Scandinavian modernist jewelry

Photo: Nordiska Style

I found this pewter necklace a few days ago in a second-hand store. It's swedish, and it's signed Rune Tennesmed. Designed in the late 60's or 70's. I love the orange glass beads! It's always fun to find a piece that catches your eye, signed or not, without having any idea who the designer might be. Then you make some research and you end up going to bed at 2 am because you can't stop reading about your new interest!
I don't know why, but I never really took the time to read about scandinavian modernist jewelry. Those clean lines, geometric shapes and organic designs inspired by nature (melting icicles, volcanic lava, rocks, moss, etc.)... I just can't get enough!

First stop, Finland:

Photo via Purist Pro

Earrings, Pentti Sarpaneva

Photo: Ruby Lane

Moss flower pendant necklace, Hannu Ikonen

Photo: Didier Antiques

Silver Moon pendant necklace, Tapio Wirkkala

...Sweden:

Photo: Grasilver

Armring, Bengt Hallberg

Photo: Tradera

Bronze necklace, KE Palmberg Alton

Photo: M. Schon

Silver bracelet, Claes Giertta

... Denmark:

Photo: Grasilver

Armring, Astrid Fog for Georg Jensen

Photo: Grasilver

Silver necklace, Anton Michelsen

Photo: Grasilver

Silver neckring, Bent Gabrielsen

...And Norway:

Photo: Utopia

Silver necklace, Bjorn Sigurd Ostern for David-Andersen

Photo: Lush Life Antiques

Silver ring, Anna Greta Eker

Some of the pieces shown above are rare and expensive (but oh so gorgeous!). To start a collection, I'd suggest to go for bronze or pewter, Ebay, Etsy or Tradera are great places to find vintage scandinavian jewelry. And if you're ready to invest in a silver statement piece, you can visit this wonderful store. 

That one is also amazing, and both websites are fantastic sources of information if you want to know more about the designers.