Lapponia and Björn Weckström: The Modernist Finnish Jewellery Brand Behind Princess Leia’s Star Wars Look
Planetoid Valleys & Darina’s Bracelet – Lapponia’s Journey into a Galaxy Far, Far Away
When Star Wars: A New Hope premiered in 1977, few viewers realised that the gleaming necklace and bracelet adorning Princess Leia during the throne-room finale were not created by a Hollywood costume department. Instead, they came from the remote north of Europe — crafted by the radical Finnish jewellery house Lapponia, a trailblazer in modernist Nordic jewellery.
The necklace, known as Planetoid Valleys, and its accompanying Darina’s Bracelet, were designed by Finnish sculptor-jeweller Björn Weckström. George Lucas’s production team approached Lapponia after seeing one of Weckström’s avant-garde exhibitions, instantly recognising that his sculptural, space-age aesthetic perfectly matched the film’s cosmic mythology.
The Artistic Vision of Björn Weckström – Modernist Movement Meets Sculptures of Nature
The 1970s saw the rise of modernist design across Scandinavia and Nordic. This era emphasised:
- Abstraction rather than figurative forms
- Futurism inspired by the space race
- Experimental use of materials, including different textures on the metal
- Organic imperfection, mirroring natural landscapes
- Bold silhouettes, lending jewellery a sculptural identity
As a leading figure in 1970s modernist design, Björn Weckström’s style reflects the essence of both Scandi and Nordic jewellery — clean lines, organic textures, and a creative philosophy rooted in landscape and mythology. While Denmark and Sweden were known for their refined minimalism, Finland distinguished itself through bold, sculptural forms, inheriting the expressive spirit of mid-century modern jewellery.
Weckström’s experimental use of materials was equally groundbreaking. Instead of polishing metal to a mirror shine, he crafted textured surfaces that echoed snowdrifts, cliffs, and natural landscapes. This approach gave his jewellery a distinctly sculptural presence — each piece a miniature artwork rather than a mere accessory.
ZORO, for instance, is a very unique brooch crafted in 14ct yellow gold with a finely textured, matte finish that softens reflections and enhances the organic atmosphere. One side features sculptural interpretation of architectural forms and natural landscapes, while the reverse reveals a human face — positioned as a silent observer of the world. The piece is surreal, abstract, and unmistakably modernist in character.
TIMANTTIKEIDAS is another masterpiece necklace, showcasing a strikingly tactile surface created through richly worked 18ct yellow gold. Its rustic, organically sculpted form captures the raw, naturalistic texture characteristic of modernist Finnish jewellery, giving the piece a powerful, elemental presence.
Within the gold ring collection, TITICACA, DEIMOS, and OBERDON each showcases a striking interplay of textures in 14ct and 18ct gold. A polished, mirror-like white gold accent highlights the front, contrasted against rugged, organic contours, while a subtly hammered matte finish flows seamlessly around the band — even along the sides.
In Weckström’s design philosophy, gold — traditionally a symbol of power — demands dramatic, forceful forms to express its inherent strength. Silver, by contrast, carries a cooler, more understated tone, calling for softer, more fluid sculptural shapes.
Vintage Lapponia silver bangles and bracelets – PHYLAS, HIMERA, ARMILLA, and APOLLO.
We are proud to present a curated selection of vintage Lapponia jewellery by Björn Weckström, featuring vintage modernist jewellery from the 1970s – 80s, with the Scandinavian and Nordic modernist essence beautifully preserved in each piece.
References
Aav, Marianne & Vilhunen, Eeva. Finnish Modern Jewelry. Designmuseo Helsinki.
Björn Weckström: Jewelry and Sculpture. Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, Helsinki.
Lapponia / Kalevala Koru. Lapponia Jewelry: Brand History and Archives.
Fiell, Charlotte & Fiell, Peter. Scandinavian Design. Taschen.
Schon, Marbeth. Modernist Jewelry: 1930–1960.
Philadelphia Museum of Art. Jewelry by Artists in the Studio Jewelry Movement 1940–2000.
YLE (Finnish Broadcasting Company). Interviews with Björn Weckström.
Design Museum Helsinki. Scandinavian & Nordic Design Collections and Exhibition Notes.
Björn Weckström channel