Sylvsmidja is Norway’s leading manufacturer of traditional, contemporary and historically inspired jewelry. Offering superior craftsmanship in silver since 1940, Sylvsmidja’s work is rooted in long traditions of high-quality craftsmanship.
Nordic Center, Sylvsmidja and Siiviis Gallery invites individuals of all ages to explore the universe of beautiful Norwegian-made silver jewelry ranging from Viking designs and the traditional Bunad silver with intriguing stories dated centuries back to contemporary fashion pieces worn by Norwegian celebrities. Whether interested in Nordic cultural heritage and traditions or beautiful silver jewelry, all are welcome.
Explore their historical & contemporary collections:
- Heritage Bunad silver, essential to traditional costumes
- The Spor Collection, nature-inspired contemporary creations
- Viking (Sagastad) jewelry, based on authentic finds from the largest Viking Ship found in Norway – The Myklebust Ship
Weekly hours are 12 – 4 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Anne-Kari’s opening night talk at 7 PM on January 31st about Sylvsmidja will include the history of the company since 1940 and the story of its many collections, one of which includes the “Sølje” worn with traditional Norwegian folk costumes. It is called the Heritage Bunad Silver Collection. She will also share information about Sylvsmidja’s other two collections. The contemporary Spor Collection is inspired by Nordic nature and the stories from women who find their energy and motivation from the nature around them. The other is the Viking Collection Sagastad. It is based on the largest Viking archeological ship discovery in Norway so far – the Myklebust Ship.
Nordic Center welcomes the public to associated activities during this exhibition.
The first is a video about Sylvsmidja jewelry with Fika (light refreshments) at 2pm on Saturday, February 15. Then, on March 1 and 2, Liz Bucheit from Crown Trout Jewelry in Lanesboro, Minnesota, will offer workshops – earring-making on Saturday and Viking Chain Knitting on Sunday. On Friday, March 22nd at 7 pm, flutists Paula Gudmundson and Rose Fife will present Jewels for Flute, a concert bound to sparkle.
Sølje Spoon Earring Class
Instructor – Liz Bucheit from Crown Trout Jewelry in Lanesboro, Minnesota
March 1st, 2025
1-4pm
Class capacity: 12 students per class
$135 per person
CANCELLED
Ever wonder why sølje pins have those shiny dangles with silver disc drops? These discs are called “spoons” or “shells” in Norwegian. Silver has long been a protective element against evil and abduction by the hulder folk in Scandinavia. Legend has it that should you run into the devil wearing your sparkling sølje he would see his own reflection and run away!
Don’t run away from a chance to create your own silver and gold washed earrings in this short class designed to introduce you to the beauty of Scandinavian silver work.
Students will assemble up to 2 pairs of earrings using multiple disc elements suspended from sterling silver French hook ear wires. A willingness to use hand tools (pliers) is required. Extra magnification is recommended for close work if needed. (Cheaters, magnifying lamps, jeweler’s loupe)
Viking “Knit” Chain Bracelet
Instructor – Liz Bucheit from Crown Trout Jewelry in Lanesboro, Minnesota
March 2nd, 2025
9am-noon & 1-4pm
Class minimum – 6 students
Class maximum – 10 students
$250 per person
CANCELLED
Come explore the ancient tradition of chain making! You’ll use “Viking Knitting,” a centuries-old looping technique, to create a beautiful fine
silver bracelet with a variety of unusual clasps. Historically, this unique method of weaving resembles “nålbinding” knitting and was used to fabricate everything from sweaters to netting for catching fish!
You’ll have the opportunity to complete a bracelet in a single day – no previous experience required – and all tools and materials will be provided. Add a charm for an additional charge or bring one of your own!
Jewels for Flute Concert
March 22 at 7pm
Celebrating the arrival of spring in a concert of flute duo music. The concert will feature well known melodies by J.S. Bach and W.A. Mozart. Duets by G.P Telemann and Danish composer Frerich Kuhlau, “Exotic Perfumes” by Marlaena Kessick and “Variations on a Swedish Folk Tune” for Flute and Alto Flute by Swedish Composer Ingolf Dahl.
Dr. Paula Gudmundson is Associate Professor of Flute at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Recipient of the 2022-2023 McKnight Fellowship for Performing Musicians. Her work focuses on centering her work around collaboration, community engagement and bringing voice to the absent narratives in the arts. Recordings include La Flauta of Buenos Aires (2014), Breaking Waves (2019) and Melodies of the Forest (2022) Gudmundson is a member of the National Flute Association Board of Directors and Co-Chair of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee.
Rose Fife, MM, MA, is the Music and Communications Director at Family of God Lutheran Church and the owner of Duluth-based Fife Music Studio. She teaches students ages 5-85 to play musically and with intention while sneaking in lessons on focus, dedication, time management, mental health care. She is also the owner of Resonance Communications.