Johan van Aswegen's education began in his native South Africa where he spent four years studying jewelry at the University of Stellenbosch. In 1986 he went on to study under the renowned goldsmith, Herman Junger, at the Akademie der Bildenden Kunste in Munich. Since completing his studies his work has been exhibited internationally at galleries and museums including the Museum of Art and Design, New York; Ntsikana Gallery, South Africa; and the Stadtmuseum Munchen, Germany. Johan is currently a professor at Rhode Island School of Design.

    
Brooch, 2008 silver, 18k yellow gold, matrix opal, enamel 3 1/16 x 1 1/3 x 1