Founder and owner of Mannström Jewellery, Matilda Mannström, grew up in a small Finnish town just outside of Helsinki, but spent enough time living abroad as a child that she felt comfortable in a variety of cultures. That shows in her life choices, which have ranged across athletics, wellness, and jewelry design.
Matilda initially trained for a career in alpine skiing, got her yoga teacher certification and opened her own you studio, and then finally launched Mannström as a jewelry designer and maker.
We sat down with Matilda to learn more about her path to becoming a designer and the meaning behind her jewelry:
What has your journey as a designer been in terms of both your craft and your aesthetic?
Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been fascinated by gemstones and fine jewelry. For every birthday or special occasion, I always asked for a unique piece of jewelry, and I’ve kept all of them. They’re incredibly personal to me and continue to inspire my work to this day.
In my early twenties, I was traveling extensively and started to realise that jewelry design could be more than just a passion—it could be my profession.
I took a jewelry course in Seoul, even though I didn’t understand a word the teacher said. Shortly after, I had a chance encounter with a talented female goldsmith in Hong Kong. She became a mentor of sorts and encouraged me to study goldsmithing. I later interned with her in Hong Kong, which was an amazing experience.
My journey as a designer has been slow but steady. I’ve always been curious about building not just a product, but an entire lifestyle and energy around my brand.
Sustainability has been a key value from the very beginning—both in terms of how I source materials and how I present the brand visually. For example, all of our campaign imagery, styled by Ellen Rajala, is created exclusively using second-hand and vintage clothing, as well as pieces by emerging Finnish designers. I’m incredibly proud of the visual world we’ve created around the jewelry.
Why did you choose to start your own brand, rather than work for someone else?
When I was studying, we were rigorously trained in traditional jewelry-making techniques. It was physically demanding work, with long days, and there was very little room for personal expression. The focus was almost entirely on technical skills, not creativity. I quickly realised I wasn’t comfortable working under someone else’s creative vision.
As soon as I graduated, I knew I wanted to build something of my own. So I launched my brand. While the growth has been gradual, it’s been incredibly rewarding. Many of the shapes have been developed and refined over years and are now distinctive to my brand. Today, I know exactly what Mannström stands for.
You hand-make your jewelry. How long do the pieces take to make, and why is it important to you to make them in the way that you do?
The time it takes to make a piece depends entirely on the complexity of the design. A high-polish surface, for example, takes significantly more time to perfect than a textured finish. Some pieces involve extensive soldering and intricate construction, while others are more minimal in design. Over time, as I’ve become more familiar with my own collection, the process has become faster and more efficient.
When I was studying, we were taught how to work faster and smarter to keep the final price reasonable—something I didn’t think much about at the time, but which makes perfect sense now. As a solo maker, it’s a balance between managing my perfectionism and recognizing the value of my time.
I choose to make each piece by hand because I believe the jewelry truly comes alive in the process. Every movement in goldsmithing, every touch, is distinct and personal. You can see these subtle, human nuances in the final product – details that no machine can replicate.
I want to be the last person to hold the piece before it goes to the client, knowing that it’s been shaped with intention.
Tell us about the creation of a favorite piece, from inspiration to production.
The Milady Pendant keeps surprising me with its versatility. During a trip to Biarritz, my friend found a large, fractured seashell on Milady Beach — hence the name. We were instantly inspired by its imperfect beauty and visualized it as a piece of jewelry.
Shortly after, I created the first prototypes of both the Milady Pendant and the Guéthary Links, which features the seashell’s shape as a bold pendant connected to irregular chain links. The Milady Pendant has since become a bit of a trademark for my brand. Its distinctive shape is immediately recognizable and often reappears throughout my other designs. I love how it can be styled in countless ways; despite being a signature piece, it always looks unique on each wearer.
Another favourite is the Diamond Pyjama Ring, crafted in 18K gold. This small yet meaningful piece holds a special place in my heart. It’s a Mannström signature, designed to be worn day and night, thanks to its comfortable fit and minimalist form.
According to an old tale, natural diamonds are said to enhance charisma and magnetism, boost creativity, and sharpen memory, especially during sleep. The ring is a self-loving symbol for those looking to strengthen emotional bonds or empower their careers.
It’s the perfect gift for a loved one, or yourself. The name reflects its wearability; you’ll want to keep it on even in your pyjamas!
Do you think Nordic people wear jewelry differently than other cultures? What have you noticed about how your jewelry is received locally, versus how it’s received internationally?
Nordic people are becoming increasingly selective and intentional in how they wear jewelry. The most conscious consumers build their jewelry wardrobes thoughtfully, investing in durable, meaningful pieces meant to last a lifetime. I find that deeply inspiring.
That said, I think Finns still tend to reserve jewelry for special occasions, rather than embracing it for daily wear—something I’ve been trying to challenge since the beginning of my journey.
You have “The Kit” with pieces that can be changed in and out. Tell us why you created this.
The Kit was created to encourage creativity and playfulness in styling jewelry. Multi-functionality has always inspired me; the Kit is a perfect example of how easily you can transform your look. It consists of three key pieces: a precious stone collar, the Milady Pendant, and the Atman Amulet. These can be styled in dozens of ways.
The Atman Amulet, for example, pairs beautifully with our chunky chains, allowing wearers to continuously explore fresh, bold combinations. It’s all about personalization and self-expression.
What is your favorite material to work with and why?
18K gold is my absolute favorite. It’s soft enough to work with yet strong and durable for daily wear. Polishing gold is pure joy—watching a dull, matte surface transform into a gleaming mirror-like finish in seconds never gets old. It’s a timeless material that carries both value and beauty.
How would you like someone wearing your jewelry to feel?
I want my clients to feel elevated—both physically and aesthetically. My goal is to instill a sense of confidence, elegance, and just the right touch of edginess.
Can you talk a bit about your Bespoke line and why you started it?
I started the Bespoke line because I wanted to invite clients into my creative world and give them a chance to leave their mark. My role is to refine their ideas and guide them through the design process. Each Bespoke piece is highly personalized, and the shared joy that comes from creating something so intimate is truly special.
Our Mannström Reform concept is just as meaningful. It’s about reworking existing jewelry in order to breathe new life into heirlooms or sentimental pieces. I aim to understand the client’s personal taste while honoring the history of the original materials. We often carry over elements—like specific shapes or details—into the new design.
Just imagine receiving a reworked piece that still evokes the same love and memories, but in a form you’ll want to wear every day. That’s magic.
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