Nikos Koulis (Est. 2006) In 2006, jewelry designer and gemologist Nikos Koulis created his eponymous brand. He completed his study in Literature but soon decided to pursue his interest in jewelry craftsmanship following his family’s tradition in the gem wholesale market. Nikos studied Gemology and Glyptography in the Gemological Institute of America after having studied in Athens and London.
Always fascinated with precious gemstones and the power of Greek symbols, Koulis offers his signature aesthetic that seamlessly merges iconic motifs and a luxurious yet rock-chic sensibility. Boasting famous fans like Valentino Garavani, Giorgio Armani and Daphne Guinness, Koulis crafts elegant accessories utilizing gold, silver, and precious stones in an array of forms—from fantastical creations informed by Greek mythology to pared-down pieces imbued with inherent elegance.
His aim – to create edgy yet timeless jewelry that pushes the boundaries of fashion – is achieved through the transformation of the classic through a contemporary lens. Mastering a wholly unique style dubbed “radiant futurism,” his collections are characterized by flexible geometry, color gradation and cut variation, all rendered in precious yellow gold, black rhodium, diamonds and vibrant colored gemstones that liberate the wearer from traditional silhouettes.
Koulis’ impressive collections, showcasing quality and high aesthetics, gave him the USA’s Couture Design Award for two consecutive years, in 2015 and 2016. In 2017, he won the International Jewellery Designer Brand Award in the VicenzaOro International Jewellery Show in Italy.
Lingerie was Koulis’ first collection using mainly round forms. Characterized by exquisite details, elaborate technique and a seamless flow, its pieces are reminiscent of sensual laces. The collection has two editions: one in yellow gold with white diamonds, and one with Tahiti silver pearls (a material he used for the first time) combined with white diamonds, emeralds, blue sapphires and rubies. In certain pieces he combines these with black enamel – one of his signature materials. The collection blends circular with linear geometries and plays with different sizes of pearls or yellow gold beads resulting in unexpectedly delicate creations ranging from casual everyday pieces to statement jewelry.
Oui is Koulis’ most celebrated collection for which he won the Couture Design Award for two consecutive years in the Bridal Category (2015) and in the Haute Couture Category (2016). The Oui Collection’s-Lariat Series was presented in the Couture Show in 2016 and the long lariat necklace with white diamonds, emerald and diamond tassels was the standout piece.
Evolving the collection’s designs, it is constantly enriched with new styles in stunning combinations with special cut stones, one-of-a-kind pieces, and additional stories inspired by the collection’s core. Koulis advances the collection’s designs and showcases contemporary and playful versions with various colored stones, such as emeralds, rubies, turquoises, sapphires and lapis, which can be worn as long necklaces or sensuous chokers.
The Fame collection has its roots in the architectural styles of Los Angeles where the polished splendor of Art Deco is blended with the grace of Modernism. The main material is yellow and black gold with yellow sapphires and white diamonds, along with versions adorned with rubies or blue sapphires. These refined, dynamic pieces aim at eclectic, confident women distinguished in their own right.
In the V Collection, Koulis revisits the staple of 3-stones pieces and experiments with the triangle shape in different colors and materials aiming to create easy to- wear contemporary jewels with a twist. Koulis’ favorite materials meet in V: diamonds and colored stones set in 18K gold, in white, black and yellow options combined with enamel. The result is vivid, bright pieces that make a stunning impression.
Nikos Koulis’ Universe Line consists of exceptionally elaborate pieces combining intricate craftsmanship, exquisite settings, and experimental designs in clear, translucent enamel (his innovative patented technique.) Koulis received the 2018 Couture Design Award in the Haute Couture category with a one-of-a-kind Universe Line necklace.
Reminiscent of the past, the Yesterday Collection is Koulis’ tribute to classic elegance. In this collection, he presents bracelets and chokers with diamonds and emeralds in multi colored ribbons which can be adjusted both for the wrist or neck. Also included in the collection are intricate earrings, necklaces, pendants and bracelets with a distinctive flair and sensual impact. Black enamel is used again as a frame to the pieces, matching it with exceptional emeralds, rubies, and paraibas, among others.
The Spectrum collection is inspired by light. Characterized by colorful radiance, flexible geometry and multiple materials, he creates cuffs and rings with rotatable parts resulting in fascinating pieces that prove his technical ability in stone cutting and setting. White and colored diamonds in diverse cut variations, lapis, corals, sapphires, pearls and even iron oxide, such as cold hematite are combined into edgy aesthetic works of art.
The monothematic collection Medusa was first presented at Baselworld 2015. It is inspired by snakes and their symbolism and named after the Greek mythological legend Medusa, the mermaid with living snakes in her head. In this collection, Koulis evolves the snake pattern in a daring way with surprising enamel colors combined with various stone types and cuts and elaborate details. Rings feature enamel in fierce colors, combined with diamonds in various cuts plus amethysts, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies. The collection boasts unusual gold ear cuffs with white and black diamonds, baguettes, emeralds and turquoises.
Phaedra’s Box is characterized by Koulis’ elaborate technique and his skill at diversity in shape and design. Influenced by Byzantine motifs and based on handcrafted details, this collection is about fluidity, uniting beads of gold in impressive shapes along with white and brown diamonds. Whole finger rings, long earrings, necklaces and cuffs become sophisticated parts of the owner’s personality.
Fontana is one of the Koulis’ most acclaimed collections. Rihanna has selected numerous Fontana pieces for her red carpet appearances. Inspired by Ancient Greek motifs found in Grecian monuments such as the Parthenon and combined with powerful symbolism, the pieces integrate harmony with intensity. Koulis cultivates his expert craftsmanship with innovative ear cuffs, use of magnetic parts, and fluid hand pieces that are light and adjust easily to one’s body.
In the Classic Moments collection Koulis evolves diachronic staples with interesting combinations of stones. With a minimalistic approach in gold, the collection is enriched with surprising elements such as delicate chains and geometrical schemes. It consists of pieces that transcend fashion standards and make a dynamic statement that is clean, irrefutably beautiful, and simultaneously distinct.
Most collections are designed in earrings, rings, brooch, bracelet, necklace, and adorned with diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, topazes, and pearls.
The first piece Koulis designed was a bracelet with tapered white diamonds and bracelets remain his favorite pieces to design. However, the single piece of which he is most proud is a recent “pride” creation that is a one-of-a-kind necklace with 23 carats of white diamonds set in the brand’s patented translucent enamel technique. It took more than six months to make.
Koulis’ jewelry has attracted wearers including Madonna, Oprah Winfrey, Salma Hayek, Saoirse Ronan, and Jennifer Lawrence.
His presence at fine jewelry international shows and his worldwide trade partnerships are selective. Nikos Koulis jewelry collections are sold in high-end department stores and boutiques in 26 cities all over world including Bergdorf Goodman in New York, Neiman Marcus in Los Angeles, Dover Street Market in London, and Tsum in Moscow.
Nikos Koulis Jewels flagship boutique is in Athens and his boutique on the island of Mykonos stand out in the world scene for their unique offerings.
The inspiration behind the design for the first Nikos Koulis Jewels Boutique on Mykonos was the brand’s very own logo. Designed by Stage Design Office, along with Koulis himself, the boutique has been an international sensation. The austere and emblematic logo invokes religious symbolism and makes multiple references to the Cycladic tradition.
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