Master goldsmith, designer, Master of Applied Arts Elina Makkonen is inspired by the world around her and by encounters with new people, places and ideas. Traveling and foreign cultures are what inspire her the most. New people and new experiences allow her to view the world differently. Makkonen’s work manifests this through her desire to experiment with work methods as well as with materials. After graduating as a goldsmith, Makkonen has lived in Fiskars Village in Finland as an entrepreneur, designing and manufacturing her own jewelry and actively participating in exhibitions in her field. Makkonen’s jewelry is characterized by playfulness, pure design and a genuine feel for the material. She considers it her dearest gift that she can tell stories via jewelry.