Designers

Christel Emke Nielsen

* Born in 1965
* Skilled goldsmith, 1994
* Designer MDD from the Danish School of Design, 1996
* Has been part of the AAGAARD design team since December 2008.

'I live and breathe to make the world more beautiful by providing useful, fantastic jewellery and jewellery development concepts that suit the current fashion, future trends and tomorrows spirit. I find inspiration in the nature in my neighborhood – by the sea and on bike rides around the city - but also by studying both fashion and social trends. After having explored many niches within the goldsmith profession, specifically one experience is important for my design – I always think three dimensional. Furthermore, humor is a constant drive in my work'.

Lasse Lærke

* Born in 1950
* Skilled goldsmith from Kelø in Maribo.
* Designer for Connections since the birth of the brand 15 years ago. Has also designed From’s collections the past 25 years.

'Through the years it has become more and more exciting to me to draw new jewellery and prepare them for production. The reason is, I think, that it is now permitted to mix virtually all materials. I work a lot with different surfaces and their ability to withstand the normal use. My inspiration comes from many places. I cannot help but reflect on the things that I meet on my way and study their shapes and angles. And it can be anything from a tractor to a tree. And of course I’m also inspired by other jewellery makers, and through magazines and fairs. All this inspiration and input ultimately help me design jewellery in my own style'.

Kirstine Blak

* Born in 1979
* Completed training as Textile Fashion Designer / Product Manager from
TEKO Center Denmark, 2005.
* Designer for Lovelinks, Blog, Petite other various Aagaard jewellery brands since 2006.

'I get my inspiration from many different sources, and my ideas arise from a mix of contemporary impression and past experiences in different environments. I am passionate about innovative approaches and believe that restrictions often lead to the best ideas. My style is trendy and feminine - often added a twist of the historical jewellery heritage, and I just love to give my designs surprising and new features. In my creation of 'the perfect design' I am very focused on being aware of the feelings, memories and thoughts I would like my design to awaken in the one who should bear the piece'.

Bent Ranum

* Born in 1952
* Trained goldsmith, 1973
* Has designed jewellery with his wife and colleague since 1975.

'My designs are classic, sculpted and relatively simple. I am inspired from beautiful forms and fragments of everyday items - cars, perfume bottles, shoes and the like – that I gather, study and keep. For many years I have designed high end silver and gold pieces, and in the last 11 years, I have also designed esteemed jewellery in gold and brilliants. In addition, I have been very busy and put blood, sweat, and tears into the creation of a large collection of engagement and wedding rings'.

Ulla Ranum

* Born in 1952
* Trained technical assistant, 1971
* Has designed jewellery with her husband and colleague since 1975.

'I get ideas for my romantic designs on my many trips. But especially one place in the world gives me new ideas and inspiration for the fine details on my creations - namely Samsoe, where I spent my holidays. I have worked with the slightly more expensive gold and silver jewellery with my husband, and in the past 11 years I have also designed esteemed jewellery in gold and brilliants'.

Niels Nørksov Holm Hansen

* Born in 1968
* Skilled goldsmith from Nordjydsk Guldsmedie/Guldsmedene in Klokhuset, Aalborg, 1989
* Designer for various Aagaard jewellery brands since 1985.

'For me it is about making the design usable, functional and commercial. I am open minded and have a practical approach to my jewellery designs. I find my inspiration in many different places. It could be in sculptural forms, and afterwards I test several options before I find just the right balance in the piece. I am experimenting with large soft forms that are broken by other forms, hilly countryside, and - yes - even modern car design, has served as inspiration. The design must be perfect - and amazing to both look at, and touch'.

Mads Østerø Hermansen

* Born in 1981
* Skilled goldsmith, 2003
* Employed at Aagaard jewellery since 2004

'I typically find ideas and inspiration for my design in the organic forms of the plant kingdom. At the same time, I am very concerned with historical styles as Art Nouveau and Gothic style, which I often let interfere with the design line I'm working on'.

Sara Lehn Wihlsdahl Skræp

* Born in 1982
* Skilled goldsmith from Pind J Design, 2003
* Won a 3rd place in the Danish championship for goldsmiths, 2005

'My fascination with the goldsmith profession comes from my overriding joy of creating something beautiful with my hands. I attach great importance to perfection of the craft and that the quality of the design is high. My style is very feminine, but also unique'.