Gold That Carries – Endomi­nes Helping to Make the Maan povi Chari­ty Jewel­le­ry a Reali­ty

The North Karelian association Hertta Carelía ry, together with Kultakeskus and Endomines, organised the Maan povi jewellery design competition in late 2025 with the aim of creating a golden piece symbolising comfort and encouragement for women living with breast cancer. Finland’s leading goldsmiths and jewellery designers were invited to participate, and the winner has now been selected.

Gold for a Unique Piece from Ilomantsi – Endomines Donated the Gold

The purpose of the Maan povi competition was to create a unique piece of jewellery and to draw attention to an important cause: supporting women living with breast cancer.

“Hertta Carelía’s mission is to bring comfort, encouragement and joy to women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer – from the moment of diagnosis to the midst of treatment and throughout recovery. Within the association, we had the wish and idea of creating a piece of jewellery that would make this theme visible,” says founder Sarah Laukkanen.

“We were delighted to join the collaboration and the jury – and to donate the gold required for the piece. For such a meaningful piece, it feels especially fitting to use gold that comes from our own country’s ground,” says Anni Turpeinen, Chief Communications Officer at Endomines.

A Symbol of Support, Connection and Comfort

The name Maan povi (“Earth’s bosom”) refers both to gold’s origin deep underground and to the part of the body affected by the illness. The winning design was created by goldsmith Assi Arnimaa-Leinonen, whose work draws inspiration from the interconnected structure of fungal mycelium – a beautiful metaphor for the support shared between people.

“The network of life that stretches across generations is a deeply meaningful spiritual force. The piece is dignified and celebratory, delicate and beautiful,” noted Sini Hulkkonen, Managing Director of Joensuu Entrepreneurs Association and a member of the jury.

Endomines’ Special Mention

Endomines also awarded a special mention to designer Mari Isopahkala. Her piece resonated through its understated sensitivity and two interlocking elements:

“The idea of a gently powerful amulet that could be worn by both the woman herself and her loved one was compelling,” Turpeinen says.

Another special mention was awarded to goldsmith Hannu Tuomaala, whose work approached the theme boldly, highlighting hope and beauty despite the bodily changes caused by illness and its treatments.

The Unique Jewellery Piece Will Be Donated in April

• Production: Kultakeskus will craft the winning design as a unique golden piece.

• Gold: Endomines Finland Oyj will donate the gold sourced from Ilomantsi for the jewellery.

• Presentation: The piece will be presented to Hertta Carelía at the annual dinner of the Vuorimiesyhdistys (Finnish Association of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers) on 20 March 2026, and Hertta Carelía will then donate it at the Hertta Carelía Gala in April to a woman from North Karelia who is living with breast cancer or recovering from it.

Competition Jury

The jury comprised representatives from Hertta Carelía ry, Endomines Finland Oyj and Kultakeskus, as well as two independent members:

Sini Hulkkonen, Managing Director, Joensuun Yrittäjät ry

Seppo Sankila, Master Silversmith