Reykjavik, Iceland – October 1st, 2021. The captivating allure of the Icelandic landscape finds its ultimate expression in the latest collection from AURUM by Guðbjörg, a renowned Icelandic jeweller. Timed perfectly for the festive gifting season, the brand proudly unveils BASALT – a stunning new jewellery range that masterfully fuses raw natural power with sophisticated design. This highly anticipated launch marks the 34th collection from the eco-conscious jeweller, a testament to their continuous innovation and commitment to sustainable luxury since their inception in 1999.
Every piece within AURUM by Guðbjörg’s exquisite collections, including the new BASALT range, is meticulously handcrafted in Reykjavik. The brand’s unwavering dedication to environmental responsibility is evident in its material choices: exclusively using recycled gold and silver, incorporating lab-grown diamonds, and ethically sourcing all precious gems. This approach not only minimises environmental impact but also ensures that each piece of jewellery carries a story of mindful creation and profound respect for the planet.
At the heart of AURUM by Guðbjörg’s artistic vision is its chief designer, goldsmith, and co-founder, Guðbjörg Kristín Ingvarsdóttir. Her creative process is deeply intertwined with the dramatic beauty of her native Iceland. For the BASALT collection, Ingvarsdóttir drew profound inspiration from the island’s unique geological formations, specifically the iconic basalt columns that shape its breathtaking topography. This connection to the land imbues each design with an authentic narrative and a powerful sense of place.
Guðbjörg Kristín Ingvarsdóttir elaborates on her inspiration:
“Iceland is a landscape defined by its explosive energy, a land sculpted by the powerful forces of nature. An astonishing 90% of our island is composed of basalt, a dark grey or black volcanic rock, which frequently forms into magnificent columnar structures as magma cools. These geological marvels are particularly spectacular at Reynisfjara beach on Iceland’s rugged south coast, where towering basalt columns rise majestically from the black sands, creating an otherworldly vista. Svartifoss, or ‘The Black Waterfall,’ is another profound source of inspiration. Here, water cascades approximately 20 metres over a crescent-shaped cliff face, uniquely framed by an array of magnificent hexagonal black basalt columns. The raw, geometric beauty of these formations provided the perfect muse for the BASALT collection, allowing me to translate the grandeur of Iceland into wearable art.”
The BASALT collection is a diverse and captivating range, featuring an array of meticulously crafted necklaces, rings, elegant ear cuffs, and sophisticated earrings. Each piece is forged from recycled 18K gold plate, premium 925 sterling silver, or oxidised silver, reflecting AURUM’s commitment to sustainable practices without compromising on luxury or aesthetic appeal. The designs are arrestingly beautiful, evoking the intricate textures and commanding presence of basalt rock. Much like the superheated magma that forms these incredible natural structures, the jewels are a feast for the eyes, presenting a stunning fusion of natural forces with fantastically formed jewellery. The collection captures the essence of solidified lava, transforming its rugged beauty into refined, contemporary pieces that resonate with both strength and elegance.
Beyond the geological marvels, Icelandic folklore also weaves a rich tapestry of stories that profoundly influence Ingvarsdóttir’s work. The spectacular basalt pillars, often seen rising dramatically from the land and sea, have long been associated with tales of trolls. In the vibrant imagination of Icelandic culture, these imposing rock formations were believed to be petrified trolls, caught by the morning sun and turned to stone. This dramatic and mystical environment provided a perfect breeding ground for stories of strange creatures and supernatural beings. It is said that in the quiet solitude of these landscapes, one can almost hear the ancient wails and moans of these legendary figures as you pass by. The BASALT collection subtly integrates this enchanting narrative, giving each piece a deeper layer of cultural significance and a touch of ancient magic, inviting wearers to carry a piece of Iceland’s mythical heritage with them.
Many of the exquisite designs within the BASALT collection are further enhanced by the luminous beauty of Moonstone. Guðbjörg Kristín Ingvarsdóttir carefully selected this ethereal gem for its profound symbolic meaning and spiritual properties. Moonstone is widely believed to facilitate communication with spiritual beings, foster a connection with one’s higher self, and draw closer to the divine. Its perpetual embrace by a gleaming white energy endows it with protective qualities, making it a powerful amulet for safe passage and spiritual well-being. This potent gem is thought to nourish the soul, ignite passion, promote healing, and gently guide individuals along their inner path towards self-discovery and enlightenment. Revered as the stone of new beginnings, Moonstone strongly connects us to the celestial power of the moon and deeply enhances intuition. It possesses a remarkable calming effect on emotions, exuding a glowing vitality that can re-energize both mind and body, effectively washing away negativity and inviting positivity into one’s life. Its iridescent glow perfectly complements the rugged elegance of the basalt-inspired designs, adding a layer of mystique and spiritual depth to the collection.
The complete AURUM by Guðbjörg BASALT collection is available for purchase from October 1st, 2021. Discerning customers can explore and acquire these unique pieces at AURUM’s prestigious flagship store located in the heart of Reykjavik, offering a truly immersive brand experience. For those unable to visit Iceland, the entire range is also conveniently accessible through the brand’s e-commerce store at www.aurumiceland.com. This online platform provides a seamless shopping experience, allowing customers worldwide to discover and own a piece of Icelandic artistry and sustainable luxury. We invite you to delve into the captivating world of AURUM by Guðbjörg and experience the magic of the BASALT collection.
To truly appreciate the breathtaking designs and intricate details of the BASALT collection, a comprehensive Look Book has been curated. View the Look Book here: https://www.flipsnack.com/asgerdurdilja/basalt-2021.html. This visual journey offers an in-depth perspective on how the raw beauty of Iceland has been transformed into wearable art, showcasing the collection’s versatility and unique aesthetic. Discover how each piece, inspired by ancient geological formations and mystical folklore, becomes a personal connection to Iceland’s extraordinary heritage.
Biography: Guðbjörg Kristín Ingvarsdóttir & AURUM by Guðbjörg
The leading Icelandic jewellery brand, AURUM, was co-founded in 1999 by the visionary goldsmith and designer Guðbjörg Kristín Ingvarsdóttir, alongside Karl Jóhann Jóhannsson MBA. Together, this dynamic duo meticulously oversees both the distinctive AURUM label and the integrated AURUM store and workshop, strategically located in the vibrant heart of Reykjavík’s city centre. Their collaboration has nurtured AURUM into a globally recognised name synonymous with Icelandic design excellence and sustainable luxury.
Guðbjörg’s distinguished career in jewellery design began with rigorous academic training. She embarked on her goldsmithing journey at Copenhagen Technical College, where she honed her craft and successfully completed her journeyman’s examination in 1993, demonstrating an early aptitude for precision and artistry. Further deepening her expertise, she achieved her master craftsman examination in goldsmithing at Reykjavík Technical College in 1994, solidifying her technical prowess. Driven by an insatiable quest for knowledge and design innovation, Guðbjörg subsequently returned to Copenhagen to immerse herself in jewellery design studies at the prestigious Institute for Precious Metals. This comprehensive educational background laid the foundational stone for her unique artistic voice. From 1996 to 1999, Guðbjörg actively contributed to the vibrant design community in Copenhagen, co-managing the innovative jewellery workshop Au-Art with a collective of like-minded artists. Her profound European experiences enriched her perspective before she ultimately returned to Iceland, where her vision culminated in the establishment of her own design and jewellery firm, AURUM, marking a pivotal moment in Icelandic design history.
Guðbjörg’s distinctive jewellery designs have consistently garnered significant international acclaim, captivating audiences and critics worldwide. Her innovative approach and profound connection to Icelandic nature have led to her participation in numerous prestigious international design exhibitions, where she has showcased her work both as a solo designer, highlighting her individual brilliance, and as part of esteemed group shows, demonstrating her collaborative spirit. Her talent received early recognition when she was awarded first prize in the highly competitive jewellery competition “Spirit of the North” in St. Petersburg in 2000, solidifying her status as a rising star. Further accolades followed in 2002, when she was honoured with the prestigious DV Cultural Award in Reykjavík for her exceptional contributions to art design, a testament to her profound impact on the Icelandic cultural landscape. Her achievements were also acknowledged by the Icelandic Visual Arts, further cementing her reputation as a leading figure in contemporary jewellery design.
The name AURUM itself is an acronym, thoughtfully embodying the core values that define the brand: Ambition, Understanding, Responsibility, Unity, and Mindfulness. AURUM places paramount emphasis on ambition, manifesting it through meticulous design, innovative product development, uncompromising quality, and exemplary customer care. Each piece of AURUM jewellery is profoundly inspired by the untamed beauty of nature, characterised by delicate yet irregular shapes, rich, intricate details, and an inherent sense of graceful movement, refined finesse, and perfect balance. The designs are simultaneously light, elegantly feminine, and exquisitely intricate. These three-dimensional creations subtly evoke natural patterns and organic forms, resulting in pieces that are both inherently modern in their aesthetic and timeless in their appeal. A hallmark of AURUM’s commitment to quality and heritage is that each and every piece is expertly handcrafted from sterling silver within the company‘s integrated flagship store and workshop in Reykjavík, Iceland, ensuring authenticity and unparalleled craftsmanship.
AURUM’s overarching philosophy is firmly anchored in a set of deeply held core values: a harmonious fusion of modern design with time-honoured traditional craftsmanship, a profound respect for heritage, an unwavering commitment to sustainability, and a strong sense of philanthropy. The brand meticulously sources its materials exclusively from certified fair trade companies, ensuring ethical practices throughout its supply chain. Furthermore, all AURUM packaging is thoughtfully designed to be environmentally friendly, reflecting a holistic approach to eco-consciousness. Sustainability principles are not merely an add-on but are intricately woven into the very fabric of the company‘s entire operations. This includes sourcing only recycled and re-refined precious metals, thereby reducing the demand for newly mined resources, and stringently purchasing only certified and conflict-free precious stones and diamonds. AURUM continues its dedicated pursuit to significantly reduce the company‘s carbon footprint across all aspects of its production, striving for continuous improvement in its environmental stewardship. This comprehensive approach underscores AURUM’s role not just as a jewellery maker, but as a pioneering force in responsible luxury, offering beauty with integrity.