My precious...

Wanted to share a few tips on where to get some cool Nordic jewelry. Because obviously anybody who's anybody wants to prance around wearing Finnish thingies around their neck and ears. When you have a piece of Kalevala Koru hanging from some part of your body, you know you've arrived. 

I prefer simple things. Things that are more about the idea than anything else. Being a blondie with fair skin I never wear gold or bronze, just silver. Also, I recently gave up buying jewelry that isn't silver but only looks like it, because in the end the color always changes into something that resembles a "gentle shade of poo". When you're poor you have to buy the good stuff. You just do it a little less often.

Ideakoru

My favorite brand these days is Ideakoru.
Ideakoru product page
The owner is Maarit Naakka, a wonderful gentle person who makes lovely pieces of Finnish handmade jewelry in silver only. The whole thing started with a single idea that came from Goethe: "MEMENTO VIVERE". As in "live in the moment". The major plus for me was that you can personalize most of the pieces.

Here are a few pieces that I've ordered recently. I wear them daily, not only because they're simple and therefore perfect for everyday use, but also because they contain these hidden messages, only for me. Just to keep me focused on what's really important in life.
    

Kokoru

There's another Finnish designer who got my attention recently. Anne Kokkonen with her label Kokoru.
Kokoru online
Again, simplicity is the key here. I got the earrings that look like the birch tree. The fact that I work in the wood product industry has nothing to do with this, but I do like that fact that the earrings represent something very very Finnish. Sometimes we Finns feel a little lonely and not attached to anything while living abroad. The birch earrings give me a sense of home. Also, they're a great ice breaker when you're desperately trying to strike up a conversation with your crush, since we all know guys are all about "wood".... right...? Wink wink nudge nudge.

Kalevala Koru

There's also the ever green Finnish label called Kalevala Koru.
Kalevala Koru online
Now this is the mother of all Finnish jewelry. There's not a Finn who doesn't own a piece made by them. It all starts when you're 15 and your parents buy you a necklace for your birthday, and then it's all downhill from there. I think I have the full set of Vanamo. Very feminine and petite, in short the total opposite of me. Most of them were a going away present from my ex-colleagues when I was moving to Italy, and therefore I hold these Vanamo-pieces very dear to my heart.


If you want to find cool hand made stuff from Finland in general (not just jewelry), check out this site: Astuputiikkiin.
Astuputiikkiin- "step into the boutique"
(it's in Finnish, but if you found something interesting you want to get, click on the "ollaan yhteydessa" button and send them a message, in English).
Mrs. Mari Moilanen has put together this wonderful site where you can find manymanymany Finnish designers' products all in one place. Go ahead, go Finnish, go crazy, go design.

Naturally I don't get paid for "endorsing" these brands. I just hope that they don't sue me for using them as writing material (just like with the design shops I "endorsed" last month). Nor is there a discount for my readers on the web-site of these shops. In fact I'm not sure why anyone would read my blog seeing that there are no lotteries for free biscuits or discounts for season tickets to Six Flags. 

I guess now would be a good of a time as any to thank all of my 4 readers. Thanks you guys. One day I'll get you that free box of biscuits.