1st October 2021, Reykjavik. Autumn sees leading Icelandic jeweller AURUM by Guðbjörg launch a striking new collection – BASALT – perfectly timed for the Christmas gifting season.
Basalt is the 34th jewellery range from this eco-friendly jeweller who first launched in 1999 and whose jewellery is handcrafted in Reykjavik exclusively from recycled gold and silver, lab grown diamonds and ethically sourced precious gems.
Chief designer, goldsmith and co-founder Guðbjörg Kristín Ingvarsdóttir, was inspired by Iceland’s unique landscape when creating the dramatic new designs.
She comments:
“Iceland is a landscape of explosive energy. The land is 90% basalt and this dark grey or black rock often has a column like structure, formed from magma. Iceland’s basalt columns are particularly spectacular at Reynisfjara beach on the island’s south coast. Svartifoss is one of the most dramatic waterfalls in Iceland, its name literally means ‘The Black Waterfall’. The water cascades some 20m from a crescent-shaped cliff, composed of magnificent hexagonal black basalt columns.”
The Basalt collection comprises necklaces, rings, ear cuffs and earrings crafted from recycled 18K gold plate, 925 sterling silver and oxidised silver. The arresting designs evoke the appearance of this magnificent rock created by superheated magma which, like the jewels, is a feast for the eyes with its fusion of natural forces with fantastic forms.
As with much of her work, tales from Icelandic folklore also informed Ingvarsdóttir’s new range, where the spectacular Basalt pillars were thought to be trolls. This dramatic environment was the perfect breeding ground for stories of strange creatures and supernatural beings and it is said that you can hear their wails and moans as you pass by.
Many of the designs also feature the luminous Moonstone which Ingvarsdóttir chose as it is believed to help in communication with spiritual beings, the higher self, and the divine. Moonstone is perpetually embraced by gleaming white energy that makes it a protective gem. This power can nourish, give passion, heal and guide you to your inner path. Moonstone is the stone of new beginnings. Strongly connecting us to the moon, to intuition and calming to the emotions, it exudes a glowing vitality that can re-energize the mind and body and wash negativity away.
The full range is available to purchase from Aurum’s flagship store in Reykjavik and e-commerce store www.aurumiceland.com from 1st October 2021.
View the Look Book: https://www.flipsnack.com/asgerdurdilja/basalt-2021.html
Biography
Guðbjörg Kristín Ingvarsdóttir
Leading Icelandic jeweller Aurum was founded in 1999 by Guðbjörg Kristín Ingvarsdóttir, goldsmith and designer and Karl Jóhann Jóhannsson MBA. Together they run both the label and the Aurum store and workshop in the heart of Reykjavík’s city centre.
Guðbjörg began her career studying goldsmithing at Copenhagen Technical College, completing her journeyman’s examination in 1993. She completed her master craftsman examination in goldsmithing at Reykjavík Technical College in 1994, subsequently returning to Copenhagen to study jewellery design at the Institute for Precious Metals. In collaboration with like-minded others, Guðbjörg ran the jewellery workshop Au-Art in Copenhagen from 1996 to 1999. She then returned to Iceland where she founded the design and jewellery firm Aurum.
Guðbjörg’s jewellery designs have attracted much attention worldwide and she has taken part in many international design exhibitions, both as a solo designer and in group shows. She was awarded first prize in the jewellery competition Spirit of the North in St. Petersburg in 2000, received the DV Cultural Award in Reykjavík for art design in 2002 and the Icelandic Visual Arts.
Aurum stands for Ambition, Understanding, Responsibility, Unity and Mindfulness. Aurum puts great emphasis on ambition through the design, product development, quality and customer care. Aurum jewellery is inspired by nature, with its delicate, irregular shapes and is characterised by rich details and a sense of movement, finesse and balance. Simultaneously light, feminine and intricate, the three dimensional designs evoke natural patterns, resulting in pieces that are both modern and timeless. Each and every piece is expertly handcrafted from sterling silver in the company‘s integrated flagship store and workshop in Reykjavík, Iceland.
Aurum’s philosophy is based on several core values; modern design fused with traditional craftsmanship, heritage, sustainability and philanthropy. Aurum sources materials from certified fair trade companies and all the packaging is environmentally friendly. Aurum incorporates sustainability principles throughout the company‘s operations, such as sourcing only recycled and re-refined precious metals and only buying certified and conflict-free precious stones and diamonds. Aurum continues to strive to reduce the company‘s carbon footprint in all aspects of its production.
Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and TJM Media Pvt Ltd. is not responsible for any errors in the same.
