The gemstone architect
- Maris learned jewellery making from his father
- He cuts the gemstones himself
- Every piece is unique and he never repeats his works
Maris Aunins learnt his skills from his father, the 1930s goldsmith Eizens Aunins. Now, both his and his father’s works are exhibited in the permanent collection of the Museum of Decorative Arts and Design in Riga. As a child, he spent many hours in his father’s workshop, discovering the technical tools and processes, which would inspire him to study metal design at Tallinn’s Arts University, Estonia. In 1992, he inherited his father’s workshop, a cozy and creative space in the heart of Riga's Old Town where Maris creates his distinctive jewellery, which he describes as miniature architectural constructions inspired by gemstone nuggets. And now, with a sense of history repeating itself, Maris has also trained his son.
INTERVIEW
I get inspired by structural forms in nature and modern architecture. I have a great passion for uncovering the original nature of gemstones like aquamarine, topaz, quartz and rock crystal. The extraordinary polished surfaces of the stones reflect the light and create cosmic illusions.
I am one of the few jewellery designers in Latvia who cuts the gemstones himself. Each day I have creative discoveries. All my pieces have a unique design and each object differs from the others. I like that my unique pieces of jewellery enhance the wearer’s individual style.
Yes and no. I believe that people are now increasingly looking for long lasting things and starting to appreciate high quality. They want things they can use and their children can inherit. My jewellery helps to distinguish the personality of whoever wears it.
More than ten years ago I had a show at Gallery Moazipoor in Berlin, which is closed now. One day the gallery owner phoned me and told me that two Japanese ladies visited the gallery and one of them purchased five of my pieces. That lady was Yoko Ono.
