Ainua Jewelry
My name is Ismo Alakärppä and I take special pleasure in designing unique jewelry alongside my customers, and in crafting jewelry by hand. I am the owner of AINUA Jewelry. I have graduated as a Doctor of Arts and as an Industrial Designer. I have also been trained as a jeweler. After a long academic career, I decided to make my dreams come true. I became a jewelry entrepreneur, and I have never regretted my decision. Customer satisfaction is very important to me. Due to my strong background in design, I promise a complete satisfaction guarantee for all custom orders. Read more about the satisfaction guarantee.
My values
I wish to create meaningful and durable jewelry that are sustainable in concrete, ethical, and aesthetic sense.
Brand new high-quality jewelry can become a treasured heirloom for future generations. I have no interest in crafting jewelry that encourages wasteful, disposable use. My jewelry is, almost without exception, made of recycled precious metals. Most of the precious metals used in jewelry are recyclable. I also employ various waste materials and natural materials in my jewelry. My gemstones are sourced from a reliable Finnish gemstone retailer. If needed, I will also order gemstones from abroad. I only use diamonds provided by businesses that meet the requirements of the Kimberley Process.
Handcrafted in Finland
Our jewelry are handcrafted in Finland. The artisan's advantage over large jewelry manufacturers lies in flexibility and the ability to create personalized individual pieces and small series. I have crafted numerous custom-made pendants, earrings, engagement rings, and wedding rings for their special moment.
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Design From Finland
Ainua Jewelry has been awarded the Design from Finland mark. The Design from Finland mark of the Association for Finnish Work can be awarded to a product, product group or service that strongly represents Finnish design competence. The mark indicates that the company has invested in professional design and achieved business advantages through design. Products and services bearing the Design from Finland mark have been designed in Finland in a professional, responsible and user-oriented manner.
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Materials
I make jewelry out of the most common precious metals, such as silver, titanium, gold, and platinum. I also occasionally do more artistic and experimental jewelry design, and employ wood, wool, and other unorthodox materials in my craft. For example, materials discovered in a trash bin inspire me to use them in my jewelry. I regularly use materials taken from recycled jewelry, e.g. old gold rings, silver cutlery, and silver coins. The old jewelry of my customers is often smelted and turned into raw materials for a new piece of jewelry.
Jewelry Design
I draw inspiration for my work from architecture and natural shapes. I start the process by drawing sketches by hand; I usually retain these sketchs for my own use. In the case of custom orders, I offer my customers the chance to evaluate the sketches in a 3D form from the comfort of their own home. I will send you a web link, which allows you to review the 3D model, zoom it to its actual size, or look at its details from various perspectives. If needed, I will create an accurate 3D visualization, which allows you to see the end results ahead of time.
Workshop Location
The workshop is located in Southern Lapland, in an old log-built building in Simo.
I can deliver jewelry to you by mail, regardless of location. You can choose inexpensive letter delivery or an insured mail delivery for the more precious jewelry. The small size of jewelry facilitates delivery across the world.
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Satisfaction guarantee
I promise a complete satisfaction guarantee for custom-made jewelry. If you are not satisfied with the result after the design process, I will make the necessary adjustments to ensure the piece meets your expectations at no additional cost.
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My services also include jewelry repairs, gemstone setting, and modifications.
