The now famous Little Mermaid bronze statue of Andersen’s fairy tale heroine was a gift to Copenhagen from Carlsberg brewer Carl Jacobsen. Ellen Price, who portrayed the little mermaid in the ballet of the same name, modelled for the head; the artist’s wife, Eline Eriksen, posed for the body. The Little Mermaid took her seat on the harbour rocks in August 1913. If you won’t settle for a Little Mermaid key ring or paper weight souvenir, but insist on an authentic “Little Mermaid” statue of your own, that can be arranged. The heirs of the artist, Edvard Eriksen, offer replicas of various sizes on their website: mermaidsculpture.dk
Maya Bjørnsten designs unique, artisanal jewellery featuring rough diamonds, a sophisticated alternative to the usual cut stones. Her boutique is set in a charming courtyard at Bredgade 56, where Maya is happy to welcome you for a “non-committal visit”. It’s an interesting stop, even if you are “just looking”. But if you are actually hunting for something special, your search may end here. Raw diamonds are graded according to different qualities, so there’s a big price range. Stones come in a variety of shapes and colours; they are mounted as earrings, necklaces, cufflinks and, of course, rings, which will cost from €900 for either a ready-made piece or one conceived just for you. The shop is open on Tuesday from 11.00 to 16.00, on Thursday and Friday from 11.00 to 17.30, and on Saturday from 11.00 to 15.00. You can also make an appointment outside regular hours by telephoning +45 20 20 70 86. For a preview, check the website: roughdiamonds.dk
The lavish flagship store of Royal Copenhagen is at 6 Amagertorv Square, a short walk down Strøget from Kongens Nytorv. All its china patterns, including the first – Blue Fluted, which was first produced in 1775 for the royal family – can be seen (and bought) here. For Royal Copenhagen at a reduced price, browse the ‘seconds’ at the Royal Copenhagen Outlet in Frederiksberg, a 25-minute taxi ride from the Bella Center. The china company acquired Georg Jensen in 1971, so Jensen bargains can be found here too.
