Mussels and Muscles

Lea Köhn is an Austrian jewelry designer and founder of mussels and muscles, established in 2020 in Vienna. With a background studying sculpture at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich, her pieces are materialized through a reduced clearness and minimalistic elegance based on the tension between art and design. The creative process starts with conceptual considerations evolving into wearable pieces, practicing a close relationship with the body´s interactions with each jewel. Each piece is handmade with responsibly sourced, up-and re-cycled sterling silver, gold, and other raw materials like gemstones and pearls from one of Vienna’s many antique stores and flea markets. The foundation of mussels and muscles is based on close relationships with local suppliers, protecting traditional craftsmanship, reducing waste, and the use of resources to achieve the highest quality possible, with transparency throughout the whole process.