Our Story

Founding Story

Founded by Creative Director and designer Ven Chen and Marketing Director Anniina Siekkeli, Helmia is based in Helsinki, Finland. As multicultural partners from China and Finland, their diverse identities shape Helmia’s vision, embracing contrast, gender neutrality, and fearless self-expression through design. Helmia was born from a shared passion for artistry, fashion, and branding—when Ven met Anniina, a kindred spirit drawn to the interplay of boldness and restraint. As a native Finn, Anniina embodies the understated, introverted nature of Nordic style, yet she was always drawn to bold, expressive fashion as a means of self-discovery. Her belief in the transformative power of jewelry—as both adornment and statement—became the foundation of Helmia’s philosophy.In 2024, they traveled to China, home to the world’s largest freshwater pearl production. It was there that they discovered pearls in an entirely new light—not as delicate, symmetrical gems, but as raw, organic forms imbued with individuality. They became captivated by Baroque pearls, whose irregular yet mesmerizing shapes reflected the essence of human uniqueness: imperfect, yet extraordinary. This revelation became the foundation of Helmia. They saw pearls not as traditional adornments, but as sculptural elements waiting to be redefined. Their vision was clear: to liberate pearls from convention, transforming them into bold, architectural expressions of selfhood.Together, they created Helmia—a brand where tradition is reshaped, where jewelry is not just worn but experienced, where pearls are symbols of strength, individuality, and fearless self-expression.

A New Vision of Pearls

Helmia was created with a singular mission: to redefine the power of pearls. No longer symbols of nostalgia, our pearls are emblems of strength, individuality, and avant-garde elegance. Inspired by natural forms, architecture, and modern art, our jewelry fuses high design with contemporary artistry—creating bold, architectural pieces that challenge convention and inspire confidence. Each Helmia collection is a seamless interplay of contrasts: organic and architectural, geometric and fluid, avant-garde and elegant, feminine and masculine, structure and movement. Every piece is meticulously handcrafted, balancing vitality with simplicity—bold yet refined, striking yet deeply personal.Designed and crafted in Finland, Helmia jewelry is for those who seek refinement without compromise. More than accessories, our pieces are wearable statements of intent—intimate expressions of artistry, confidence, and self-possession.

Ven Chen, Creative Director & Designer

Born in China and based in Helsinki, Ven Chen’s design philosophy is shaped by his multicultural perspective, blending the poetic fluidity of Eastern aesthetics with the structured minimalism of Scandinavian design. His jewelry is an interplay of contrasts—organic yet architectural, fluid yet precise, avant-garde yet timeless. This fusion of influences creates a visual language that is distinctly Helmia—bold, sculptural, and unconventional.With a background in industrial design, Ven began his creative journey studying product design at Beijing University of Technology in 2011, where he developed a fascination with structure, materiality, and aesthetics. His exploration extended across printmaking, sculpture, and ceramics, refining his artistic vision. Drawn to the purity and functionality of Nordic design, he pursued further studies at Aalto University in Finland, where he deepened his expertise in digital fabrication, crafting, and fashion. Jewelry became his ultimate medium—where craftsmanship, innovation, and identity converge.

Sustainability & Responsible Craftsmanship

Sustainability is at the core of Helmia’s identity. We meticulously source rare and exceptional materials that embody both artistry and innovation. Every pearl is carefully selected for its purity, uniqueness, and lasting beauty, ensuring that our creations transcend time. We prioritize recycled freshwater pearls and precious, long-lasting metals, like white gold-plated 925 sterling silver and 18-karat gold vermeil, continuously increasing the share of sustainable materials across our collections. We are committed to minimizing waste. Each piece is made to order, reducing excess production while honoring the meticulous artistry behind its creation. We continuously increase the share of sustainable materials across our collections, redefining premium as a force for both beauty and integrity.