This publication presents the results of a competition that was initiated by the Kolloquium Nordrhein-Westfalen to promote the artistic and creative use of steel as a material, and that was held in the department of metal design in the Design Faculty of the University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Hildesheim. Diverse pieces of jewellery and small-scale sculptures were created as a result, which either make use of the brittle hardness of the material or else override these properties. They open up unusual insights into contemporary applied metal art, situated between artistic uniqueness and design-orientated craftsmanship. Jewellery and objects by four award winners are presented, as well as work by students and graduates. The presentation is enhanced with works by established artists, which complete the spectrum and the possibilities of designing with steel.