Journal

90 years of boldness

The anniversary year began at the National Museum of Finland

Kalevala Jewelry’s 90th anniversary year began in the unique setting of the newly renovated National Museum of Finland, which opened its doors to us for the first time – ahead of its reopening to the public in spring 2027.

Where it all began

The story of Kalevala Jewelry began with Elsa Heporauta and the National Museum of Finland in 1937. Now we returned to the same place to celebrate 90 years of history, Finnish craftsmanship and design – and to look ahead.

Every era has left its mark on Kalevala Jewelry’s design. In addition to the
first collection of the anniversary year, the evening offered highlights from
Kalevala Jewelry’s 90-year history – from the first pieces inspired by the
National Museum’s collections to the sculptural design language of Björn Weckström and the modern designs of Ildar Wafin and Juslin Maunula.

The 90th anniversary collection looks to history to create something new

Kalevala Jewelry’s design brings together a timeless, sculptural design language, inspiration from the power of northern nature, and the courage to reinterpret heritage. In the first collection of the anniversary year, history meets the present through new interpretations.

The first collection is a story of boldness

The first collection of the anniversary year draws on the futuristic design language of Paula Häiväoja, Kalevala’s first female chief designer. She changed the very idea of what jewelry could be.

The geometric Himmeli necklace returns to the collection in its original form, and the series expands with new pieces. The Kehät collection is inspired by
Häiväoja’s avant-garde silver headband. In addition, the Kalevala bear, designed by Kaisaleena Mäkelä in the 1990s, returns in a new interpretation.

Kalevala Jewelry CEO Kirsi Paakkari and Creative Director Aino Ahlnäs

Looking ahead

The past, the present and the future meet in the design of the anniversary year – history provides the starting point for something new. That same courage to look ahead is still part of how we are building the future of Finnish design.