In light of our in-house Tom Wood installation at UP THERE, we recently had the privilege to chat to founder of Tom Wood, Mona Jensen, on the evolution of the brand, Scandinavian design principles, personal storytelling through jewellery, and the ideas that continue to shape Tom Wood today.
UT: For someone discovering Tom Wood for the first time, how would you describe the brand in one sentence?
MJ: Tom Wood is a luxury jewellery house defined by radical transparency, responsible craftsmanship, and timeless design.
UT: Tom Wood started with a single signet ring. What drew you to that form initially, and why does it still feel relevant today?
MJ: I was never particularly interested in jewellery, I used to think of myself more as a “watch person.” I have always been drawn to functional objects and androgynous design—the first piece of jewellery I ever felt connected to became my wedding ring in 2010. It was a vintage silver signet ring my husband found in a drawer, and we engraved our wedding date as a secret code on the tabletop. Without realizing it at the time, we were using the signet ring much like it was used historically—as a personal marker of identity. I was drawn to its weight, bold proportions, masculinity and historical presence.
Over time, the signet ring also became important to us symbolically. Traditionally, it was used to seal documents and signify authenticity, which connects closely to how we think about responsibility and traceability in Tom Wood today. I believe the signet ring will always remain relevant as a timeless and essential form.
UT: Was there a moment in the brand’s journey where something didn’t go to plan but ultimately shaped its direction?
b A defining shift came when we decided to move away from clothing and focus entirely on jewellery. It was driven by our vision to be a responsible house, with a focus on our environmental footprint. By focusing on fewer, more intentional designs, we were able to define a clearer direction and strengthen the company's foundation.
UT: What’s one piece from the current collection that best represents where the brand is right now?
MJ: The 'Reflections Collection' represents where we are today.It'sa new capsule rooted in the history of the signet ring, introducing a curated selection of signet rings and pendants developed in collaboration with tattoo artist Guy Le Tatooer. Hand-drawn symbols are translated into engraved jewellery and build on the idea that jewellery becomes part of personal people’s lives and stories over time. To me, jewellery is not only an object, but represents markers of personality, history, connection and meaning. Reflections will be released in June.
UT: Is there a source of inspiration Tom Wood continually returns to?
MJ: I am deeply inspired by craftsmanship and culture. Traveling, meeting people, and encountering new environments often shape how ideas develop. Many of my strongest ideas appear unexpectedly. They tend to come from being present and attentive rather than searching deliberately for inspiration.
UT: Scandinavian design is often described as minimal. Do you agree with that, or is there more nuance behind the aesthetic?
MJ: To me, Scandinavian design is about reduction with intention. It is functional, material-driven, and built around proportion and longevity rather than expression alone.
Removing what is unnecessary allows the essential qualities of an object to remain, but it is not about making things neutral or anonymous. It is about clarity, honesty in materials, and designing objects that can live with people over time. At Tom Wood, we think about jewellery in much the same way. Pieces should feel precise and lasting, but also personal. They carry meaning, memory, and responsibility in their making, which becomes part of their value beyond appearance.
The Tom Wood range is available online and in-store now. If you're local or in the area, head in to store to check out our custom installation at 69 Flinders Ln, Melbourne.
