About Knut Andreas Rasmussen

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Knut Andreas Rasmussen was born in Ålesund, Norway, in 1837. As a young man he apprenticed as a goldsmith before making his way to Oslo in 1861. Eleven years later, in 1872, he established his own workshop in the city. His specialty was filigree, a painstaking technique of twisting fine threads of precious metal into lace-like patterns. That skill set him apart and gave the Rasmussen name an early reputation for intricate craftsmanship.<br><br> In 1901, his son Edvard Julius Rasmussen stepped into the business. He carried forward the family’s approach but also steered it into new territory. The early 20th century was a period of shifting tastes, and under Edvard the firm embraced design movements of the time, particularly art nouveau. Enamel in bright colors paired with sterling silver became a hallmark of Rasmussen jewelry, capturing attention in a way that kept the company relevant as styles modernized.<br><br> The Rasmussen brand continued through the 20th century under Karl A. Rasmussen, adapting to modernist influences while keeping its emphasis on detailed work. The company itself closed in the 1960s, but the name didn’t disappear for good. In 2000, it was revived by a Scandinavian group that recognized the value of the history tied to it. That revival linked a century-old tradition of Norwegian jewelry-making with a contemporary audience, ensuring the Rasmussen name still carried weight well beyond its original workshop in Oslo.