Forest Inspired Jewelry by Terhi Tolvanen

Amsterdam-based and Finnish-born jewelry designer Terhi Tolvanen's jewelry made from wood is inspired by her love of the beauty in nature. She combines branches of birch, hazel, rosemary, and heather with gemstones such as smoky quartz and aquamarine.

 
Necklace in silk, paint, wood, agate and silver

This amazing necklace (above) combines different textures and materials in handsome tones that recall tree trunks and tree bark. Tolvanen calls the mosses, fungi and toadstools that flourish on or near fallen trees the ‘jewelry’ of the forest. Her brooch (below) captures this sentiment perfectly. 

 

 
Brooch in silver, porcelain, wood, paint

Tolvanen pays homage to the natural beauty that is so easily overlooked and reminds us to pay attention and value even the most basic things that nature has to offer. I love how this brooch (below) looks like the branches of a tree surrounded by little stones.

 

 
Brooch in labradorite, wood, silver

Even though these pieces look like they were picked up from the floor of the forest, they exude a sophisticated elegance. Tolvanen's work is on display at the Viceversa Contemporary Jewelry Gallery in Lausanne, Switzerland through March 17, 2010. Or, you can see more at Terhi Tolvanen or Kilmt02.