For Maria Undheim, the founder of the Scandinavian jewelry label Studio Bille, jewelry has never been just about aesthetics. Her deeply personal brand was born out of a desire to reconnect with creativity, storytelling, and the intimate power of objects. Today, Studio Bille is known for its clean lines, Scandinavian sensibility, and emotional resonance—each piece crafted with intention, memory, and care.
Maria’s creative journey began in childhood, shaped by days spent in her late uncle’s artist studio. “Growing up, some of my best memories are from creating in my late uncle’s studio, contemporary artist Sven Undheim,” she reflects. “His way of looking at things from a constructional and minimal point of view still plays a role in how I work.”
After exploring various creative and academic paths—from studying fine art and graphic design to earning a master’s degree in special pedagogy—Maria found herself burned out, yet longing for a space where tactile creativity could live again. It was in the wake of the COVID era that Studio Bille emerged, a quiet but powerful act of reinvention.
“I didn’t start out dreaming of launching a jewelry brand,” she explains. “I simply wanted to create something relevant, something that would last. Jewelry, with its intimacy and emotional weight, became the perfect medium.”
The name Studio Bille carries a profound personal meaning—named after Maria’s oldest daughter, it symbolizes a desire to lead by example and embrace vulnerability as strength. “At my lowest point, she was my why. I wanted her to see that courage doesn’t mean being fearless, but choosing to move forward regardless.“
Maria’s designs reflect a deeply personal narrative. Each piece carries the memory of something lost or longed for—the Benno earrings are inspired by her mother’s 1980s statement jewelry, while the Blanche necklace honors transformation and resilience. “My jewelry often ends up being the distilled form of a memory,” she says. “It’s both personal and universal.”
Scandinavian minimalism, Norwegian landscapes, and literary reflection guide her aesthetic—simple, organic forms with functional elegance. “I don’t like to dress up much. I prefer a minimal look where every detail matters. That’s how I design too—Studio Bille is about quiet luxury.”
Studio Bille’s commitment to sustainability and ethical production is central to its identity. The brand uses recycled and responsibly sourced 925 sterling silver, originally working with a family-run factory in Norway before expanding to certified factories in Italy.
“We work with partners who share our values—craftsmanship, transparency, and environmental responsibility,” Maria explains.
For her, sustainability is not just about materials but mindset. “Longevity is key. Each piece should carry value beyond the moment you buy it. The industry needs to slow down.”
Among her personal favorites are the Blanche ring, a daily staple symbolizing growth, and the brand’s signature chain necklaces—versatile enough for jeans and a tee or an elegant evening look.
“It’s all about creating pieces that stay with you,” she says. “That evolve as you do.”
In a world of fast fashion and fleeting trends, Studio Bille offers something rare: a reminder to slow down, to feel, and to treasure the pieces that speak to who we are.
Studio Bille will soon be expanding to select stores in the United States, bringing its timeless, emotionally grounded pieces to a broader audience. Still, the brand remains rooted in its founding vision: to create jewelry that means something.
This isn’t just about making beautiful things,” Maria says. “It’s about memory, resilience, and finding beauty in simplicity. That’s what Studio Bille stands for.”
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