KONSTANTINO

The Balkan Botanic Garden is perched along the hillside of the Kroussia Mountains in Greece.

Within its gates are aromatic plants oregano, mint, and sage; two artificial lakes, as well as an artificial alpine environment.

The garden is multi-functional serving as a conservatory; and a horticultural and environmental research center. 

Greece is also the hometown of featured jewelry designer Konstantino Sioulas.

There is a palpable aura of strength to Sioulas' medieval-like jewelry. The lore of Excalibur with Queen Guinevere and the Knights of the Round Table immediately came to my mind.

In particular, I envision Guinevere wearing Silouas' beautiful, filligree Phaedra Cuff Bracelet from his Phoebe Collection. Made with arabesque patterns set in sterling silver, the piece not only complements Guinevere's beauty but Phaedra shares a similar forbidden romantic fixation.

Surrounded by Greece's spectacular ancient architecture, and knowledgeable of Greek legends, Sioulas is keenly aware of his ripe inspirational palette. "My father taught me constantly about Greek philosophy, art, and history," he offers, "My village, Melitea, belonged to the warrior Achilles of Troy. Knowing this famous warrior had actually lived in my birthplace had a lifelong impact."

Through his company, Konstantino, Sioulas' sterling silver and 18-karat gold jewelry expresses his love for Greek mythology, landscapes, artisanship, and breathtaking Mediterranean scenery.  Ancient cross and floral motifs, intricate lattice and knot patterns sprinkled with citrine, topaz, pearls, or black onyx are his signatures.

In honor of sunsets seen from the island of Hydra, he created the Nefeli Collection made with oxidized silver and accented with a mosaic blend of sapphires, rubies, and green garnets. "Every piece I design possesses my passion for Greece," he says.

His blend of ancient and modern aesthetics results in gorgeous designer jewelry for the woman with strong physical presence in tune with her inner goddess. For those who cannot quite summon their inner Aphrodite, Sioulas has the perfect accessory: a pearl ring inscribed with "Dare to have the courage to love."

Sioulas also designs wristbands, coin pendant necklaces, dog tag necklaces, and cuff links for men. He approaches his men's jewelry collection as he does the women's: to inspire with symbols of strength like Adonis or Pegasus embossed in bronze and set against an antique silver background.

Sioulas' high-end, opulent designer jewelry has been featured in layouts for Town and Country, Orange Coast, Scottsdale, and InStyle, and are sold at Saks Fifth Avenue, and Neiman Marcus.

 Konstantino's clientele include Melina Kanakaredes, Oprah Winfrey, Melissa Etheridge, and Sean Combs.
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Photo 1 (top right): Sterling Silver and 18-Karat Gold Rings with Mosaic Gemstones from the Nefeli Collection
Photo 2 (bottom right): Oxidized Sterling Silver Floral Cuff Bracelet and Pendant with 18-Karat Gold Accents and Vibrant Gemstones from the Flora Collection