Driven by a desire to work with her hands, Erika Hiltunen found her path in goldsmithing. Through her studies at Axxell in Överby, Esbo, Finland, she is developing technical precision, fine craftsmanship and learning design and material knowledge. With support from Blue Circle, she has invested in her own tools for her internship in Europe this spring. After the internship her plan is to continue her education and eventually establish her own brand. We had the opportunity to interview her about her journey.

Guldsmed erika Hitunen sposrad av blue circle

Erika Hiltunen’s journey

Why did you want to become as a goldsmith?

– I wanted to do something with my hands, to see real progress instead of just ones and zeros on a computer screen, says Erika.

That’s how Erika Hiltunen describes the first spark that led her toward goldsmithing. At the time, she was thinking about different crafts – from boat building to watchmaking and design – unsure which direction to take. While traveling, she met a goldsmith from Germany, and that encounter deepened her curiosity about the craft. When she returned home, still uncertain but encouraged by friends, she decided to apply to Axxell’s goldsmithing program.

– The moment I sat down to take the entrance exam, I was sure that it was my thing. Maybe it’s a little arrogant or maybe just my intuition told me, but I was sure that I would get to study goldsmithing.

Goldsmith student Erika Hiltunen.

Can you tell me about your education?

– I study at Axxell, it’s in Överby, Espoo. My program lasts two years and concludes with a bachelor’s degree in applied arts (Artisan Goldsmith). We study 2-3 days per week with teachers, but in addition, it is recommended to have about 30 hours per week of your own time, after all, this is a craft profession that you can only learn by doing it by hand and it requires a lot of repetition.

At Axxell training begins with getting to know the tools and learning the basics like sawing and drilling. After the basics, the students are given weekly assignments to do. At the end of every course, they always have a demonstration work which is a given topic or theme and includes techniques performed during the course. This work is assessed by a teacher and a practicing goldsmith. During the goldsmith training, they study stone setting techniques, metal work, chemistry, lock making, jewelry design, technical drawing, history and dimensional drawing.

To enable the opportunity to apply for an internship abroad, Erika applied for and received financial support from the Blue Circle Initiative.

What will you use the Blue Circle sponsorship for?

– I bought tools for myself with the grant. Files, pliers, filing tools, a pipe cutter and much more. Main reason why I needed them already is because I’m looking for an internship in Europe for next spring and it is good manners to have your own basic tools.

What is your plan for the future, regarding your goldsmith career?

– After graduating I think I will apply for a professional degree, that take 1,5 years in Axxell. If I don’t get in, I’m planning to go study engraving and stone setting in Italy. I have also a dream to open my own brand but that’s a topic for next interview!

We wish Erika the best of luck with her education and hope to see many amazing jewelry pieces in the future. See more of Erika on her Instagram.

Goldsmith tools from NSG.

Blue Circle

Erika is one of those who have received support through Blue Circle.The initiative was founded by NSG Sweden and the aim is to enable growth and strengthen the Nordic goldsmithing industry.Blue Circle is open to anyone active in the goldsmithing industry. Applications can cover everything from research, upcoming exhibitions, further education and purchasing tools. Read about how to apply at nsg.se/blue-circle