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 started very naturally. Ven and Anniina were traveling through Asia, and they noticed how much people love pearls there. But at the same time, they saw something that made them... a bit sad. Everyone was chasing these 'perfect' pearls — round, flawless, super high-luster — and anything irregular, like baroque pearls, was seen almost like a defect, something less valuable.

It made them think about society’s idea of beauty. How narrow it is. Like, you must have perfect skin, perfect features, speak loud, be confident all the time... only then you're called beautiful, or successful. But what about people who don't fit those boxes? Are they less valuable? Of course not. It's just like baroque pearls — they are wild, organic, unpredictable... and each one is a masterpiece in its own way.

So they decided we had to do something. They wanted to change this mindset. To liberate pearls from the old standards. They wanted to treat every pearl like a piece of art — bold, sculptural, authentic. That’s how Helmia was born. A place where pearls are not judged by perfection but celebrated for their individuality. Where jewelry is not just something you wear — it’s something you feel, something that speaks about who you really are.

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.