Icelandic Jewels
Since their launch in 1999 in Reykjavík, award-winning Icelandic jewellery brand Aurum by Guðbjörg is a company that has consistently demonstrated high standards of environmental responsibility, community involvement and integrity. More than just a name, it is a philosophy: it stands for Ambition, Understanding, Responsibility, Unity and Mindfulness. Founder and designer Guðbjörg’s ethos is based on several core values and these led to the creation of Aurum. It is a jewellery brand inspired and informed by Icelandic nature, where contemporary design and ethical practices meet traditional craftsmanship.
Aurum incorporates sustainability principles throughout the company‘s operations, such as for the past 16 years sourcing only recycled and re-refined precious metals and only buying materials from certified fair trade companies and using conflict-free precious stones and lab-grown diamonds. All the jewellery is made exclusively in either recycled 925 sterling silver and recycled 14K or 18K gold.
Earlier this year, in October AURUM by Guðbjörg launched a striking new collection – BASALT – perfectly timed for the Christmas gifting season. Chief designer, goldsmith and co-founder Guðbjörg Kristín Ingvarsdóttir, was inspired by Iceland’s unique landscape when creating the dramatic new designs. “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.”
Guðbjörg tells us.
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.
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. To discover more from Aurum by Guðbjörg and their BASALT collection visit, https://aurumiceland.com