Trends

These Greek Jewels Are Up for Auction

TrendsNov 09, 2020

These Greek Jewels Are Up for Auction

Pieces from designers Nikos Koulis and Prounis will benefit Greece’s humanitarian and economic recovery.

20201109_Prounis.jpg
Designer Jean Prounis donated these earrings to The Hellenic Initiative’s silent auction to benefit its various Greek humanitarian and economic relief programs. Crafted in 22-karat gold with moonstone, the starting bid is $2,000.

New York—The Hellenic Initiative’s eighth annual gala has, predictably, gone virtual.

Each year, Greek jewelry, fashion and home designers donate pieces to be auctioned ahead of the gala, with raised funds benefiting the initiative that supports Greece’s humanitarian and economic recovery through aiding various nonprofit organizations and investing in Greek entrepreneurs and leaders.

This year, representing Greece’s rich jewelry tradition in the silent charity auction are jewels from Nikos Koulis, an Athens native, and Prounis, the eponymous line by American designer Jean Prounis, who is of Greek heritage and whose work is inspired by jewels from ancient Greece and Rome.

Nikos Koulis is offering a sleek 18-karat white gold pendant with emerald, white diamonds and black diamonds on an 18-karat white gold chain from the “Oui” collection.

Normally sold for $4,000, bids start at $2,000 for the piece.

Prounis, meanwhile, is offering its “Nona Drop Earrings,” so called for the Latin term meaning “having nine.” It refers to the nine granules featured in each 22-karat gold earring, which also features a rainbow moonstone cabochon.

Handmade in New York City and valued at $4,000, the earrings also start at $2,000.

More affordable jewels include the gift-worthy Elena Votsi “Evil Eye Bracelet” made of blown glass on a pink cord, which has a $175 minimum bid and sells for $340; a rhodium-plated sterling silver cuff from Huffy Jewels valued at $500 and starting at $250; and rhodium-plated sterling silver earrings from Vanile on the Rock by Vanessa Geroulanos, valued at $160 and available at a minimum bid of $75.

The auction is underway now, concluding Thursday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. EDT in concurrence with the virtual gala.

The Hellenic Initiative was established in 2012. The secular nonprofit has committed or distributed $5.7 million toward direct crisis relief, plus $10.1 million toward economic and entrepreneurial development.

This year, funds raised are earmarked for hunger relief, health and social welfare support, as well as vocational training.

Not limited to jewels, the auction also offers art, spirits, food and luxury vacations. The full list, with bids open to all, is online.

Last year’s gala garnered more than $2.3 million.

Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

Deutsch & Deutsch jewelers team
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in Texas

Family-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.

Baume & Mercier Riviera 10812 pink watch
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & Mercier

The Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.

Ella Blum
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand Strategy

Ella Blum was appointed to the newly created role.

JamAlert 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell Jammers

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

National-Jeweler_1872x1502_B copy.png
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone Market

Sponsored by RapNet

Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Lugano Diamonds Greenwich Connecticut store
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a Buyer

Investment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.

A Diamond Is Forever book
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ Book

It explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.

Recipients Collage 2025 - NJ (1872 x 1050 px) (1872 x 1052 px).png
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow Today

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Sindhu Culas
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America President

Retail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.

Taylor Burgess
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Stuller Names New Chief Merchandising, Marketing, Sales Officer

Taylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.

My Next Question podcast with Sherry Smith and Edahn Golan
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s Next

Was 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.

Jules Kim of Bijules, Sophie Howard of By Pariah, Jade Ruzzo, Joy Haugaard of Lionheart, Vanessa Fernández of Vanessa Fernández Studio, Hiba Husayni of Zahn-Z
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026

Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.

Columbia Gem House celestial shapes
SourcingJan 21, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes

Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.

Gavel and books stock image
CrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store Robbery

Plus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.

Felice Korr Morris
IndependentsJan 21, 2026
Delaware Jeweler Felice Morris Dies at 91

Morris’ most cherished role was being a mother and grandmother, her family said.

Bulgari Vimini Collection Campaign
CollectionsJan 21, 2026
Bulgari Weaves New Collection of ‘Vimini’ Creations

“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.

The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay California
Events & AwardsJan 21, 2026
Jewelers Mutual’s ‘Conversations’ Retreat Returns to Discuss AI

The third edition will be held in Half Moon Bay, California, in April.

Hiba Husayni, Jules Kim, Johnny Nelson, Dorian Webb, Lorraine West
Events & AwardsJan 20, 2026
These Are the 5 Finalists for the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant

The grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.

Emmanuel Raheb, National Jeweler columnist and CEO of Smart Age Solutions
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026

Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Heath Yarges
MajorsJan 20, 2026
Borsheims Hires New Assistant Facilities Manager

Heath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.

Peter Yantzer at a diamond cutting machine
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness

Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.

Buccellati Opera Tulle ring
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3

Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.

Gavel
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store Robberies

Trevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.

Jewelers of America 20 Under 40 Program
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now Open

The program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.

The Venetian Expo Las Vegas
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now Open

A new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.

Avocados From Mexico Golden Double Dip Chip
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden Chip

Avocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.

41.82-carat rough blue diamond recovered from the Cullinan Mine
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South Africa

Petra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy