The story behind ekenberg scandinavia
From HR manager to jewelery designer
Per Ekenberg, a Swedish HR manager who moved to Stavanger, Norway in 2011, has carved out a unique niche in jewelry design inspired by the magnificent Norwegian nature. His fascination with the famous rock formation Preikestolen led him to create miniature models of this natural beauty. After a period of paternity leave, he decided to quit his permanent job to fully devote himself to this creative endeavor. Ekenberg’s stone miniatures of Preikestolen quickly became popular and are used today as trophies at international sporting events, as corporate gifts, Norwegian souvenirs and as home decor. His artwork also found a place of honor as a large stone monument at Stavanger Airport.
From stone sculptures to exclusive jewelry
The success of the small stone sculptures inspired Per to develop his next product. He created a small pendant that was also inspired by the Pulpit. The piece of jewelry was designed using the same template used for the stone sculptures. Ekenberg collaborated with a precious metal foundry in eastern Norway to produce a prototype.
Local collaboration created the opportunity
Despite initial setbacks and rejection from a local jeweler in Stavanger, Per eventually got the opportunity to show his prototype to a local jeweler. The jeweler was enthusiastic and suggested that the jewelry could be produced in their workshop. This
resulted in an entire collection that became very popular.
The key to Ekenberg's success
The positive response to Ekenberg's jewelry can be attributed to the local Norwegian production and a design that appeals to a wide audience. The timeless Scandinavian design and minimalist expression meant that interest in Ekenberg's jewelry grew internationally, leading to mentions in well-known international magazines and representation on exclusive cruise ships.
Per Ekenberg
The value of a piece of jewelry
Per has always worked consciously to ensure that the jewelry is associated with quality. The jewelry is produced in gold and silver and can be customized according to the customers' wishes.
“Even though I didn’t come from the jewelry industry, I realized that the value of a piece of jewelry lies largely in the emotions we associate with a specific piece of jewelry. I therefore try to facilitate emotional associations when designing new jewelry and developing new collections.”
Per Ekenberg, Founder & Designer
See Ekenberg's website here.
Ekenberg x Arven
A new journey begins with Arven
As Ekenberg Scandinavia grew, production was moved from the local goldsmith manufacturer in Sandnes to Arven and their historic silver workshop in Bergen. This move has aligned with Per's vision to promote Scandinavia, Scandinavian design and craft traditions through his jewelry. Together with Arven, he strives to continue producing timeless, high-quality jewelry that can be appreciated for many years. The collaboration with Arven thus represents the next step in an exciting journey that began with one man's passion for Norwegian nature and Scandinavian design.
