The story behind Ekenberg Scandinavia
From HR-Leader to a Jewellery Designer
Per Ekenberg, a Swedish HR manager who moved to Stavanger, Norway about 13 years ago, has created a unique niche in jewellery design inspired by the magnificent Norwegian nature. His fascination with the famous mountain formation Preikestolen led him to create miniature models of this natural beauty. After a period of paternity leave, he decided to quit his permanent job to fully dedicate himself to this creative work. Ekenberg's miniatures of Preikestolen quickly became popular and are today used as trophies in international sports events, as corporate gifts, Norwegian souvenirs, and as home decor. His artwork also got a place of honor as a large stone monument at Stavanger airport.
From stone sculpture to exclusive jewellery
The success with Preikestolen-inspired sculptures inspired Per to develop the next product. He created a piece of jewellery in silver and gold-plated silver inspired by the Pulpit Rock. The jewellery was designed using the same template as the stone sculptures. Ekenberg collaborated with a precious metal foundry in Eastern Norway to produce a prototype.
Local collaboration created the opportunity
Despite initial setbacks and rejection by a local goldsmith in Stavanger, Per eventually got the opportunity to showcase his prototype at Jørgen Otteren, owner of Otterens Gullsmed & Urmaker. Otteren was enthusiastic and suggested that the jewellery could be produced in their workshop in Sandnes. This led to a whole collection that became very popular.
The Key to Ekenberg's Success
Ekenberg's successes can be attributed to the local Norwegian production and a design that appeals to a broad audience. The timeless Scandinavian design and minimalist expression led to growing international interest in Ekenberg's jewellery, resulting in features in well-known international magazines and representation on exclusive cruise ships.
The value in a jewellery
Per has always worked consciously to ensure that the jewellery is associated with quality. The jewellery is produced in gold and silver and can be customized according to customer wishes.
'Even though I did not come from the goldsmith industry, I realized that the greatest value in a piece of jewellery largely lies in the emotions we associate with a specific piece of jewellery. Therefore, I try to facilitate emotional associations when I design new jewellery and develop new collections.'
Per Ekenberg,
Founder & Designer
A New Journey Begins
As Ekenberg Scandinavia grew, production was moved from Otteren's workshop in Sandnes to Arven's historic silver workshop in Bergen. Per's vision with Ekenberg Scandinavia is to highlight Scandinavia, Scandinavian design, and craftsmanship tradition through their jewellery. Together with Arven, he strives to continue producing high-quality, timeless jewellery that can be appreciated for many years.
The collaboration with Arven thus represents the next step in an exciting journey that started with one man's passion for Norwegian nature and Scandinavian design."
