My thoughts on jewelry

I started designing jewelry almost without realizing it. I had been painting for a long time, illustrating cards, writing and translating texts, the common denominator for all my interests has actually always been inspiration from expression and art - as recipient and creator.

When I started designing jewelry, making inspired me to move forward, one thing led to another, and I'm still on that path.

My first memories of jewelry are from childhood. One of my little sister and I's favorite pastimes was rummaging through grandma's dressing table jewelry box, exploring the fine and exotic shapes, colors and materials of her jewelry. We also got to wear grandma's jewelry on us while playing, that was wonderful! Our first own jewelry were rings found inside a chocolate egg with plastic stones of different colors, we were amazed. I also remember how one Christmas in the 1970s we found our own necklaces cast in pewter with chains in the gift packages.

These small objects have created meanings and moods and elevated situations in unexpected ways. And these moments live with me even now.

Today, my aesthetic view has perhaps changed a little, but the old family jewelry that I have with me still carries with it feelings, memories and meanings.

Responsibly made jewelry lasts a long time, and at best can be passed on from one generation to the next. That's why thoughtful design and cafeful, skillful manufacturing are important to me. Making things by hand, local manifacturing, natural materials and protecting the environment are also values that I respect in my own work.

Kirsi Holmstén