ELI-O 2019 Look Book

A Note From Elisa

My passion is making jewellery with purpose, pieces that are cherished forever and passed down through the generations; which is why I only use 18K Gold and never gold plating. Creating an intimate relationship between the wearer and the jewellery is at the heart of what I do. My pieces serve as a reminder of love or a special moment. They represent precious meaning and are a perfect way to keep memories alive and close.

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The Art Of Wax Carving

I carefully and lovingly hand craft all of my pieces in my atelier in Geneva. I work mainly with the ancient Greek jewellery making technique of ‘lost wax casting’, which embraces organic hand imperfections. I first take time to imagine my design and then let my hands do the work, creating a unique piece without having drawn or seen it beforehand, slowly carving into wax until it is exactly how I imagined. I then send the wax piece to be cast in metal. After making any final refinements, a mould is created and that one piece, unique in design, can then be recreated over again. In the final stages, I may add diamonds or rubies to enhance its beauty and it is complete, like a piece of art you can wear on your body.

Considerate Craftsmanship

My aim is to make beautiful things in a beautiful way that doesn’t come at the cost of people or our planet. I am committed to sustainability and localised production, using only recycled 18K Gold and Sterling Silver 925. All of my stones are conflict free. My suppliers are local and all my pieces are cast here in Geneva to minimise my environmental footprint and to support local business. When each ELI-O piece is ready for their owner, they are placed in a beautiful linen bag which has been carefully stamped by the amazing people working at the EPI (Etablissements publics pour l’intégration), who contribute to the social and professional integration of disabled people or those with social and professional difficulties. This year we had the honour of being awarded the Butterfly Mark by Positive Luxury, for excellency in sustainability.

The Colours Of Greece

Ever since I was a young girl I have been inspired by the timeless purity of ancient Greek jewellery. Each piece has its own story to tell, still shining with beauty and warmth after thousands of years. Through the art of wax carving and the subtle addition of precious stones, I recreate this same beauty with a contemporary and sophisticated edge.

APOLLON RING

APOLLON NECKLACE

Apollon

Apollon was the son of Zeus and Leto and the twin of Artemis. He was the god of prophecy, medicine, music, art, law, beauty, and wisdom. Later, he also became the god of the sun and light. A figure of Apollon is delicately engraved on the top part of these coins to create a vintage look, like an old Greek coin you see in museums.

APOLLON SPLIT COIN EARRINGS

Pan

In Greek mythology, Pan was half-man, half-goat and god of the wild and shepherds. The centre coin it carved in wax first; no mould of an original coin was made. The faded lines are reminiscent of a real antique coin but with my own unique touch and interpretation. It is cast in bronze and bezel set in 18K Gold, with the addition of one small diamond. The mixture of these two metals, bronze and gold, enhance the vintage feel of this pendant.

PAN NECKLACE

Stohastria

Meaning female thinker, deep thought and meditation, a seated woman who is deeply lost in her thoughts is carved onto the pendant and ring. The organic shape and faded carving of these pieces is reminiscent of an antique piece. The addition of diamonds make them both elegant and sophisticated. The Stohastria ring has a band that was commonly used on the first Ancient Greek rings.

STOHASTRIA NECKLACE

STOHASTRIA RING

Zephyrus

Zephyrus was the west wind and bringer of light Spring and early Summer breezes. It was known as the gentlest of the winds, the fructifying wind, the messenger of Spring.

Arche

Arche was the muse of origins in Greek mythology. The Arche pendant and ring were both inspired by antique vases which were used by the ancient Greeks for storage or as jugs and containers for oils, perfumes and cosmetics. These vases were also used for rituals and ceremonies.

ARCHE EARRINGS

ARCHE NECKLACE

ZEPHYRUS EARRINGS

ZEPHYRUS DIAMOND NECKLACE

ZEPHYRUS EARRINGS

ZEPHYRUS NECKLACE

Neaera

Meaning good luck charm (“Gouri” in Greek), the Gouri is a traditional Greek New Year’s gift, a symbolic gift exchanged between friends, lovers and family members, wishing the recipient good luck in the New Year.

Neaera was a nymph of the mythical island of Thrinakia loved by the God of the sun, Helios. Neaera means new-rising or newly-risen from the Greek word neos “new” and aeirô “to rise”.

The Neaera Gouri was inspired by the rays of sun to bring you positivity and warmth for the year to come.

NEAERA GOURI NECKLACE

ZEVGARI RING

Zevgari

Meaning couple in Greek, the Zevgari ring is inspired by an ancient Greek coin. A couple has been carved into the coin, which is irregular in shape almost like it has been eaten by time, adorned with delicate and beautiful diamonds to add a touch of modernity and elegance.

Athena

Athena was the goddess of wisdom, reasoning and intelligence in Greek mythology. She enjoyed a vast popularity among gods and mortals.

Athena was known for her ferocity in battle but, unlike Ares, she never displayed hotheadedness and always believed in fighting for justice and righteousness. The sheer scale of influence she had over the mortal world is evident from the fact that the city of Athens took its name after her.

This coin is a tribute to women, who will always be my inspiration. In honour of this I hand carved a women’s face on the top part of this beautiful coin.

ATHENA NECKLACE

The Stone Of Love And Passion

CHOREVONTAS GINEKES RING

Meaning Dancing Ladies in Greek, on the top part of the ring two ladies are depicted dancing the night away, jumping with their arms raised. Ten small rubies are delicately set on the band, adding a touch of colour, warmth and passion.

KATHISTI GINEKA RING

The Kathisti Gineka meaning seated woman in Greek is made with eighteen rubies. A beautiful piece that is reminscent of an antique treasure, the seated woman is a ring that celebrates women.

ZEVGARI NECKLACE

MINI APOLLON NECKLACE

MELISSA RING

In Greek mythology, Melissa was a nymph who discovered and taught the use of honey and from whom bees were believed to have received their name. She was known as one of the nymph nurses of Zeus. Instead of feeding baby Zeus milk, Melissa fed him honey. Or, alternatively, the bees brought honey straight to his mouth.

Set in 18K Gold and finished with three small diamonds, the Melissa ring has a hand carved bee on the top part of the ring reminiscent of an antique seal.

RHEA RING

In Greek mythology, Rhea was a Titaness, mother of the gods and goddess of female fertility, motherhood and generation. A delicate and classic piece, the Rhea ring has an antique shaped 18K Gold band adorned with four orange sapphires.