Continuing the presentation of the creators who staffed this year's AIJ Design Section, in this third and final part we present four designers.
Eros Psyche
Maria Apostolopoulou and Nikos Karakostas are the creators behind EROS-PSYCHE, the Greek workshop that has linked its name to the high art of precious stone engraving and innovative jewelry design. Based in the historic center of Athens with a presence of decades in the field of silversmithing and goldsmithing, their work constantly moves between art, history, and contemporary creation.
Coming from backgrounds in painting and cinema, they were led to jewelry by a deep inner need for creation and expression. For them, handmade jewelry is a form of art that speaks essentially to the human soul, with the creator acting as a «mediator» between beauty and humanity. Through precious metals and engraved stones, they create collector's pieces where ancient engraving techniques meet modern practices and innovative methods they have been developing for decades. Their inspiration is drawn from mythology, philosophy, architecture, and life itself.
Against the trends of the times that choose quick fixes and easy procedures, they themselves follow extremely time-consuming and demanding practices. As they state, the most powerful moment of creation is when the piece of jewelry is completed and its “magic” is revealed before their eyes. Their jewelry is available through selected jewelry stores, museums, cultural organizations, and galleries in Greece and abroad, while their collectible works are also presented through auctions and museum exhibitions.
Their relationship with A-I-J-S spans decades, as they have participated in the exhibition since the beginning of their journey. In recent years, they have actively supported the development of the Design Section, with the aim of creating a curated platform for contemporary Greek jewelry modeled after major international events.
As EROS-PSYCHE, they are not limited merely to participation, but also contribute substantially with proposals and experience, deeply believing in the potential of Greek design and the importance of collectively strengthening the industry.
The thought of Greek handmade jewelry brings to mind a small workshop, where human hands remain the soul of creation and traditional techniques survive through the dedication, craftsmanship, and love of the people of jewelry. For them, these workshops are living cultural treasures that deserve to be protected and to continue transmitting their cultural value through time.
+30 6970 754 196
mariaapostolopoulou12@gmail.com
mariaapostolopoulou.net
Dimitra Fotou
Dimitra Fotou is the creator behind the Athens-based brand Dimitra Fotou Jewelry. Her relationship with jewelry began in 2013, and since 2018 she has pursued the path of design and manufacturing professionally, thereby transforming her inner need for creation and expression into a personal artistic identity.
She creates jewelry from silver and 14K and 18K gold, using precious and semi-precious stones such as diamonds, sapphires, and pearls. Her inspiration stems primarily from nature, art, cultures, and the power of simplicity—elements that are reflected in the clean lines and modern aesthetics of her creations.
Her favorite moment in the production process is the design and the search for how a piece of jewelry can be produced while perfectly maintaining its aesthetics and finish.
Her first participation in AIJS took place this winter. She views the exhibition as an important opportunity for new collaborations, professional contacts, and meaningful connections with industry people. For her, every exhibition is another step of evolution for her brand and collections, with the goal of their gradual establishment over time.
Her jewelry is available through the e-shop as well as at her showroom, by appointment. When she thinks of Greek handmade jewelry, Greek silversmithing and goldsmithing workshops come to mind, along with creators who evolve jewelry with a modern and minimalist vision while preserving the techniques and heritage of previous generations.
+30 694 4292 378
info@dimitrafotoujewelry.gr
dimitrafotoujewelry.gr
Butterflyfish
Santhi is the creator behind the brand Butterflyfish, a contemporary handmade jewelry project that connects memory, tradition, and modern aesthetic expression. Based in Pallini, Attica, and with over twenty years of involvement in jewelry making, she creates pieces with character, purity, and timelessness.
Butterflyfish, as she herself describes, was born through memories and images of women's hands patiently and carefully creating jewelry, passing down techniques and stories from generation to generation.
Through this connection with the past, she creates handmade jewelry that combines the traditional “knot-by-knot” technique with a more contemporary aesthetic approach. She mainly uses semi-precious stones, natural materials, and metallic elements, drawing inspiration from memories, female figures of the past and present, the geometry of nature, and the relationship between structure and harmony. For her, the most beautiful moment is when the jewelry “comes together” and takes on a life of its own through the materials and the thread. However, completion comes when it is worn by a woman and becomes part of her personal story.
This year's AIJS marked Butterflyfish's first participation, as the brand was created just a year ago. For Santhi, the exhibition served as a meaningful experience for exchanging ideas, drawing inspiration, and making connections surrounding Greek handmade jewelry and its contemporary evolution.
Butterflyfish jewelry is hosted in selected stores and pop-up events throughout Greece, while when she thinks of Greek handmade jewelry, authenticity, the creator's personal stamp, and a deep connection to the history, light, and aesthetics of Greece come to mind. Greek handmade jewelry has a soul; it is a vehicle of culture, memory, and contemporary expression.
info.butterflyfish.gr
butterflyfish.gr
Austri Crux
Andreas is the creator behind the brand Austri Crux, a name inspired by the constellation of the Southern Cross, which since antiquity has served as a compass for travelers. In the same way, he views creation as a personal compass of expression and exploration. For the past nine years, he has been active in Athens, choosing to communicate through the art of jewelry.
His creations revolve mainly around unique pieces, made of silver, gold, and precious or semi-precious stones. His inspiration is born through observation, of both the external and the internal world. For him, jewelry is not merely an object, but an art form that is completed the moment it is worn. That is why functionality is an integral part of his creative process, perhaps even the most important one.
What fascinates him the most is watching an initial thought gradually transform through the process of creation. The limitations, changes, and difficulties that arise until a piece of jewelry takes its final form are, for him, the most essential and beautiful part of the journey. As he says, he often feels more like a medium of creation than the creator.
His jewelry is hosted in selected partner physical stores, and samples of his work can be discovered through Instagram, and soon via the website as well.
austrictux@gmail.com
These were the creators who made up this year's Design Section at the Athens International Jewelry Show. People with different paths, aesthetics, and philosophies, each trying in their own way to keep alive an art with deep history and cultural value. And perhaps, the next time you visit the exhibition, it is worth making your way there. To dedicate a little time to meet the people behind the jewelry, listen to their stories, and see what contemporary Greek handmade jewelry has to offer today. Because often, the most interesting things are not found in the most obvious place along the way.
We would like to warmly thank all the creators who participated in this tribute for their time, willingness, and the personal thoughts they shared with us, giving us the opportunity to get to know the world behind contemporary Greek handmade jewelry a little better.
Published in Venetico magazine issue 125.
