BirkaScandinavian Jewelry

Left to Right:
Flower Earrings, Amber Ring (available in sizes 2 - 15), Midsummer Bracelet

Etsy is a fantastic outpost for anything handmade. One of our favorites is BirkaScandinavian, a store that strives to create "elegant designs at affordable prices." The quality of the jewelry is outstanding, and the designs strike the perfect balance between classic and modern.

We simply love the stacking rings that come in a plethora of colors AND sizes, which allows for mixing-and-matching on all fingers. Simple basics that are perfect for all occasions and outfits.

Recently, we caught up with Marie Maciel, the designer behind BirkaScandinavian.

shopaphilia: Can you tell us about your biggest inspirations for your designs?

Marie Maciel: Being from Sweden I grew up with Scandinavian design. Being homesick makes me appreciate it even more. I want to make functional jewelry with Scandinavian simplicity and clean lines.

shopaphilia: What got you started with creating your own line of jewelry?

MM: I started making jewelry in Sweden. My mother was an avid knitter and it was natural to fall into jewelry chain-making since it is very similar to knitting. I then got deeper into silver smithing and developed the skills I needed to express the ideas I was having at the time. When I moved to the US six years ago, I expanded my business. I began selling my jewelry to Scandinavian stores in the US. The business grew and developed into what it is today.

shopaphilia: You've lived in Sweden and studied as an archaeologist - how has this exciting background influenced you as a jewelry designer?

MM: I try to have a historical perspective when designing. I’m drawn to old artifacts and I try to incorporate these ancient influences into my designs as much as I can. When I design, I seek to remain grounded in the classic at all times while I explore the modern. This keeps me from creating anything too crazy, but I always try to remember that the new and modern is what I am truly after. It is a push and pull, and a little knowledge of the past is always a great help!

shopaphilia: Marie, thanks so much! We look forward to exploring any new designs you come up with at BirkaScandinavian!

It's Easy being Green

Today, Daily Candy Deals led me to this Green Apple Ring and it's so different, but a great way to incorporate the bold color thing into your wardrobe. It also comes in red, but there was looked way more enticing despite the fact that I prefer red apples to green.

These Oversized Teardrop Earrings make me want to get my ears pierced. They're so superbly big and dangly, but not overly ornate or fussy.

Amber Necklace & Earrings

This Amber Circle Necklace Set comes with a bold, exquisite looking Amber necklace as well as the simple beaded earrings (all for a whopping $16.00).

The hue is fairly neutral, but this is definitely not a blend in the background piece, so expect and enjoy all the attention this necklace grabs!

Yes, I'm a Sap

I had to post these "Half a Heart" Earrings because they're so unique and simply amazing.

When you wear them, they're like a teardrop/half a heart full of bubbles on each ear, but when you take them off and put them together, they're a heart (which is oh-so-precious).


It's times like these, I wish I had earring holes!


Happy Valentine's Day!

A Litte Bit Mod

Left to right:

Avant Necklace,
Square Window Cuff,
Mod Stick Silver and 18k Gold Earrings,
Mod Cup Ring

A friend mentioned that the kinda-mod-looking Collage Ring that I posted about recently looked like a pretty little piece of art.

Feeling inspired, I went to check out other mod-inspired jewelry that's been popping up here and there because who wouldn't enjoy being a walking piece of art?

Wood Jewelry

Top row (left to right):

Triangle Mod Earrings,
Jessica Veneer Bangle,
Larchmont Wood Bangle,
Center Stone Wooden Bangles,
Gold-Leaf Wooden Bangles

2nd row (left to right):

Lucite and Wood Necklace,
Wood Shapes Necklace

Jewelry made of wood is so wonderfully simple and understated, yet elegant and sophisticated all at the same time.

Pieces with cutouts, stones, lucite, metal accents, different shades of wood, as well as cutting wood into different bead shapes make wood jewelry even more fun and interesting.