When Mads Kornerup founded Shamballa Jewels , Bine Grassmé joined the spirited company four years after. She has been the jewelry manager of the Danish brand ever since. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the brand keeps on accumulating successes.
If Jay Z, Jennifer Aniston or not Kim kardashian wear Shamballa Jewels pieces there is a reason to it. Talking from personal experience, Bine Grassmé has been the jewelry manager of the brand for the past 10 years and knows the spirit by heart. Let’s listen to what she has to say…
Bine Grassme – What’s your story?
Born and raised in Denmark. Love to travel, meet new people and get inspired. A few years abroad, preferably New York would be nice but I cherish the way we live in Copenhagen. Simple life, biking around seeing friends and being close to the sea with the possibility of jumping into the water when I feel for it, I’m a winter swimmer, so I guess I will always come home.
First piece of jewelry?
I made it I was was 20 years old … it was a little over 20 years ago!
Beginning of the Shamballa adventure?
It was 10 years ago… and I had already bought some Shamballa Jewelry prior to joining the brand!
Describe Shamballa jewely on a woman’s perspective?
Jewelry from Shamballa Jewels is the absolute perfect combination of high end Jewelry using only the best materials such as 18k gold and gemstones but designed in a way that allows women to wear it casually and in their daily lives.The modern, independent woman buys her own jewellery and is quality conscious. She prefers fine designed jewellery in precious materials like gold instead of fashion jewellery. Nothing would be more boring than spending a fortune on something kept in a shrine.
What if you were a man?
Jewelry from Shamballa Jewels is the absolute perfect combination of high end Jewelry using only the best materials such as 18k gold and gemstones but designed in a way that allows women to wear it casually and in their daily lives.The modern, independent woman buys her own jewellery and is quality conscious. She prefers fine designed jewellery in precious materials like gold instead of fashion jewellery. Nothing would be more boring than spending a fortune on something kept in a shrine.
Biggest challenge?
The opportunity to be part of a small unique and fast growing company where customising is a core value. Not only with our Jewelry but in all aspects such as our client relations and internally in the company. Some might see it as making it from scratch each time but I see it as a value.
Describe the success of the beaded bracelet?
Stones beads on a nylon cord. Simple, elegant and efficient. The idea was to find a way to wear fine jewelry day and night… as if it would be part of your identity.
Your favorite piece?
The Lock Bracelet with diamonds on one side and engraved gold on the other with the star of Shamballa which reminds you to smile … as an inner piece. It is easy wearing, and it can be flipped to wear it two ways. It allows me to wear a simple gold bracelet and a full row of diamonds in same bracelet depending on my mood. But my most preferred piece is our ultimate protection necklace. I love the weight and sound of the 3 pendants next to each other gives.
Creative process?
Each and every creation of a piece is made according to the clients. First you have to understand what market you are dealing with. For example, in the Middle East we work closely with the Qatari group Ali Bin Ali in which we have a constructive relationship with them and with the clients.
How do you get inspired?
I am surrounded with beautiful things and need to feel like I am meeting with my jewelry…
Most challenging part about customising a unique piece?
Customising a unique piece for a client is in fact my preferred task. It is important that the piece is in line with our design aesthetic so the client feels he or she gets a piece of Shamballa Jewels but still customised to fit the clients inner dreams of colour combination, choice of materials and most importantly it will go hand in hand with whatever Jewelry the client has.
Favorite stone?
Columbian Emeralds
Shamballa jewels?
Shamballa was the first proper men’s jewelry brand ever created in fine jewelry designs using 18 carats gold. When in 2006 we introduced pavé diamonds into the Shamballa jewelry collections that men were wearing … women loved it too and started wearing them !
What do you like about the brand?
It’s all about protection. The Ancient Symbols you can find on the pieces are a direct inspiration for Mads… Don’t forget that he is a yogi, he wants to be happy and surrounded with good things. The Shamballa Jewelry designs need to be simple and beautiful.
