Saturday, April 26, 2014

Featured designer: Pasi Torkkeli - The Art of Jewelry from Finland


I recently met an amazing jewelry artist on Etsy. His name is Pasi Torkkeli and he is from Finland. His jewelry designs are amazing and they remind me so much of the Finnish nature. I asked him a few questions about his work and background and he was happy to answer them for Design Jewelry and Accessories Magazine.

“Please tell me about who you are and where you live, where you studied, where your shop is, your workshop.”

“I am Pasi Torkkeli, Professional jeweler from Jyväskylä, Finland. I have graduated from Institute of Jewelry Design in Lahti. I currently have my shop in Jyväskylä and I also have an online shop on Etsy. My workshop is also in Jyväskylä. I have also had the pleasure to work in Union Design in Helsinki, where I had the opportunity to work with the very best Finnish jewelers. During my career I have done high end jewelry that were sold mainly in Dubai. In Finnish market I have concentrated in engagement rings and wedding bands.”


“How did you discover your passion and get started with it?”

“My passion comes from my family history, where my great grandfather and also my grandfather were local metal smiths and their workshops were known for beautiful designs and accurate finishing. From an early age I always liked to create new things and had a passion for drawing. When I applied to Lahti Jewelry Design school, I knew that being a jeweler was the only thing that I would even consider to be my profession.”

“Do you have a favorite material you work with? if yes, why?”

“I love making jewelry pieces from platinum because it is a valuable and really fine material, that has a very special radiance in it. My absolute favorite gemstones are certificated and fancy colored diamonds. Diamonds will last a lifetime and I think that it is a good symbol for everlasting love. One
of my career’s highlights has been when I had the opportunity to design a ring that had an oval cut 5.50 carat fancy yellow diamond in a prong setting.”



“So your necklace was in Tarja’s video. can you tell me more about how it got there and about the necklace itself? when it was made, how, what inspired you, what made Tarja choose it”

“I was working in Union Design in Helsinki at that time. Tarja Came to Union design and she was looking for a jewelry or designer for her “I walk alone”- music video. She saw my IceQueen - necklace and wanted to use it.



The necklace has three chords that have aquamarines and quartz and the chords are wrapped together. IceQueen necklace is inspirited by ice. I made this necklace in 2006.”

Tarja Turunen is the former lead singer of the worldwide famous Finnish band, Nightwish. After she and the band separated, her first single was called “I walk Alone” It is in the video of that single that Pasi’s necklace was featured.

“How does the place where you live influence your work? (Finland, the capital being the Design Capital 2012)”

“Finland influences my designs quite much. Finnish designs usually have pure and simplified designs with really high standards. Finnish jewelry is known for its very high quality. I get my inspiration for my jewelry from nature, lights and also from the people in my life.”




"Who is your favorite designer and why?”

“My biggest source of inspiration is Harry Winston. I also admire the Fabergé goldsmiths a lot. Harry Winston and the Fabergé goldsmiths (By the way, they were mostly Finnish goldsmiths) were definitely the finest jewelers that has ever been.”
Topaz solitaire silver ring

“Which is your favorite ever item you created?”

“It is the King’s drop pendant. It was a big project and it was really demanding and special jewelry. The Kings drop pendant is a really impressive jewelry that really stands out.”

This piece of jewelry is truly amazing looking, as you can see from the photos.

“What is your dream for your brand for the future?”

“As a jeweler I feel like I’m learning new things every day, so I would love to continue to learn more. I also wish to expand my collection a lot, continue in international markets and hopefully design a lot of jewelry for people who love my designs.”

“As a last question, can you tell me where can people find you online?”















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