Nóra Tengely

Jewellery maker

©Marcell Piti

The chain that led to jewellery

Nóra is inspired by design objects and natural forms
She graduated from Geneva’s Haute École d'Art et de Design
Her first jewellery piece was a quirky heart-shaped ring which she still wears

After four years of training as an interior designer, Nóra Tengely sensed she was not on the right path, finding it difficult to identify with certain aspects of the subject. After attending a course in metalworking that deeply touched her, Nóra decided to change her life path and study jewellery and accessory making at university in Geneva. She also graduated with a master's degree at MOME in Budapest in 2017. What helped refine the nature of Nóra’s craft was the Lajos Kozma Arts and Crafts Scholarship, which allowed her to experiment with material combinations and jewellery properties. Today, in her shared studio in Budapest, Nóra expresses her creative drive by continuously modernising her techniques and creating jewellery pieces that provoke discussions over human attachment, relationships and tactile experiences.

Interview

©Marcell Piti

©Marcell Piti

In which jewellery techniques do you specialise?: There is one particular process which is the brazing of chain strands by grain soldering. I create units of different sizes and textures without deformation. I then build up these self-supporting elements one on top of each other to create constructions.
How do you combine tradition and innovation in your work?: In my work I have had the opportunity to experiment with materials and find non-traditional ways to use them. This gives my jewellery its unique character. For example, I completely changed the basic function of the machine-made chain, which had been used for centuries.
Do you think your field of work is endangered?: Jewellery design is not in an easy situation. I am grateful that the Hungarian education system is opening up. Nowadays students are offered a wider range of approaches to design, which provides a great boost of interest in jewellery making.
Is there a particular platform where you promote your work?: An initiative called Jewellery Night was launched in 2014, although it is now called Budapest Jewelry Week. I have been involved in the organisation from 2017 to 2023. Our aim is to promote Hungarian contemporary jewellery to a wider audience, to build professional relationships and to support the Hungarian jewellers’ community.

Nóra Tengely is a rising star: she began her career in 2017 and she started teaching in 2022