Smith recalls a bit of wisdom the industry leader, who died last week, shared at a diamond conference years ago.
Nikos Koulis Delivers Two New Collections in Vegas
The Greek powerhouse jewelry designer and Couture Design Award winner returns to Vegas with plenty of newness at the Couture show.

Las Vegas--This year marks ten years of business for Nikos Koulis, and his latest offerings displayed at the Couture show in Las Vegas reflect a distinctive self-assuredness.
“Yesterday” exhibited a concentrated influence of Art Deco, one of Koulis’ preeminent influences over the past decade.
“It’s a revisit of old, Art Deco designs and patterns in a modern way,” explained the designer. “Since I like old, vintage jewelry, this is my passion.”
The Deco influence was realized in striking white diamond, black enamel and white gold necklaces, pendants, bracelets and earrings, accented with Koulis’ favorite stone--emeralds.
“Because there are so many inclusions, [emeralds] cannot be perfect,” said Koulis of his ongoing affinity for the gemstone. “I like to find the beauty in imperfections, and some of these imperfections are giving the color and the intensity to the stone.”
Koulis also showed his new “Eden” collection, inspired by the colors and nature of the Mediterranean.
The line features vivid apatite, rubellite, white diamonds and onyx, set in Koulis’ bold, geometric patterns.
No matter the specific influence of a particular set of designs, Koulis is interested in maintaining a continuity throughout his oeuvre.
“The past and what I have already done in design is visible in these pieces,” he explained.
New to the fray were lariats done Koulis-style, in black and white with a pop of color and an abundance of stones, as well as entry-level ribbon bracelets and chokers.
Also on view were new iterations of the popular “Oui” collection launched at last year’s Couture, which garnered the designer a Couture Design Award in the bridal category.
This year’s additions included pieces with a fresh gray enamel frame, an update on the designer’s classic black.
Koulis joins several of his Greek compatriots at the Couture show; the nation turns out many successful jewelry designers in the global arena.
“I think it’s because of our tradition,” Koulis said. “We have a strong tradition in making jewelry and designing jewelry.”
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