CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
TrendsJul 28, 2016
Lito Goes Graphic with ‘Infinite’ Jewelry Collection
The latest offerings from the Greek jewelry designer are a vast departure from her signature motifs.
A 14-karat rose and yellow gold bracelet with opal from designer Lito’s new infinite collection. Lito Goes Graphic with ‘Infinite’ Jewelry Collection
Athens--Despite Greece’s small size, it can sometimes feel like there are as many talented jewelry designers as there are idyllic islands within the country’s borders.
Athens-based Lito Karakostanoglou is the creative force behind fine jewelry brand Lito, which is carried by stores like Twist and Broken English and online at Net-a-Porter.
The brand is known for several signature motifs: a requisite evil eye, which is, despite the symbol’s ubiquity, one of the most hauntingly unique pieces of jewelry out there; its original scarab wing collection; and the hive range, which features rose-cut diamonds grouped into hypnotic patterns that most closely resemble strands of DNA.
Lito’s latest offering for fall 2016, the Infinite collection, is a far cry from Karakostanoglou’s typically intricate designs.
Rendered in 14-karat gold and diamonds, with the exception of one show-stopping bracelet that features a large opal, Lito has veered towards basic but impactful shapes with Infinite.
Two views of Lito’s 14-karat yellow and rose gold bracelet with cabochon-cut opal ($6,180)
“It’s all about simplicity,” explained Karakostanoglou. “It’s bold in its simplicity.”
“It’s all about simplicity,” explained Karakostanoglou. “It’s bold in its simplicity.”
From left, a 14-karat yellow gold hoop earring and 14-karat rose gold hoop earring ($3,470 per pair)
A 14-karat rose and yellow gold cuff ($1,770)
Lito’s 14-karat yellow gold earrings ($2,070)
A 14-karat yellow and rose gold earring ($1,000)
From left, a 14-karat rose gold lariat necklace ($730) and 14-karat yellow gold lariat necklace with diamonds ($2,930)
A 14-karat rose gold and diamond ring ($4,240)
“It’s all about simplicity,” explained Karakostanoglou. “It’s bold in its simplicity.”
Karakostanoglou has a circuitous design process, involving much experimentation and trial-and-error, but Infinite was originally inspired by the different shapes of vintage watch faces. She began creating similar shapes by laser-cutting gold, leaving a small hole in the center to represent the point where a watch’s hands are connected.
From there, she played with the various laser-cut shapes--ovals, rectangles, hexagons and octagons-- layering a rounded square with an octagon for an architectural, layered earring, or attaching an oval and circle to a cuff for a bold statement piece.
Karakostanoglou created various delicate lariats, pavé diamond-laden rings and a particularly stunning octagon hoop earring that is deceptively light for its size.
To maintain an element of playfulness, which is the connection among the collections of Lito’s oeuvre, Karakostanoglou experimented with combining yellow gold and rose gold in a single piece: a yellow gold-shaped circle, sitting next to a rose gold rectangle on a bracelet and so on. The unlikely color combination is subtle but provides an interesting visual depth to the pieces.
“The collection is very Cycladic, very minimal, very connected with the sun and the light, and how the light is reflected in those shapes and how you play with the two different colors,” Karakostanoglou said.
The designer’s favorite piece is the choker version of the opal bracelet, which she designed especially for the upcoming “Vanity” exhibit at the Mykonos Archaeological Museum. The exhibit will highlight Greek jewelry from ancient
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
to contemporary times, and feature 12 of today’s most prominent Greek designers.
Lito’s Infinite collection will be available at select retailers this fall. For more information, visit Lito-Jewelry.com.
Lito’s Infinite collection will be available at select retailers this fall. For more information, visit Lito-Jewelry.com.
More on Trends
The Latest
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressThe former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace AwardsThe employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
Weekly QuizAug 27, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit JewelryThe package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
IndependentsAug 27, 2026
Jessica McCormack to Open First West Coast StoreThe new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.
FinancialsAug 27, 2026
Movado’s Q2 Sales Up As Younger Consumers Take Interest in WatchesThe fashion watch category was once threatened by the Apple Watch, but consumers are now opting for new wearables, said Movado’s CEO.
SurveysAug 26, 2026
5 Jewelry Insights From The RealReal’s Resale ReportThe report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.
Lab-GrownAug 26, 2026
AGTA Now Requiring Members to Call Lab-Grown Gems ‘Synthetic’The association added the requirement to its revised "Code of Ethics" and released the 17th edition of its “Gemstone Information Manual.”
SurveysAug 26, 2026
Consumer Confidence Dips in August Amid Anticipatory Anxieties Respondents were concerned about the future of the labor market and their income as well as the rising prices of gas and groceries.
Events & AwardsAug 26, 2026
Harry Winston Exhibition to Open in ShanghaiIt will explore the life of “The King of Diamonds” and showcase more than 165 creations from the brand.
CrimeAug 25, 2026
Florida Woman Scammed Out of $1.5M in Jewelry, Precious MetalsTwo suspects have been arrested in connection with the complex phone scam.
ColumnistsAug 25, 2026
Proof Before Purchase: The Gen Z Way to BuyIn her first column for National Jeweler, Jennifer Shaheen asks jewelers if they know how to connect with the next generation of consumers.
Events & AwardsAug 25, 2026
SSEF Opens 2026 Applications for Gemology Education ScholarshipsThe annual awards cover tuition for an on-site educational course at the Swiss lab, as well as flights and lodging.
EditorsAug 24, 2026
Q&A: Reeds Jewelers VP Genna Zimmer on 80 Years in BusinessThe third-generation jeweler shared how the North Carolina retailer is celebrating this milestone and the love story that started it all.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
Rio Grande, MetalWerx Host Argentium Silver WorkshopThe class, led by renowned metalsmith Cynthia Eid, highlighted Argentium silver as an alternative to gold amid high prices.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
JIS Miami Opens Fall 2026 RegistrationThe show is slated for Oct. 16-19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
CollectionsAug 24, 2026
Francesca Villa Honors Napoleon, His Empresses In New CapsuleThe “Empresses” capsule uses 19th-century medals depicting Napoleon, Joséphine, and Marie-Louise across five one-of-a-kind pieces.
SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRFThe retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMODaniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US OpenIn our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is HereFounder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.
