From diplomacy to design

Before becoming a self-taught jeweller, I worked around the world with the UN, humanitarian charities and as a Danish human rights diplomat.

Within a formal dress code, jewellery was one of the few ways I could express my femininity and individuality. That experience still shapes my designs today. I want each piece to help you feel like yourself, whether you’re wearing a suit, a favourite knit or dressing for a celebration.

My Danish roots bring simplicity to my work; the places I’ve lived and the women I’ve met bring colour and character. My love of beads began in West Africa, while my fascination with natural textures takes me back to the Danish coast.

Inspired by the sea. Made by hand

I grew up by the sea and spent childhood summers sailing. Those surroundings still influence the jewellery I design and handcraft here in the UK.

I’m drawn to contrasts: textured silver against smooth pearls, organic gemstones beside clean metal. Baroque freshwater pearls have a particular place in my work, with their irregular shapes and individual character, they are the essence of perfect impercetion.

Jewellery to carry your story

My grandmother on my mum's side marked life’s important moments with jewellery for my sister and me. I still wear those pieces, often mixed with my own designs.

That is what I hope to create for you: jewellery that becomes personal through wearing it. A gift, a memory, or simply a piece you reach for every day.

Care beyond the jewellery

My background in human rights and sustainable development continues to inform how I run RAW. I primarily use recycled sterling Silver and work to make thoughtful choices about materials, suppliers and packaging.

Each year, I donate at least 10% of RAW Copenhagen’s annual profit to charities supporting marine conservation, women’s health and humanitarian causes in conflict zones. It’s a way of keeping the causes I care about part of the business I’m building.

Why RAW?

The name draws on the Danish expression “råt for usødet”, meaning “raw and unsweetened”: saying and expression things as they are.

This saying translated into a design language means that I want to allow the natural character of the materials to speak for themselves. Organic pearls, tactile textures and simple forms. A Scandinavian point of view, made personal by you.

Thank you for being here.

Karina

For questions about a piece, contact me at raw@rawcopenhagen.co.uk.