Timeless Greek Elegance | Jewellery
From Ancient Masterpieces to Contemporary Design
From established jewellery houses to skilled independent designers and master goldsmiths, Greece's jewellery creators are gaining recognition for their exceptional craftsmanship and unique designs. A visit to Greece offers a unique chance to delve into the country's rich jewellery-making heritage, uncover its timeless artistry, and perhaps take home a remarkable piece that reflects Greece's enduring elegance and creativity.
The right piece of jewellery can complete and elevate any look and can sometimes be a look in its own right, especially when it carries within it a millennia-old heritage of masterful silver- and goldsmithing. Ancient Greeks loved their gold and some of the best examples of
truly vintage pieces of jewellery can be seen today at the
National Archaeological Museum in Athens, which houses the breathtaking finds from the Bronze Age royal tombs at Mycenae as well as a permanent jewellery exhibit, with pieces spanning the period from the Geometric to the Roman times.
Craftsmanship Across the Regions
The passion for creating exquisite handcrafted jewellery still burns strong throughout Greece. Regions across the country—from the village of Stemnitsa in the mountains of the Peloponnese to the city of Ioannina in Epirus, northwestern Greece, and the island of Rhodes in the southeastern Aegean Sea—boast proud silver- and goldsmithing traditions that go back generations and are still practised by dedicated artisans today. The
Silversmithing Museum in Ioannina and the Folklore Museum of Stemnitsa are fantastic places to start exploring Greece’s local jewellery-making traditions.
As a result, Greece is today home to a fabulously varied range of jewellery styles and a vibrant contemporary jewellery scene. From designers whose work is inspired by Greek culture and heritage—including Marianna Lemos, with her recurrent traditional
mati (evil eye) motifs, and Elli Lyraraki, a jewellery and footwear designer known for her collections inspired by Minoan culture—to brands that favour more raw or wildly creative styles—such as Noilence and Venyx—and from there to hole-in-the-wall ateliers all over the country, wherever you find yourself in Greece you’ll find plenty of opportunities to marvel at local talent and get your hands on some marvellous one-of-a-kind pieces crafted by skilled artisans.
Of course, Greece is also home to numerous internationally acclaimed high-end designers such as Nikos Koulis, Yannis Sergakis, and Christina Soubli, whose pieces are often seen on celebrities and red carpets worldwide, as well as Katerina Makriyianni, who famously collaborated with Christian Louboutin for the Capsule Greekaba collection. We’d be remiss not to mention the late legendary Ilias Lalaounis, a pioneer of Greek jewellery and internationally renowned goldsmith, who showed his collections and lectured on his art the world over throughout the 1970s and 1980s, going on to found the
Ilias Lalaounis Jewellery Museum, dedicated to the art of jewellery and goldsmithing, in the 1990s.
Greece’s jewellery scene is a true celebration of heritage, creativity, and craftsmanship. Whether inspired by millennia of tradition or the bold expressions of modern design, Greek jewellery reflects the country’s rich culture and artistic passion. Your next trip to Greece is not just an opportunity to admire this remarkable artistry but also to take home a piece of it—whether it’s a statement from an acclaimed designer or a unique creation from a local artisan. Let Greek jewellery become part of your story, a timeless reminder of the country’s beauty and talent.
