The Inspiration behind my Wings Collection

Much of my jewellery is inspired by stories; stories that move or encourage me and stories of places or things that I love. And when I am creating bespoke pieces for clients I often take inspiration from their stories - who they are and what is important to them.

Because the stories are important to me, I thought that I should share a little more about the inspiration behind my collections - hopefully, the stories will resonate with you and you will find your own meaning in my pieces too.

This is the story of my Wings Collection, launched in 2014.


Many of us face difficult times, and all of us need reminding that in the midst of what we are facing, we can find the strength to keep going.

During a particularly difficult time in my life I needed a reminder of where, in who, and why, I could have hope. I found great encouragement in a particular Bible verse in the book of Isaiah which says “those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles”. This was something I regularly meditated on and which encouraged me daily, so I decided to create jewellery that would be a reminder of this.

Growing up in Shetland, I was inspired by the airborne grace of the seabirds around our coastline, and I was further drawn to wings as a cross-cultural symbol for strength, hope and courage during my research and development for this collection.

For some, wings will symbolise angels - maybe as a reminder of someone who has passed away, maybe as a reminder of loved ones who watch over them, or a guardian angel who will keep them safe.

For others, wings are a bold symbol of freedom and strength - a reminder of who they are and why they can pick themselves up and keep going.

But whoever you are and whatever inspires you, I hope that as you wear a piece from the Wings Collection, you will have a daily reminder of who you are, and give you the hope and strength to soar.

Karlin x

Isaiah 40:31 - but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.