Each special story contains several narrators. The first voice in the story of Luv North jewelry belongs to the designer, after which the story continues in the hands of the jeweler.
High quality, domestic craftsmanship: We make some of our jewelry ourselves. Some are made in Alppila, Helsinki – at the workshop of goldsmith Tero Hannonen. Hannonen’s goldsmith’s company, which invests in high-quality handicrafts and design, has been operating for more than 15 years. Luv North’s designs take shape at Alppila’s workshop using a casting technology: 3D modeling is carried out on the basis of the designer’s sketch, after which the first prototypes are 3D-printed and casted into prototypes.
Quality jewelry is always based on high-quality materials: Gold (14k) and sterling silver (925) are not only durable but also recyclable virtually forever. Making jewelry by hand requires more diverse skills from the creator than what is commonly recognized. In addition to mastering creativity, eye and hand seamless coordination and fine motor skills, a skilled jeweler is also required to have knowledge of chemistry. A goldsmith mixes alloys from different metals and removes tarnish using chemistry and metallurgy. Importantly, every work step must respect the aesthetic nature of the jewelry.
The diversity of the work gives significance to Hannonen’s work: “Making handicraft jewelry involves versatile and creative problem-solving where you can immediately see the result of your work.”
However, the most rewarding thing for a craftsman is the positive feedback received from customers. Turning customers’ ideas into reality is one of the job’s the most rewarding aspects to Tero.
Cooperation with a skilled jeweler has been seamless. “We brought Tero an idea for The Sun pendant on checkered paper and shortly after we received 3D modeling of the gorgeous jewelry,” says Laura Paananen, founder of Luv North.
The artisan continues the story that the designer has started and eventually moves it on to the next narrator – the first new wearer of the jewelry. Find your piece of jewelry here: https://luvnorth.com/#/shop.
Text: Suvi Annola, photos: Laura Paananen
