The story behind the AKIN collection

Collecting sand from across the world sounds simple. It isn’t.

Laws and regulations restrict or prohibit sand collection in many places. Protected beaches, nature reserves, geological sites — the rules vary by country, region and even specific location. The gathering of sand was built around these rules from the start. Permits were obtained, protected areas respected.

This is not casual souvenir collecting.

Geologists, travelers, local contacts and generous strangers made it possible. Sand was carried, sent, handed over. 1,000+ people across the world.

Eventually, sand from every nation on Earth stood together in one room.

Slowly the jars filled.

What “every nation” means

How many nations exist in the world depends on how you count. The UN recognizes 193 member states plus 2 observer states — 195 in total. AKIN uses this as a base.

But it goes further. Sand from Taiwan, Kosovo and Western Sahara is included. Sand from territories that are independent in some contexts but not others.

Yes — North Korea is in there. The Vatican too. Every single one.

The intention is not to judge borders. It is to not leave places out.

Beyond the 195+ nations

Each piece also contains sand from a small number of additional locations — chosen for what they represent, not only where they are.

Ganges riverbank. Deep sea. At the feet of the Sphinx in Giza. An olympic arena. Everest Base Camp. Places where something has been pushed. Places where something has happened.

Some are documented in Sand Origins. Others are not.

The pieces

AKIN means kinship. The collection is built on the idea that we belong together, regardless of place. Not as an idea. As something that already exists.

A single piece does not contain one place. It contains many.

Each AKIN piece begins with this material.

A small amount of sand is taken from each country, grain by grain. Hand-picked and blended by the founder.

The sand is placed visibly between two sapphire glasses and set in recycled sterling silver. Sand color, grain size and distribution vary naturally.

Not a map. Not a symbol. Sand from across the world, held in one piece.

Kinfolk, Kindred, Kinship — three forms, one origin.

All pieces are made in 100% recycled sterling silver. Each piece is hand-filled. Minor variations are part of it.

The overlooked material

Sand is one of the most used raw materials on Earth. It is in concrete, glass, electronics and water filtration.

Demand has grown so fast that legal sources often cannot keep up.

There’s even a sand mafia.

The same material. Held in one piece.

The small is never small.