Jewellery Designer
Meet the designer Per Ekenberg
Per Ekenberg is the founder and designer of the Scandinavian jewellery brand Ekenberg Scandinavia.
The Path to Jewellery Design
What is the background of your designs, and how did your journey into jewellery design begin?
Ever since I was a child, I have had a strong passion for creating things. Combined with an entrepreneurial spirit, this led me to take a leap of faith in 2016. I resigned from my steady job to design a miniature replica of the famous Norwegian cliff, Preikestolen (The Pulpit Rock). It became incredibly popular, and that success gave me the drive to develop more products.
This eventually resulted in a small pendant inspired by Preikestolen. The reception was fantastic, and it laid the very foundation for Ekenberg Scandinavia and my journey as a jewellery designer.
The Key to Success
Many people try to break through as designers, but the market is highly competitive. What do you think made you succeed?
I realized early on that it wasn't just the physical shape of the small stone sculpture that made it popular, but rather what it symbolized. The symbolic meaning and the emotional power behind a product can often be far stronger than its visual appearance alone.
My designs and jewellery pieces all have a deep, tangible connection to Norway and Scandinavia. This allows people to feel a personal connection to them, which naturally sparks their interest in owning a piece.
A Scandinavian Identity
Per Ekenberg, you were born and raised in Sweden, but you live and work in Norway. Do you identify as a Norwegian or a Swedish jewellery designer?
I identify as both a Swedish and a Norwegian jewellery designer. My background in both countries allows me to draw inspiration from the unique landscapes and cultures of both nations, which is also why the brand is named Ekenberg Scandinavia. I would say that, first and foremost, I am a true Scandinavian jewellery designer.
Identity and Distinction
What defines Ekenberg Scandinavia jewellery, and how does it differ from other brands on the market?
Ekenberg Scandinavia jewellery is characterized by its deep connection to Scandinavia—in its inspiration, production, and aesthetic. Every design carries a distinct sense of Scandinavian identity and belonging. The fact that 100% of our production takes place in Norway sets us vastly apart from the vast majority of our competitors.
Inspiration & Design Process
What does your design process look like?
All of my jewellery pieces share a common thread that connects them to Scandinavian nature, history, or identity. My creative process usually begins with an idea inspired by something I see that moves me. From there, I figure out how to translate that feeling into a beautiful piece of jewellery.
During this stage, I am naturally influenced by current trends and fashion, but my personal style remains very clean, raw, and minimalist. This ensures that the jewellery feels timeless, regardless of passing trends.
Once I am happy with a design, I sit down with our experienced goldsmiths. Together, we assess whether the design can be realized technically, based on our materials and production methods. It often takes several prototypes and models before we land on the final piece. The entire journey from an initial idea to a finished piece of jewellery typically takes between 6 and 12 months.
Scandinavian Design
What is Scandinavian design, and what does it mean to you as a jewellery designer
Scandinavian design has evolved over a long period, uniting functionalism with craftsmanship traditions, Scandinavian identity, and understatement. I see a clear connection between the understated expression that characterises Scandinavian design and a Scandinavian identity where it has traditionally not been socially acceptable to consider oneself superior to others – what we in Scandinavia know as the "Jante Law" (janteloven).
In Scandinavian culture, standing out through extravagance has never been seen as a virtue. As I see it, Scandinavian simplicity and the focus on quality and function are a direct antithesis to opulence and luxury, which historically harmonises deeply with our culture and identity.
The Scandinavian and Nordic design tradition resonates deeply with me. Personally, I most often find beauty in simplicity. A clean, minimalist design brings a sense of calm. In my opinion, a beautiful, classic piece of jewellery should elevate the person wearing it, rather than shouting for attention and stealing focus from the individual at the centre.
Design Philosophy
What is your philosophy when designing your jewellery?
My philosophy is to create timeless jewellery of exceptionally high quality that can endure for a lifetime and be passed down through generations. Through this, I want to contribute to a more long-term, sustainable, and mindful approach to jewellery consumption.
The Value of Norwegian Production
Why is it so important to you that the entire production takes place locally in Norway, and why should one choose authentic Norwegian-made jewellery over mass-produced brands?
There are many reasons why we must protect and preserve Norwegian and Scandinavian jewellery craftsmanship. Norway and Scandinavia have an incredible heritage and a long-standing tradition in the goldsmith trade. If we don’t cherish and actively support this industry today, we risk losing this transfer of craftsmanship to future generations.
Furthermore, there is a vital ethical and environmental aspect. With a strictly regulated local production, we can guarantee excellent working conditions for our goldsmiths and ensure that our manufacturing process is as environmentally friendly as possible. Ekenberg Scandinavia is one of very few jewellery brands in Scandinavia that produces 100% of our jewellery locally in Norway. On top of that, we use 100% recycled silver and gold in our entire production.
Materials
What materials do you work with?
We craft our jewellery in 14-karat gold and 925 sterling silver. We use 14-karat gold because it is the standard for high-quality jewellery in Norway, offering the perfect balance of durability and beauty. If a customer wishes to have a piece made in a higher karat, we are happy to do so as a custom order.
Additionally, our sterling silver jewellery is rhodium-plated. This treatment ensures the silver keeps its bright, brilliant luster for much longer and resists tarnishing.
You do not produce jewellery in gold-plated silver (vermeil) – why did you make this choice?
Ekenberg Scandinavia aims to be a premium player in Scandinavian jewellery design. The core of our design philosophy is to create jewellery that lasts. We know that gold plating wears off quickly, leaving the piece looking worn over time. From a sustainability standpoint, we do not believe it is responsible to produce jewellery with such a short lifespan. We want to make jewellery that you can enjoy for the rest of your life.
Quality & Warranty
How do you view the warranty and longevity of your jewellery?
Our jewellery is crafted to meet exceptionally high standards, and we go above and beyond to ensure our customers are completely satisfied. Fortunately, we have extremely few warranty claims. But should an issue ever arise, we assist the customer immediately to restore the piece to its original, perfect condition.
Jewellery Care
How do you best care for your jewellery so that it lasts a lifetime?
If you learn to look at your jewellery as a small work of art—which it truly is when it is authentic, handcrafted work—you will naturally treat it with the care it deserves. Gentle handling is the single most important factor in keeping a piece beautiful over time. High-quality craftsmanship and premium materials lay the foundation, but how you care for it in your daily life does the rest.
Bespoke & Custom Design
Is it possible to order custom-made or bespoke jewellery from you?
Yes, we create several custom-designed pieces and unique bespoke jewellery every single year. Personalizing a piece gives it a sentimental value that far exceeds the value of the gold or karat itself. A simple and beautiful way to make a piece personal is by engraving it with a unique message that holds a special meaning for the recipient.
Where to Buy
Where can people buy your jewellery, and do you offer fast shipping?
Ekenberg Scandinavia partner with a few carefully selected retailers. While we used to work with more, we decided to consolidate our distribution to ensure we maintain full control over the customer experience. Consequently, we have moved the majority of our sales to our online boutique, ekenberg.no, and our workshop premises in Bergen.
To ensure a fast, secure, and premium delivery experience, we ship our jewellery worldwide using DHL Express.
The Designer’s Recommendations
If you are interested in a small work of art from Ekenberg Scandinavia, which pieces of jewellery would you recommend?
When choosing a piece of jewellery, there are many factors to consider. Are you looking for something for a special occasion, or a piece that can be worn every day? If a piece connects you to a particular place, moment, or feeling, this should also be part of your decision, as it can give the jewellery a deeper and more personal value over time.
Below, I have selected a few pieces that I feel best reflect the expression and values I want Ekenberg Scandinavia to convey.