Designer
Lina Simons
Lives and works in Helsinki, Finland
I'm Lina, a jewellery designer and goldsmith from Helsinki, Finland. My passion lies in crafting unique pieces, drawing inspiration from nature and geometric shapes. With simplicity, generosity, and a touch of graphics, my designs feature a soft three-dimensional quality, allowing shadows and light to dance freely.
Every piece is carefully handmade in my Helsinki workshop, reflecting my commitment to quality and craftsmanship. During the summer, I seek inspiration in the tranquil Finnish archipelago, where nature revitalizes my soul. The contrast between the bustling city of Helsinki and the serene archipelago, just half an hour away, fuels my creativity.
Over the years, I've been engaged in various bespoke design projects for both companies and organizations. Lingon Design is a testament to standing out—just like the red lingonberries in the forest. My best ideas come to life during nature walks, especially in the archipelago, where I uncover treasures washed ashore by the sea.
As a designer and goldsmith, I've developed a simple yet distinct language, making a name in Nordic jewellery design. Each piece carries a personal idea expressed through the design. Emphasizing sustainable development, Lingon Design offers timeless jewellery that can be passed down through generations.
Designing these enduring pieces and witnessing them proudly worn is my ultimate reward. Lingon Design is not just about jewellery; it's about standing out, cherishing nature, and creating a legacy for tomorrow.
I hope you'll enjoy my jewellery!
Lina Simons
Gallery of unique designs
Welcome to my gallery of some unique and custom made pieces of jewellery. Please leave a request if you are interested in a certain piece!
Design Career
2023
Pink Ribbon necklace 2019: Sailor’s Knot Amulet embellished with a sparkling pink stone for Kalevala
"Kalevala Bear" Amulet for Kalevala
2022
"Sun Lion" (Aurinkoleijona) Amulet for Kalevala
2021
I had the honor of designing a necklace for the Lyran choir members to mark the choir's 75th anniversary
2021
Designing three amulets for the Kalevala's brand new Amulet collection: "Sailor's knot" (Osmansolmu), Teljä Maiden (Teljänneito) and St. Johns Arm braze (Hannunvaaakuna)
2020
Exhibition "Änglamark" at Lokal+ in Helsinki. Arranging and participating with a new jewellery collections: Sprout, Unfolding, Petals and Daisy. The designs are a tribute to nature, to the forms and colours that are right there next to us and that we often take for granted.
”Cross of light” (Valonristi) cross pendant in silver for Kalevala
”Cross of light” (Valonristi) cross charm in gold for Kalevala
”Hetki yhdessä”, jewellery collection for Kalevala Jewelry. Exclusively sold by Kultajousi
”Moments” necklace, exclusively designed for the #oursea campaign, launched by Moomin Characters together with the John Nurminen Foundation to mark Moomins' 75th birthday in 2020
2019
Pink Ribbon necklace 2019 (Lucky Pearl/Onnenhelmi) for Kalevala
Award pin for The Finnish Society for Nature and Environment (Natur och miljö)
“New Dawn” (Sarastus) necklace and earrings for a gift set by the two Finnish companies, Kalevala Jewelry and Lumi: a leather jewelry pouch by Lumi, containing the necklace which is made by Kalevala Jewelry
“Four-leaf Clover” (Neliapila) charm in gold, for Kalevala Jewelry
“Encounters” (Kohdataan) pendant for Kalevala Jewelry, launched for Valentine’s day
2018
My jewellery “Lingon” was chosen for the Design Delivered-by Wolt project during Helsinki Design Week
“Lucky Pearl” (Onnenhelmi) collection for Kalevala Jewelry
2017
Design and production of the “Lucia” silver bracelet for the Folkhälsan association. I was given the assignment of re-interpreting the Folkhälsan’s logo of Lucia into a piece of jewellery. The logo was originally designed by Mervi Laakso
"Four-Leaf Clover" (Neliapila) charm for a Baby Ring /Kalevala Jewelry
"Four-Leaf Clover" (Neliapila) pendant for Kalevala Jewelry
2016
Design and production of the “Majblomman” silver bracelet for the Folkhälsan association. I was given the assignment of re-interpreting the Folkhälsan’s logo of “Majblomman” into a piece of jewellery
2015
The charm "Precious Sunshine" (Päivänsäde, Kalevala Jewelry) was chosen by Suomen Kätilöliitto ry to be the official necklace for the 200th jubilee year. The charm got its own gemstone: a dark blue Spinel
"Precious Sunshine" (Päivänsäde) for Kalevala Jewelry. The charm has two gemstones to choose from: A red Rhodolite or a light blue Topaz, depending on the gender of the child
Design of the silver compass pendant “Guiding Star” for the Finnish company Suunto. The necklace has a working compass inserted. I designed the graphic design of the compass as well, where the north symbol is a Polaris star
2014
“Four-Leaf Clover “ (Neliapila) christian spoon for Kalevala Jewelry
2013
One of the winners in Kalevala Jewelry's “My Saaga” (Saaga nr 6846/3) by public vote
2010
One of the winners in Kalevala Jewelry's “My Saaga” (Saaga nr 6841/4) by public vote
Jewellery exhibition “Insideout”, Axxell Academy's 20th anniversary exhibition. Participating with the “Unfold”, necklace
2008
Shared first price in a design competition, arranged by Kalevala Jewelry, with the Amelie necklace (the original name of the necklace was "Pian")
2004
Jewellery exhibition “Meddelanden”, arranged by Pro Artibus in Tammisaari, Finland . Participating with three necklaces: “Helene”, “Pian” and “Elli”
2000
Designing and creating the official necklace for the Lucia maiden, arranged by Folkhälsan
1995
Honourable mention in ”Tahto ja taito” handcraft competition, arranged by Paulig and Design Forum with my silver button collection, inspired by African masks
Education / work in goldsmithing
2020
Founded Lingon Design Oy Ab, my new brand and company
2019
One-year work scholarship from Svenska kulturfonden
2013
Further studies in goldsmithing at Axxell, Tammisaari, Finland. Exam in may 2015
2007 - 2020
Work at Kalevala Jewelry (Kalevala koru Oy) as a goldsmith as well as in the surface treatment section
2005
Finlands konstindustri (Applied art of Finland), 2 sv, fortbildningscentralen vid Åbo Akademi University
2000
Establishing my own jewellery workshop in Helsinki and starting my own business "Lina Simons Design"
1998
Practising in goldsmithing in Jörgen Christian Juul’s (master of goldsmith) studio, Stjørdal, Norway
1997-1998
Gold- and silversmithing studies, Lahden käsi- ja taideteollisuusoppilaitos
1993-1995
Studies in metal handcraft, Ekenäs hantverks- och konstindustriskola
1992-1993
Art studies, Västra Nylands folkhögskola