Born in Germany, Schwarzer grew up in Bavaria, training in jewellery-making and metalwork at the Zeichenakademie Hanau, one of the oldest training institutions in Europe. Schwarzer’s move to Australia in 1993 profoundly influenced her work as she discovered a passion for rocks and minerals which occur in abundance here. Inspired by the colours and structures of these minerals, she learned how to shape them and uses them often in her work.

Her work is a continual exploration of the possibilities offered by engaging with minerals and rocks in cut and uncut form. She also interprets the crystalline structure of these earthy materials through various metal constructions. By designing and constructing both jewellery and objects that reference and use gems and minerals she investigates the term precious as it is often attributed to certain materials. Schwarzer holds a Masters Degree in Visual Arts and Design. She exhibits widely nationally and internationally; her work is included in many private and public collections and has been published numerous times in books and magazines. Throughout her career Schwarzer has lectured at the College of the Arts and presented workshops in Adelaide and Interstate. She also mentors emerging jewellers, sharing her knowledge, skills and professional experience.  She recently moved from the Adelaide Hills and is now living and working from her custom-built studio located in the Fleurieu Peninsula - on the Lands of the Kaurna and Ngarrindjeri Peoples.

Living in Australia has influenced my work profoundly through discovering my passion for rocks and minerals which occur in abundance here. For a number of years I myself have been collecting, processing and cutting the stones I use in my work inspired by their colours. The crystalline formations of minerals which grow in a variety of different systems stimulate me to construct both jewellery and objects that reference and utilize gems and minerals. My art practice is a continual exploration of the possibilities offered by engaging with minerals, rocks and metal. I use and interpret this material in various ways: its actual form, cut, uncut and as interpretations of the crystalline structure.