Maria Karlström
goldsmith & designer

With her unique ability to notice the beauty others might overlook, Maria Karlström has spent nearly four decades transforming nature, emotions, and memories into silver and gold. Maria is the beating heart and creative force behind Guldviva, shaping each piece with intention and care. She is also the creator behind our classic collection Blomman™, which blooms just as beautifully all year round – in every season.

Inspiration in what's nearby

Life on an island, surrounded by a vast archipelago, offers an endless connection to nature and the sea. For Maria, this closeness is her greatest inspiration. Her designs and collections often take shape while she’s outdoors, with her senses open and her attention tuned in to the world around her. She has a natural ability to observe shapes and forms, finding stories in everyday details. When Maria creates jewellery, she brings these stories to life, capturing the shape, texture or sensation of nature into the element of metal, and passing it on to those who will wear her creations.

— A lot of my jewellery is popular precisely because people understand what I want to say. They become intimate and understandable, easy to absorb, recognize and wear every day," she says.
"Jewellery is always about emotions. Every person who owns a precious piece of jewellery will remember who gave it to them, when they got it and why."

Our signature product

Blomman™

Our unique flower was born from the playful relationship between hand, silver wire, and pliers. Because it is handcrafted, no two are ever exactly the same. The grip of the pliers on the silver wire varies – one bend, then four more. A loop may turn out slightly larger or smaller than another. Each petal is then faceted by hand, creating surfaces that catch the light and make the Blomman™ sparkle in the sun.

For Maria, the loops live in her muscle memory. The piece takes shape without her needing to look at her hands. Blomman™ has been part of the Guldviva family for over 35 years, growing into a timeless classic.

 View collection

Goldsmith of the year

FINLAND 2025
Suomen Kultaseppien Liitto ry.

Ring of the Year

FINLAND 2024
Häät

Ring of the Year

FINLAND 2022
Häät

The 100-Year Jubilee Medal

ÅLAND 2022
Government of Åland
The creative journey

At the age of 18, Maria Karlström began her journey as an apprentice in the workshop of goldsmith Kaj Rinman in Mariehamn, Åland. She quickly realised that goldsmithing was the perfect path for her. On small islands like Åland, people need a broad skill set – and in this profession, that means mastering goldsmithing, silversmithing, and the art of jewellery-making. Under Kaj’s guidance, Maria learned it all: working on large and small pieces, setting gemstones, understanding technique, and creating with metal.

Maria’s creativity soon revealed itself to be truly unique. In addition to craftsmanship, design, and professional skill, she also possesses a strong entrepreneurial spirit and an unwavering drive to move forward. “That comes from home,” she says – from her father, a true entrepreneur who has spent his life inventing ideas and launching projects.

— Whenever I’ve shared a new idea at home, the response has never been that it’s too difficult or impossible. Instead, we’ve immediately gone into discussion and planning mode – focusing on the next step to make it happen.