As you might already know, I’m Julia, the founder, designer, and creator of Stones and Stuff Stockholm.
I run the brand, design and handcraft each piece of jewellery, and manage every detail from start to finish.
How did it all start?
My parents used to take me to stone and crystal markets, where I was always fascinated by the beauty of stones. Yet, even back in the '90s, I remember thinking that these jewellery styles looked outdated. Over time, as I revisited these fairs, it struck me that these designs hadn’t changed. That’s when I began to think—why not give these beautiful stones a refresh, a more modern form?
However, my journey into jewellery-making didn’t begin until much later, in my mid-thirties. It came unexpectedly in the middle of 2020 when one day I stumbled upon a photo of a stone necklace and thought, "I could make something like this." At the time, I was studying online and feeling stressed, so I figured jewellery-making could be a way to calm my mind.
I bought some materials and began learning. Step by step, I was developing my skills, and knowledge about stones and pearls, metals and the difficult technicalities of making jewellery, which may seem simple for someone who never made it. Because I am a natural problem solver, it became my huge interest and passion, which has lasted to this day.
Today, every project starts with curiosity, a thought "What if..." and ends with new learnings. Every creation is a lesson and an opportunity to grow as a designer. I’m constantly testing, experimenting, and exploring ways to enhance my craft and expand my imagination.
How did it all go?
When I first started in 2020, I mainly worked with stones and crystals. But by 2021, I developed a fascination with pearls and began incorporating them into my designs. I remember making my first pearl necklace and feeling inspired by the timeless beauty of pearls.
One of the first usable stone necklaces
One of the first necklaces with pearls - today, Hannah necklace
In 2022, which was one of the worst years of my life, and making jewellery helped my to keep my mental state, I became more interested in reusing materials, especially pearls and crystals.
This started when I was repairing an anklet for my sister. That small repair job sparked an idea – why not repurpose stuff that’s already out there and give new life to old pieces?
The first jewellery I have repaired for my sister, that sparked the idea for a repair service.
This is what became my new passion and a huge inspiration journey, that sparked some fire into my curiosity. Now I am on the constant hunt for new (old) materials. There is already plenty of material, hidden away in drawers, at second-hand shops, and flea markets.
I mean, the idea of taking reused pearls, vintage stones and crystals and transforming them into something new, it's for sure not new, but it's brilliant for me and aligned with me and my core.
How is it all connected?
I love to connect different elements. To connect old with new. To connect sustainability and people. That's why all jewellery pieces got their names after the first people that bought it. This makes each of you connected to what I do. You - my clients - are co-creators of the brand and it’s one of the ways I stay connected to you, the precious people who support me.
Talking about sustainability, I believe in upcycling and reusing materials. The idea of repairing broken jewellery led me to consider the value of repurposing old pieces. If you have jewellery that’s broken, out of style, or simply tucked away in a drawer, why not bring it to me? I can remake, redesign, and repair it so you can continue to enjoy it.
I am here to help you rediscover lost beauty of stones and pearls.
I love personal projects. Whether it’s an old sentimental piece or materials you bring to the table, I’ll add my touch, and together, we’ll create something truly unique. You can be a co-creator of your special piece of jewellery.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to chat about a special project. Whether you’re looking to redesign an old piece, donate unused jewellery, or collaborate on something new, I’m here to help.
Thank you for being here.
Julia
Me in 2019, a year before my jewellery journey.
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