CollectionsApr 19, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Treasure NecklaceA new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
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.
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.
More on Trends
The Latest
CrimeApr 19, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
MajorsApr 19, 2024
Unique Designs Acquires China PearlThe move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
GradingApr 19, 2024
AGS Ideal Report Now Available in Printed FormFrom now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
Weekly QuizApr 19, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
SourcingApr 18, 2024
Diamond Trade Remains Cautious Amid Economic UncertaintyDe Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Supplier BulletinApr 18, 2024
Discover History’s Hidden Gems at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your BusinessFor over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
WatchesApr 18, 2024
Watch E-tailer Collectability Hires Kelly YochThe Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
WatchesApr 18, 2024
TAG Heuer Opens Its Largest Standalone Boutique at SeaThe 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2024
NDC Prevails in U.K. Case Over Lab-Grown Diamond AdvertisingNDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
Events & AwardsApr 17, 2024
And the 2024 Winner of the Shipley Award Is … John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
FinancialsApr 17, 2024
LVMH’s Q1 Jewelry Sales Fall 5%LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
MajorsApr 17, 2024
Stuller’s B&D Opens New HeadquartersB&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
CollectionsApr 16, 2024
Akaila Reid Launches ‘Eat Cake’ CollectionIt’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Loudr Adds 2 DirectorsEmily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Stuller Releases First Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CatalogIts updated book for mountings is also now available.
SourcingApr 16, 2024
Karen Rentmeesters Takes Over as Interim CEO of AWDCShe has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
TechnologyApr 15, 2024
Judge Rules Jeweler’s Lawsuit Against PNC Bank Can Move ForwardJoyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
IndependentsApr 15, 2024
Alfred W. DeScenza of DeScenza Diamonds Dies at 95He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
AuctionsApr 15, 2024
Madeleine K. Albright Jewelry, Pins Coming to AuctionHosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
AuctionsApr 15, 2024
All of Sotheby’s ‘Rough Diamonds’ Sold in Less Than an HourThe auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
Events & AwardsApr 15, 2024
10 Can’t-Miss Sessions at AGS Conclave 2024From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.
Recorded WebinarsApr 12, 2024
Watch: What Jewelers Need to Know About InsuranceFrom cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
CollectionsApr 12, 2024
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s Evil Eye Gemstone CharmThe charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Events & AwardsApr 12, 2024
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 4 Scholarship WinnersAhead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
Policies & IssuesApr 11, 2024
SRK Exports’ Journey Toward Net Zero Impact By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
