The Enchantment of the Northern Lights in Lapland

Over the years, I’ve spent a lot of time in Lapland, especially at our family cabin in Ylläs. Admiring the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) has always been a reason to step out and enjoy the magical winter nightscape, no matter how biting the cold might be. A few years ago, we tried photographing some of my handmade wooden jewelry with the Northern Lights shimmering in the background. That night, the auroras weren’t particularly intense, but they were still beautiful. The photo shoot wasn’t exactly easy — standing still in the cold for long periods is challenging, and that’s what photographing the Northern Lights requires — but we had fun with my friend. The experience stuck with me and sparked new ideas for creating Northern Lights-inspired jewelry.

Inspired by the Northern Lights

The idea of creating Aurora Borealis-themed jewelry has stayed with me for a long time. Every time I sketched designs inspired by the Northern Lights, new and different ideas emerged — but nothing ever felt quite complete. The inspiration was there, simmering in the background, but the final form of the jewelry remained elusive.

I wanted to design jewelry that would capture the beauty and magic of the Northern Lights in a subtle and elegant way — creating pieces that would be both meaningful and stylish for everyday wear and special occasions.

From Inspiration to Finished Jewelry

Last January, I was at the cabin in Ylläs again, this time with my daughter and my parents. My days were spent skiing and teaching my 4-year-old to ski. In the evenings, I sat at the kitchen table sketching designs. I joked to my mother that she should not let me go home until the Northern Lights jewelry designs were ready for prototype cutting and had been sent to our laser cutter.

Days were for skiing, and evenings were for drawing — and finally, the ideas started to come together. After many iterations, I created two distinct designs that reflect the minimalist beauty of the Northern Lights.

Northern Lights Earrings and Aurora Heart Necklace and earrings

Northern Lights Earrings

The Northern Lights Earrings capture the essence of the auroras in a simple, minimalist form. Initially, the sketches were more complex, but as often happens in my design process, the final shape was distilled into something clean and refined.

• Available in shades of nordic teal – blue-green and rose, reflecting the colors of the Lapland sky.
  Also available in a natural wood finish, highlighting the beauty of the material.
• Lightweight and versatile, perfect for both casual and formal wear.

Aurora Heart Necklace and earrings

The Aurora Heart jewelry features a more abstract Northern Lights pattern set in the center of a heart. After all, whose heart wouldn’t Lapland steal if given the chance?

• The delicate filigree-like pattern reflects the swirling shapes of the auroras.
• Complements the Northern Lights Earrings beautifully.
• Necklaces are vailable in two sizes — one for adults and one for children — making it the first Valona “me and mini me” jewelry pair.
• Sustainable and High-Quality Materials

As with all Valona products, the jewelry is crafted from domestic Finnish birch — a lightweight and sustainable material. Earring hooks and posts are made from high-quality sterling silver. Necklace chains are made from nickel-free jewelry metal to ensure they are hypoallergenic and comfortable to wear.

After the design phase, we produced several laser-cut prototypes — a typical step in the process of creating new designs. Emilia, who handles the coloring and finishing of the pieces, carefully tested different shades to find the perfect tones.

I wanted to reflect the true colors of the Northern Lights — the deep blue-green typical of the auroras, as well as the rarer reddish hue that occasionally lights up the Lapland sky. The natural wood finish ties the whole color palette together, creating a harmonious and authentic feel.

Authentic Finnish Design and Craftsmanship

Our Northern Lights jewelry is not only designed but also crafted in Finland. However, the metal components are sourced ready-made, as there’s no Finnish manufacturer for them.

Our production follows zero waste and sustainable design principles — we aim to use materials as efficiently as possible to minimize waste.

For travelers, it’s important that Finnish souvenirs are genuinely made in Finland. Recently, reports have surfaced about tourists unknowingly buying souvenirs made in China. We want to offer a genuine Finnish alternative to the souvenir market — high-quality, locally made products that reflect the beauty of Finland’s natural landscapes.

Designed for Nature Lovers and Global Travelers

When designing this jewelry, I thought about everyone who loves nature and the magic of Lapland — whether they’ve experienced it firsthand or dreamed of visiting.

• Perrfect for those who have witnessed the Northern Lights and want to carry a piece of that memory with them.
• Ideal for travelers looking for an authentic Finnish souvenir.
• A meaningful gift for anyone who loves Scandinavian design and natural beauty.            

Photo and model: Jenni Palin

A Piece of the Lapland Sky

The Northern Lights Earrings and Aurora Heart Necklace are more than just accessories — they are a tribute to the beauty of Nordic nature and craftsmanship. Designed to be worn every day or on special occasions, they allow you to carry a piece of the Lapland sky with you, wherever you go.

Why Choose Valona’s Northern Lights Jewelry?
✔️ Authentic Finnish design and production
✔️ Sustainable and responsibly sourced materials
✔️ Lightweight and comfortable to wear
✔️ Inspired by the natural beauty of Lapland
✔️ Perfect for gifts and souvenirs

Bring a piece of Lapland into your life with Valona’s Northern Lights jewelry — a reminder of the beauty of the Arctic sky and the magic of the auroras.