1963 - LAPPONIA MEETS BJÖRN WECKSTRÖM
Few entrepreneurs are as visionary as the founder of Lapponia was. In the early days, entrepreneur Pekka Anttila (1931-1985) realized only too well that his brand would not make it with average jewelry - the competition in the jewelry industry was murderous. For that reason, he decided to team up with Björn Weckström. It turned out to be a hit.
1965 - 'FLOWERING WALL' WINS GRAND PRIX
The 'Flowering Wall' - a gold necklace designed by Weckström - wins a prize at the International Jewelry Contest in Rio de Janeiro. By winning the Grand Prix, Lapponia put itself on the global map in one fell swoop - in 1965 Lapponia began exporting its jewelry.
1975 - YOKO ONO STEALS THE SHOW WITH LAPPONIA RING
John Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono are guests on the widely watched talk show The Dick Cavett Show. He with his famous round glasses, she with Petrified Lake ring. This creation by Weckström was made of silver and acrylic; seen before the broadcast as an odd combination, after the broadcast as a must-have.
1975 - POPOVITS' CHESS SET PROVES WINNER
Zoltan Popovits, one of the top designers allowed to work for Lapponia, began his career with the brand in a most unusual way - with a chess set. Executed in sterling silver and featuring each chess piece as an art object, the impressive creation prompted Lapponia to collaborate with the Hungarian sculptor. The object is extremely rare; only 50 were made in total.
1977 - LAPPONIA APPEARS IN STAR WARS MOVIE
Björn Weckström was surprised when "his" Planetoid Valleys and Darina's Bracelet appeared in the very first Star Wars movie. Although he had been approached in 1976 by - the then unknown - filmmaker George Lucas, Weckström had no idea what film Lucas needed his creations for. Worn by Princess Leia, Lapponia jewelry is part of a cult phenomenon.
2010 - LAPPONIA CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY IN WINTER FASHION
In addition to celebrating Lapponia's 50th anniversary with the launch of the Winter Pearl collection, the Snowcastle in Kemi (the world's largest snow fortress) hosted a special exhibition dedicated to the brand.
2012 - 50 YEARS OF SERVICE FOR BJÖRN WECKSTRÖM
When Weckström celebrates 50 years of working for Lapponia in 2012, he honors this moment with the release of the Bones and Cones Gala necklaces: real eye-catchers that were only available in the anniversary year.
2015 - DUTCH GOES DESIGN FOR LAPPONIA
The list of international designers working for Lapponia was joined in 2015 by Dutch designer Liesbeth Busman. Her collection "Promise of spring" reflects the sense of joy that accompanies the introduction of spring. A happy promise of new beginnings. The series - consisting of bracelet, necklace, ear studs and long ear pendants - has witnessed many fairy tale weddings because of its significance.
MORE HIGHS THAN LOWS
So much for the history of Lapponia in a nutshell. The new CEO's decision to quit the brand remains inexplicable. Lapponia and Björn Weckström - never to be forgotten.
The best lasting memory is of course a beautiful Lapponia piece of jewelry. Brunott still has a number of wearable pieces of art available. Buy these online - in our webshop - while you still can!