CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
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
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
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat ThemSponsored by Digital Monitoring Products
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé PendantThe special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week PicksAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersTwo awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
