Our Story - The Journey of Gems & Gears
How Did Gems & Gears Start?
Gems & Gears began in 2015 when founder Elina Koskinen, a third-generation goldsmith, identified a gap in Finland’s jewellery market for ethically crafted, locally designed pieces.
The spark came when Koskinen noticed 78% of Finnish jewellery buyers preferred brands with traceable origins (VERIFY: Finnish Commerce Federation survey), yet most options were mass-produced imports. Her first collection featured 18K gold rings with Finnish nature motifs, all handcrafted in a Helsinki atelier.
The Spark: A Gap in the Finnish Market
Finland lacked jewellers combining three elements:
- Local design (e.g., patterns inspired by archipelago landscapes)
- Full material transparency (all metals and gemstones traceable)
- Heirloom durability (10-year guarantee on all pieces)
First Collection: Handcrafted with Intention
The debut line used 92% recycled gold (VERIFY: internal sourcing report) and conflict-free sapphires. Each piece included:
- A numbered hallmark
- A map showing the gemstone’s origin
- Care instructions in Finnish and Swedish
Explore our gold collection, which still features designs from that first release.
What Makes Gems & Gears Jewellery Unique?
Gems & Gears stands out through Finnish-inspired designs, 100% traceable materials, and a carbon-neutral production process.
Finnish-Inspired Motifs You Won’t Find Elsewhere
Our designers incorporate:
- Kalevala symbolism (e.g., Sampo patterns on pendants)
- Seasonal themes (limited-edition winter solstice collections)
- Custom engraving in Finnish or Swedish
Ethical Gemstones: Traceable from Mine to Market
Every stone has:
- A Kimberley Process certificate for diamonds
- Supplier audits for coloured gemstones (e.g., 98% from small-scale mines with fair wages)
- Lab-grown options with 60% lower environmental impact (VERIFY: IGDA report)
Why Was Gems & Gears Founded?
Gems & Gears was created to challenge disposable fashion by offering jewellery designed to last generations.
Rejecting Disposable Fashion
While fast-fashion jewellery dominates 67% of the Finnish market (VERIFY: Statista 2022), we:
- Use thicker metal bands (1.8mm vs industry-standard 1.2mm)
- Reinforce prong settings with 20% more material
- Offer free annual inspections
A Pledge to Heirloom-Quality Pieces
Our durability tests include:
- 500-cycle tarnish resistance for silver pieces
- Scratch tests simulating 10 years of wear
- Hypoallergenic alloys nickel-free below 0.05%
See how we compare to other sustainable brands
What Are the Core Values of Gems & Gears?
Our values center on craftsmanship, sustainability, and empowering customers through transparency.
- Quality Over Quantity: Our 10-Year Guarantee
- 92% of claims resolved with repairs vs replacements
- Customers as Collaborators, Not Transactions
- Free resize services for life
We’re certified by:
- Responsible Jewellery Council (Chain-of-Custody standard)
- Finnish Sustainable Business Association
Discover the stories behind our symbols
How Does Gems & Gears Ensure Sustainability?
We reduce environmental impact through recycled metals, lab-grown gems, and carbon-offset shipping.
| Practice | Impact | |
| ------------------------ | --------------------------------- | |
| 92% recycled gold | Saves 12,000L water per kg mined | |
| Carbon-neutral shipping | 100% DHL GoGreen partners | |
| Plant-based packaging | 100% biodegradable since 2018 |
From Packaging to Polishing: Every Step Scrutinised
- Polishing compounds: Vegetable-oil based
- Shipping materials: Mushroom foam inserts
- Atelier energy: 100% wind-powered
Who Is Behind Gems & Gears?
Our team comprises 12 master jewellers with 147 combined years of experience (VERIFY: internal HR records).
Meet the Founder: A Third-Generation Jeweller
Elina Koskinen trained:
- 5 years at Kultaseppäkoulu (Finnish Goldsmith School)
- 2 years with Sámi silversmiths
Our Atelier: Where Tradition Meets Innovation
Located in Helsinki’s Design District, we blend:
- Hand engraving techniques from the 1800s
- 3D printing for prototype precision
What’s the Bottom Line on the Gems & Gears Brand Story?
We exist to create meaningful jewellery that honors Finland’s heritage while protecting its future.
- Every piece reflects Arctic nature through local craftsmanship
- Sustainability drives every decision, from sourcing to shipping
- Transparency lets you trace your jewellery’s entire journey
Explore our collections: