, the reputation for careful craftsmanship continued, and the designs adapted to the tastes of a broader market without losing their original character.<br><br> Even after production ended, the pieces retained their appeal. Collectors and artists still look to Holth’s work as a blend of tradition and imagination, grounded in skill and shaped by Norway’s natural beauty. The silversmithy may have closed its doors, but its jewelry remains as proof of what careful hands and a clear vision can create.