dreamy underwater photography highlights jewelry submerged in clear blue finnish waters

finnish jewelry brand anna’s darling has collaborated with two sisters, ice diver johanna nordblad and photographer elina manninen to present a series of dreamy underwater photos. sharing a deep love for water, along with similar visions and values, the firm and the sisters have come together to introduce this creative project that highlights the beauty of both the jewelry pieces and the clear blue waters of finland.

waves jewelry set photographed on johanna nordblad
all images by elina manninen

anna’s darling owner, anna-reetta väänänen, draws influence from the lakes all over finland to create her detailed designs. coming across water every day, she sees it as a familiar, yet enchanting element that lies close to her heart. ‘this surrounding nature and my love for human beings around me is the heart of my jewelry’ väänänen shares. her collaboration with johanna and elina celebrates their shared attachment to water, while seeking to encourage people to think outside the box and create links with those whose work you believe in and those with whom you find a meaningful connection. 

dahlia jewelry set photographed on johanna nordblad

water is a passion for all collaborators of this project. johanna nordblad is one of the pioneers of freediving in finland, holding many national and world records, as well as a guinness world record for 50 meters ice diving wearing just a swimming suit. ‘there’s a whole other world under the water’ nordblad says. ‘I feel like I am sleeping a nice and calm dream; it’s a dreamworld. I am part of the lake and I feel connected to nature; it’s my sanctuary’ she adds.

a clear and dreamlike atmosphere is created underwater for the jewelry photoshoot

photographer elina manninen shows strong interest in water, too. ‘sunlight reflects softly in the water and it all looks beautiful and different’ she explains. ‘the world beneath the surface is breathtaking’. elina has been taking underwater pictures with johanna since their teenage years. with their pictures, the sisters hope to help protect finnish nature, by showing people how beautiful and delicate the underwater world is. ‘we show it, so it won’t be so strange and unfamiliar’ adds johanna.

project info:

name: waves under water
jewelry design: anna-reetta väänänen from anna’s darling
photography: elina manninen
model: johanna nordblad

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom