Aarikka
Aarikka is a Finnish design company founded in 1954 by Kaija Aarikka. It is known for wooden and silver jewellery, buttons and home decorations, including its handmade wooden Elves.
| Founded | 1954 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Kaija Aarikka |
| Country | Finland |
| Known for | Wooden jewellery and Elves figures |
| Website | aarikka.com |
What is Aarikka?
Aarikka is a Finnish design brand known for wooden jewellery, decorative objects and gifts with a simple, round and playful aesthetic.
History
The company dates its birth to 24 February 1954. Founder Kaija Aarikka was studying textile art at the Institute of Industrial Arts in Helsinki when she could not find buttons to match a woollen garment she had designed, so she made her own. Buttons became the starting point of the business. Her daughter, Pauliina Aarikka, later headed design.
Products and positioning
The range has grown well beyond buttons:
- Wooden jewellery, often built from round beads
- Silver jewellery
- Candle holders, toys and home decorations
- The Elves, small round wooden figures made by hand in Finland
Aarikka is sold through its own online shop and through design retailers such as Finnish Design Shop, and the company maintains a museum of its history.
Why it matters
Aarikka is one of the recognisable names of post-war Finnish design, showing how a craft-based accessories brand can sustain a distinctive aesthetic over seven decades.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Aarikka?
Aarikka was founded in 1954 by Finnish designer Kaija Aarikka.
What is Aarikka known for?
Aarikka is known for wooden and silver jewellery, buttons, home decorations and its handmade wooden Elves.