The symbolism of two
individuals belonging inseparably together fascinated me, which is why I chose
Puzzle for my engagement and wedding ring when I remarried a few years ago.
(Saarikorpi has since then designed e.g. a ring called Wave with two separable
engagement rings and a third one to be placed in between as the wedding ring
but I still prefer the inseparable Puzzle.)
All jewellery items from Saarikorpi Design come with a lifetime warranty but
my ring’s maintenance was long overdue, partly because the goldsmith no longer
works in Helsinki. My ring also needed a bit of enlarging to ensure that I can
wear it in all temperatures without having to take any inspired measures if it
is suddenly stuck, such as pouring on my finger a bottle of ice-cold water from
the minibar in a Spanish hotel room.
So we finally made a day trip
to Fiskars to visit Saarikorpi’s studio and have the ring resized and the white
and yellow gold pieces brushed to their original matte grandeur. I love the
finishing and wonder why it took me so long to take the trouble to have the
ring maintained. Another piece of evidence to the long list of my recent crimes
of indolence, I’m afraid.
In addition to creating
unique handcrafted pieces, Saarikorpi has for several years now pioneered in
computer-aided jewellery design in his studio in the picturesque arts and
design centre Fiskars village some 90 km west of Helsinki.
The history of the village
dates back to the mid 17th century when Fiskars Ironworks were founded. The
village has seen many changes during its 260 years of existence, not all of
which were for the better. Since the 1980s, however, Fiskars village has revived
into a major arts, crafts and design hub with many shops, exhibitions and
studios. It is a popular tourist attraction especially in the summertime. I know now both Fiskars village and my marriage deserve the annual excursion and
golden brush-up.
Teresa Maria
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| This door to a former cow house now leads to a goldsmith's studio. |
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