Scan Magazine – August 2018

28 | Issue 115 | August 2018

Nature’s treasures, mythical tales and the beauty of asymmetry are all sources of

inspiration for Finnish jewellery label Nikkotakko. The handmade pieces created by

founder Katri Juva range from mala beads to collections that weave in the story of

life, as told by wildflowers and butterflies.

By Johanna Iivonen | Photos: Nikkotakko

A design studio based in Finland’s

Turku is the home of jewellery brand

Nikkotakko, but its founder, Katri Juva,

sources inspiration from far and wide.

The Nordic interplay of darkness and

light is one driving force, as are the

colours of India and Buddhist beliefs.

The stories behind each collection have

proven popular. “Some clients turn up

saying they don’t wear much jewellery,

yet they find something,” Juva says. “I

believe it’s the meaning behind each

piece that appeals.”

After a career spanning marketing man-

agement and healthcare, Juva redis-

covered her creative roots after her son

was born. “I just had to start creating,”

Juva says. That desire to create led to the

birth of Nikkotakko in 2013. The business

takes its name from a word Juva’s young

son made up for train tracks and, five

years later, it has evolved into a playful

line of handmade jewellery. “I like the

idea of continuity, going from one place

to another,” Juva explains.

An element of continuity is also present

in the label’s best-selling product, the

Nikkotakko Mala Beads. According to

Buddhist tradition, the 108 beads found

in prayer beads are used in meditation.

Juva believes that the popularity of her

designs stems from the wide-reaching

wellness trend. “Making the beads is like

meditation for me,” she says. “I like the

thought that they will later serve others

in the same way.”

The wildflowers of Finland’s meadows

have inspired Juva to experiment with

colour combinations, including with im-

planted petals. Butterflies are another

source of inspiration. “If I were to name

one species, it would be death’s-head

hawkmoth,” Juva says. The skull theme

Imbued with meaning

adds connotations of endings as another

part of life. Part of the proceeds from the

Nikkotakko Butterfly collection, which is

currently in the works, will go towards

wildlife preservation.

Giving and receiving is a recurrent theme

for the business. Juva’s experience with

hiring a recent immigrant as trainee was

a success on many levels. “The trainee

and I didn’t share a verbal language, but

we shared the language of creating,” she

explains. “We all learn from each other,

different ways of doing things.”

Web: http://www.nikkotakko.com

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Finnish Jewellery Design

Photo: Valentina Morales

Butterfly Collection. Mala Beads. Buschmann Photography

Founder Katri Juva.

Photo: Valentina Morales

Buschmann Photography