Gullgruva Arctic Design: A shiny piece of the Arctic
By Celina Tran | Photos: Gullgruva Arctic Design
Inside Lompensenteret, at the centre of Longyearbyen on Svalbard, lies Gullgruva Arctic Design, a jewellery and design store that has become a fixture in the local community.
Gullgruva Arctic Design is a jewellery, watches and gift shop in Longyearbyen that offers a broad selection of Nordic brands, such as Bruvik Time, Noor, Embla, Arne Nordlie’s Greetings from Norway, and more. The store also carries pieces from selected Svalbard designs in both gold and silver, along with its own exclusive designs.
“Whether you want everyday accessories or engagement rings, wedding rings, or traditional bunad silver, we offer jewellery in gold, silver and precious stones at good prices since we don’t have VAT up here,” says Merete Alstad-Jensen, who owns and runs the shop with her husband, Steinar. “We’ve also got everything from Maui Jim sunglasses, to watches from the Norwegian Bruvik Time, which has a special Svalbard watch and Navy Seal-worn watches from Luminox.”
Initially established in 2002, Gullgruva was taken over by the couple in 2012, a decision that was both exciting and daunting. “Buying the shop was partly a way to create my own workplace,” Merete explains. “At the time, the alternative was to move south to the mainland.”
Over time, the business expanded, and in 2016, the shop expanded from 50 to 150 square metres. Today, Gullgruva employs several full- and part-time staff, plus extra summer help during the busy tourist season.
In addition to jewellery, watches and Svalbard souvenirs, the store showcases its own creations – some designed in-house, others made in collaboration with Scandinavian designers such as ByBiehl. “We work to offer unique designs and therefore have quite a few self-designed jewellery pieces and souvenirs. The Svalbard map pendant in 18k gold with a small diamond marking Longyearbyen, along with the Polarbear ring in white and yellow gold, are probably my favourites.”
With pieces named Midnight Sun, Polar Night, Northern Light and Icicle, it is clear that Gullgruva’s designs are inspired by the dramatic Arctic landscape that surrounds them. For visitors, Merete explains that Gullgruva Arctic Design offers the chance to bring home something truly special.
“We want as many people as possible to have the chance to come to Svalbard and experience the real, raw, and unique Arctic part of the world, here at the top of the globe. When they leave, we hope that in addition to many beautiful memories and photos, they’ve also bought something special – something that will always remind them of this remarkable and unique place on Earth.”
Facebook: Gullgruva Arctic Design
Instagram: @gullgruva.longyearbyen
Visit Gullgruva Arctic Design
Lompesenteret
9170 Longyearbyen
Svalbard
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