SourcingJul 15, 2026
1,305-Carat Diamond Recovered from Mine in BotswanaThe yet-to-be named stone is the 10th diamond weighing more than 1,000 carats to come out of Lucara’s Karowe mine.
TrendsAug 10, 2016
‘Vanity’ Charts Greek Jewelry from Past to Present
The jewelry exhibition will display 12 commissioned pieces from contemporary Greek designers alongside ancient works.
This ring, dated to the 2nd to 3rd century A.D., is part of the Vanity exhibition opening today at the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos.
Mykonos, Greece--A new exhibition in Mykonos will examine the illustrious Greek jewelry tradition, relating the ancient craft to its evolution into modern-day design.
“Vanity, Stories of Jewellery in the Cyclades,” presented by the Ephorate of Antiquities of Cyclades at the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, brings together 230 pieces of jewelry dating from the Neolithic era to the 1970s, all originating from the Cycladic islands.
Additionally, 12 pieces of jewelry specially commissioned for the exhibition from contemporary Greek jewelry designers will be on display, from artists Lito, Nikos Koulis, Ileana Makri, Venyx by Eugenie Niarchos, Yannis Sergakis, Elena Syraka, Minas, Deux Hommes, Sophia Kokosalaki, Ioanna Souflia, Two is Company and Sofia Vamiali.
A choker commissioned for Vanity from designer Lito
A pendant by Elena Syraka
Jewelry from Deux Hommes
A necklace by Ileana Makri
Earrings from Ioanna Souflia
A bracelet by Nikos Koulis
Designs by Minas
A bracelet by Sofia Vamiali
Designs by Sophia Kokosalaki
An art object by Two is Company
A pendant from Venyx
Earrings by Yannis Sergakis
“I wanted to cover all the range of jewelry design, from costume to fine, introducing the most prominent contemporary designers,” said Greek fashion editor Michael Pandos, who curated the exhibition’s contemporary design component.
These chosen jewelers expressed the belief that their design ethos is inextricably linked to the thousands of years of craft that came before them.
“My work is based and continuously draws inspiration from ancient civilizations, so the ‘Vanity’ project was something that is very much what I love to do: translating elements of Ancient Greek culture into a modern statement jewel,” said Elena Syraka.
Ioanna Souflia, for one, was excited to view her work within a historical context.
Of the exhibition’s significance, she said, “‘Vanity’ will take the visitor through Greece’s long history of jewelry making, from the very beginning of the Neolithic era to the present, unraveling the evolution of jewelry, its purpose, its power and meaning as an object, as well as its beauty, which takes a variety of forms throughout the centuries.”
Those varieties include basic carved beads and figurines from common stones and semi-precious ones, bones and glass, to intricate, detailed earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets in gold, silver and bronze.
An anthropomorphic stone pendant from Saliagos, dated to 5300-4500 B.C.
A gold bracelet from Naxos, dated to 850-760 B.C.
Gold earrings from Paros, dated to 1st century B.C.
Gold earrings with semi-precious stones from Delos, dated to 2nd half of 2nd century B.C. to the beginning of 1st century B.C.
A gold ring with incised decoration from Thera, dated to 2nd-3rd century A.D.
These beads made of glass, carnelian, stone and faience are from Thera, dated to the Archaic period.
“The ancient jewelry originates mostly from the permanent collections of the Archaeological Museums of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Cyclades in 19 different islands,” said archaeologist Maria Koutsoumpou, one of the exhibition’s curators. “The majority of the items have never before been exhibited or published, making the assemblage more interesting."
Charting the desire for adornment from present day to antiquity inspired the designer of brand Lito, Lito Karakostanoglou, to create a choker from the graphic shapes of her most recent collection for the exhibition.
“Vanity is intrinsically linked
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
to jewelry. The question is, how do you define the fine line between wearing jewelry as a form of self-expression and the negativity of narcissism?” she said. “This exhibition gave me the opportunity to explore my thought on this subject through a single piece of jewelry. The choker that I designed opens a dialogue between the wearer and the viewer. Between the simplicity of the Cycladic form and the boldness of gold, between self-love and wanting to look attractive and being a captive of your own vanity.”
Karakostanoglou’s thoughts are sure to be the first of many discussions spurred by the jewelry on view, both new and old.
“Vanity” opens today and will run through September 2017 in Mykonos, before touring other Cycladic islands.
Karakostanoglou’s thoughts are sure to be the first of many discussions spurred by the jewelry on view, both new and old.
“Vanity” opens today and will run through September 2017 in Mykonos, before touring other Cycladic islands.
More on Trends
The Latest
IndependentsJul 15, 2026
New Jersey Jeweler Barry Berman Dies at 81The founder of Fords Jewelers, Berman is remembered for his love of connecting with his community.
FinancialsJul 15, 2026
Watches of Switzerland’s US Sales Jump 18%, Declines to Comment on Sale Report The watch and jewelry retailer had a strong fiscal year despite what its CEO described as a “complex operating backdrop.”
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 15, 2026
Pomellato’s New High Jewelry Is LiberatingBold color, expressive gem-setting, and sculptural form define the three chapters that make up “Stile Libero.”
IndependentsJul 14, 2026
Foundrae Opens First Standalone Store Outside USThe New York-based jewelry brand has expanded overseas, opening a store in London’s Mayfair district.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
ColumnistsJul 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: What Today’s Jewelry Consumer Is Telling Us Rising revenue does not automatically mean a healthy business, particularly in the current economic landscape, Smith writes.
CrimeJul 14, 2026
Man Charged in $1M Jewelry Store Heist Lands on FBI Most Wanted ListAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged with robbing a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and is the only one still at large.
Events & AwardsJul 14, 2026
Conference on Mining, Sustainability Kicks Off in NYCInitiatives in Art and Culture is hosting its 16th annual Gold and Diamond Conference, with the theme of “Resilience.”
Lab-GrownJul 13, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb Changes Her Mind on Lab-Grown DiamondsThe designer, who once said she’d never sell lab-grown diamonds, debuted two capsule collections designed to be fun and easy to wear.
SourcingJul 13, 2026
De Beers Announces Potential Layoffs, 2-Year Production Pause at VenetiaThe diamond miner and marketer is undergoing another round of cost-cutting measures ahead of its sale by Anglo American.
Events & AwardsJul 13, 2026
Registration Opens for JIS Fall 2026 ShowThe annual trade-only buying event is slated for Oct. 16-19 in Miami Beach, Florida.
Events & AwardsJul 13, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026AGTA also has announced the lineup of judges for the colored gemstone cutting and jewelry design contest’s various categories.
TechnologyJul 10, 2026
There’s a New Blind Box for Luxury Watches Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.
SourcingJul 10, 2026
CFO of De Beers’ Consumer-Facing Division Leaves Company Shaun Wills joined the company in 2024 and was chief financial officer of the De Beers Brands and Consumer Markets division.
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into WatchesIn honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
Halstead Names 2026 Grant WinnerEnoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
AGS, GIA Name 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship WinnerAGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
