What is curly birch? This is how Finnish curly birch is turned into jewellery

Curly birch is known for its vibrant and exceptionally unique wood grain. Its surface can display dark stripes, wavy patterns, and small motifs that make each piece of wood distinct. This is precisely why curly birch is particularly well-suited for jewellery: every finished piece of jewellery receives its own unique character from nature.

Visakorut jewellery is handcrafted from genuine Finnish curly birch in our own workshop in Seinäjoki. Made by nature. FINnished by hand.

Curly birch is not ordinary birch

Curly birch is a variant of silver birch. Its distinctive growth and wood grain, differing from ordinary birch, are linked to a hereditary trait. Curly birch occurs in the wild somewhat rarely, particularly in Southern Finland.

From the outside, the tree trunk may show knots, thickenings, and other irregular shapes. However, the true nature of curly birch is revealed only when the wood is cut. The dark, wavy, and flame-like patterns visible inside the wood make the material easily recognizable.

Where does the unique pattern of curly birch come from?

Curly birch does not form its wood in exactly the same way as ordinary birch. The irregularity of its growth creates dark streaks, waves, and varying grain patterns within the wood.

The pattern is not printed or painted onto the wood's surface. It is inherent to the wood itself. The shape, intensity, and shade of the pattern vary in different parts of the wood, which is why jewellery made from even the same piece of curly birch will be slightly different from each other.

A perfect copy cannot be made – nor does it need to be. Individuality is one of the most important characteristics of curly birch jewellery.

Why is curly birch suitable for jewellery?

The detailed pattern of curly birch is beautifully showcased even in small pieces of jewellery. The wood's light base tone and darker patterns create a natural contrast that doesn't require strong embellishments around it.

Wooden jewellery is also lightweight to wear. This makes curly birch an excellent material especially for earrings, but its natural appearance is equally suitable for necklaces, jewellery sets, and confirmation crosses.

Some of our designs are made entirely from curly birch. In some pieces of jewellery, curly birch is combined with domestic oak or elm, where the colours and patterns of different wood species complement each other.

How curly birch transforms into jewellery

The creation of a piece of jewellery begins with selecting a suitable piece of wood and its pattern. The wood's grain pattern influences what each piece of jewellery will ultimately become.

The jewellery components are cut into shape, carefully sanded, and finished by hand. After this, metal parts corresponding to the design are attached to the jewellery. For earrings, we primarily use components made of surgical steel.

The working steps are not performed merely for the shape of the jewellery. Careful sanding and finishing also bring out the natural pattern of the curly birch.

Curly birch jewellery is always unique

Two pieces of jewellery may have the same shape, but the wood pattern is never exactly alike. Small differences in shades, streaks, and pattern direction are characteristic of authentic natural material.

Our collections, such as Visa's Story and Forest Heart, are built around a common design language. The collection's name tells the story and design of the jewellery, while the appearance of each individual piece is completed by the curly birch pattern found within it.

Explore handcrafted curly birch earrings, curly birch necklaces, jewellery sets, and confirmation crosses made in Finland. Choose the shape that speaks to you – nature has already ensured that the pattern will be unique.