Designer and Founder Pernille Corydon

We're absolutely delighted that you chose The Hambledon as your first Pernille Corydon Jewellery pop up shop outside Denmark. Why us?

You were one of our very first customers in the UK, we were very proud when we first started working together. We love how you are so creative with your space and windows and you actually work with quite a few Danish brands too. Once we knew you had a space to do a pop-up, we thought it would be the perfect fit for us and seeing as we go a long way back in our relationship too.

How did you first get interested in jewellery design? Did you have formal training?

I have been interested in jewellery and design since I was a child. I spent a lot of time by the ocean, finding stones, seashells and seaglass. I used them to make small installations and jewelry for my Grandma. I also spent a lot of time looking at my Grandma's jewellery box. I haven't got any formal training, but I spent two years at a creative school where I learned to make pottery and jewellery and I drew and painted a lot.

Can you talk us through the process of design and making?

When I make a new piece of jewellery I normally draw a sketch. After that I think about the surface. Should it be polished, matte or brushed, or a combination. Sometimes I make the first prototype, and sometimes it is enough with a technical drawing. My jewellery is produced in a small factory outside Bangkok and I often go there to start up and finish a collection. I work with them in relation to finding the optimal production method.

Where do you find inspiration?

I use my eyes a lot every day. I get inspiration wherever I go. I travel a lot, because when I'm outside my comfort zone, it is like my mind works in a different way. I'm more open to what I see.

I also look a lot at all the women I see. When I look at a woman I often think about what will look nice on her. I also find a lot of inspiration in nature, and in architecture.

How do you source your materials?

I always use silver and gold plated silver. Stones I often find when I travel.

What do you like most about your work?

I really like the design process. I love to go into that zone where everything is possible and the ideas start to take shape. I love that I'm able to travel and work at the same time.

Who do you work with and how does the typical day go?

I'm a big part of the company, so I work with everybody who's employed in the company, both in Denmark and outside Denmark. I work very closely with the factory in Bangkok.

It is hard to describe a typical day, because my days are very different depending on which phase I'm in. When I'm working on a new collection I often work from home, because I need the peace and quite it gives. When my focus is on running the business I'm at the office participating in the work there. I also travel a lot, so that is also a part of a typical day.

We're constantly trying to channel our inner Dane. Can you give us some handy hints on how to wear jewellery in the Danish way?

I think the Danes have a very playful approach to wearing jewellery. We try to tell a story about who we are by wearing jewellery. We wear it to reflect our mood. Sometimes we are understated and sometimes we go all in.

We wear a lot of jewellery and combine it in all different ways to tell the story about who we are. We are not afraid of combining metals and surfaces.

Your own store is in Frederiksberg in Copenhagen. Tell us a bit about the area and why you chose it.

I chose that area because it is a very nice area in Copenhagen. It is typical Copenhagen with a nice, relaxed atmosphere and a nice combination of restaurants, coffee shops and small independent stores.

Do you have a favourite piece of jewellery from the new collection?

My favorite piece at the moment is the Edith necklace. It is named after my Grandmother who was a very special lady. Very strong and delicate at the same time.

If you could pick anyone to wear Pernille Corydon Jewellery, who would it be?

I actually don't have anybody in mind. It made me very proud when my son pointed out a lovely lady in Barcelona's streets this summer and she was covered in my jewellery. It makes me happy that I can make jewellery that a lot of women can relate to and use every day.

Who or what couldn't you live without?

My two children.

You grew up in a small town in Denmark. We're most familiar with Copenhagen but tell us a bit about life outside the city.

I grew up in a small town surrounded by the ocean on all sides. The light and the nature is therefore a big part of me. My hometown is a very quiet and peaceful town, but there was not much to do. I think that is why my mind generates a lot of ideas all the time.

I loved it there, but it also gave me the wanderlust I have in me today.

What does the future hold?

Hopefully I can keep on making new jewellery and making the company grow outside Denmark.

Shop the full collection here ►