On The Wings Of A Falcon
THE SWOOP OF
THE FALCON
/
THE RUGGED LANDSCAPE AND NATURE OF ICELAND, EXPLORED BY AURUM
I have never had the pleasure of visting Iceland but I have heard that is one of the most breathtaking places on earth and I can believe it. Iceland is the most sparsely populated country in Europe and is volcanically active. We have all seen images of the impressive lava fields and those who have been lucky enough to visit come back with tales of just mind-blowing it is. So when I was approached by Icelandic label Aurum to send me a piece from their shop, I was excited to have something sent all the way from this wonderful country.
Aurum’s designer, Guðbjörg Kristín Ingvarsdótir studied goldsmithing and jewellery design at the Institute for Precious Metals in Copenhagen and then in 1999 she founded Aurum. Guðbjörg has taken part in many international design exhibitions, both as a solo designer and in group shows and 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 and
design in 2002 and the Icelandic Visual Arts Award for design in 2008.
Looking through the shop I was struck but the array of bird related collections. Feathers are my favourite motif for jewellery so it was little wonder then I would choose something from one of those.
Being a dancer my first thought was to choose something from her Swan collection but I ended up falling in love with a bangle from the Falcon collection. It's one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. Every detail is considered, right down to the packaging which has the appearance of a lava rock. Guðbjörg has beautifully captured the essence of the Icelandic landscape and the rugged wilderness that surrounds her in her work. The piece I received feels pleasingly organic with it's imperfect edges and oxidised silver.
“The falcon is closely interwoven with Iceland’s history and its battle for independence and freedom. It carries strength and determination. The falcon springs from Icelandic nature. It not only adapts to the forces of nature, but also meets them head-on with a diligence and determination. Although the wind may ruffle its feathers, the falcon remains dignified.”
Having worn this beautifully crafted bracelet, I am now wishing to invest in some other pieces, such these Raven earrings which would be the everyday earrings for me. Even though I don't wear rings every single day, this Swan ring would none the less be a welcome addition to the jewellery box.
Hell, who am I kidding. I'll have one of everything please.
