Artisan Profile

Björn Altmann grew up in northern Germany. His first encounter with jewellery was during a metal workshop in school, where he made a copper beaker and then experimented with leftover brass, making rings and brooches.

He then studied graphic design in Wismar and Kassel. After finishing his degree, he moved to London where he is currently working as a branding consultant, typographer, and illustrator for brands such as Anglepoise and the National Theatre. He published the illustrated book “Manhole covers of the world” with Swiss publisher niggli in 2022, which was featured recently by Creative Boom.

Collecting antique silver and research into the unique English hallmarking system rekindled Björn’s interest in metalworking. He started designing and making gold and silver jewellery in 2020 and launched his brand Isbjørn Jewellery the same year. While participating in the Milano Jewellery Week in 2022, he met his business partner. This also marked the beginning of Portal Jewellery.

In recent years Björn has also collaborated within the watch industry, making illustrations for Ollech & Wajs, TAG Heuer, Watches of Knightsbridge, as well as visualising special orders for Cartier collectors. His work has been featured by publications such as Oracle Time, Hodinkee, Il Sole 24 Ore, and Time & Tide. He has also designed dials for various brands, and worked on projects with Emmanuel Gueit. The most recent dial however was done as a Portal Jewellery project in collaboration with UK based watch brand Apiar.