Hopea | Scandinavian Designer Jewelry

This past May we welcomed Cosima of Hopea into our showroom for a popup shop. Cosima has a beautiful collection of exquisite and rare jewelry primarily from mid-century Scandinavia. If you missed the first trunk show, you’ll have a second chance to see these exquisit pieces first-hand. The Hopea collection returns to Inform for a second popup shop on November 29th to December 1st. Just in time to pick up very special Christmas gifts for the ones you love. Below, Cosima shares with us insight into the origin of a few of her pieces.

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By the late 1950s, design had become a symbol of regional identity in the Nordic countries. Given that jewelry was seen as lagging behind other areas of design, revitalizing the craft became a national interest. Certain young designers, many in their twenties, had already established their own modern workshops and were more than poised to rise to the occasion. Below is a brief look at some of these pioneering designers; each from a different Nordic country. Each designer had their own unique aesthetic as they explored beyond the boundaries of jewelry making of the time.


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Sweden – Sigurd Persson

Above are pieces designed by celebrated Swedish designer Sigurd Persson. Before establishing his own studio, Persson was head designer at progressive jewelry company Ateljé Stigbert from 1946 to the mid-1950s. As part of an earlier generation exploring these new forms, Persson became an important figure in its development, writing many articles about the new movement and in support of upcoming designers. The brooch pictured above comes from Persson’s “Scäla och Ruta” series in which he designed the pieces to be completely modular. The result are forward-thinking objects that are elegant and sculptural. Despite their simplicity, the designs have a distinct femininity.

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Finland – Björn Weckström

The rings on the stands in the image above are from Björn Weckström’s “Space” series from the early 1970s. Inspired by space exploration at the end of the 1960s, Weckström explores themes of flight, motion and fantasy. The pieces are very sculptural and evoke the vastness of space. Born in Helsinki, Weckström initially wanted to train as a sculptor, but pressures from wartime and family members turned him towards the family business as a goldsmith. True success came to him when in 1963 he co-founded his workshop Lapponia Oy. In short order, Lapponia became the ultimate international success tale within the arts, winning prestigious competitions, and selling worldwide.

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Norway – Tone Vigeland

Matching bracelet and choker set by Norwegian designer Tone Vigeland. The design is titled “Rose”. The innovative form consists of curved silver discs which have been forged together. The pieces seen here are part of the permanent collection at Fredrikstad Museum in Norway. A true innovator, Vigeland’s designs are featured in prestigious collections worldwide, such as MOMA.

 

 

Learn more about Hopea and browse the catalog on the official website.