Who will be talked and written about in 50 years time as a classic jeweller? One of my best bets is Nikos Koulis.
The Greek jewellery designer Nikos Koulis’ modern, clean, architectural yet bold designs are classics in the making. With a deep knowledge and expertise in the craft of jewellery and especially an artistic signature that is sculptural, monochrome and almost geometric, he is already a favourite in the fashion- and jewellery industry.
Family affair
Nikos Koulis comes from a family business in jewellery. Koulis’ father was a jeweller and so is his brother. After studying classical literature and philosophy Koulis turned “home” to study gemmology and glyptography at the Gemological Institute of America. Nikos Koulis Jewels was established in 2006 and today Koulis has his atelier in Athens with three boutiques in Athens, Mykonos and Paros.
Nikos Koulis to Stella Lizardi in Myconian Collection Magazine:
“I leave a part of myself in every design I make, so as a result there is an emotional alloy and a lot of thought encapsulated in the soul of the piece. I cherish classics; I love structured form and intricate details. However, it’s not only about the design; what excites me more is the production process. This is when I feel at my most creative, when we push the boundaries of our craftsmanship, bestowing sentimental value to each piece.”
Material mix
Beside the precious metals and gemstones, Koulis plays with different materials in his work, for example aluminium, charcoal and enamel. In September 2024 in a New York Times article Nikos Koulis was asked if he considers his pieces to be art. He answered that “he preferred to think of them as jewellery, designs that reflect his customers”. He also added: “My clients want jewellery that expresses their individuality.”
The jewelry pieces are produced in workshop in central Athens – with a combination of traditional skills, like hand-painting enamel and modern techniques like 3-D printing – by a team of 20 artisans led by a master jeweler with more than 50 years’ experience.
Awards
Nikos Koulis received the GEM Award in Jewelry Design in 2020 amongst many other awards under his belt.
Nikos Koulis in September 2024 in New York Times:
“The balance between the materials, the volume and the story behind the materials is what’s important to me.”
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