Coming from an established family business in jewellery, he studied Gemology and Glyptography at the Gemological Institute of America and created his own brand, Nikos Koulis Jewels in 2006, showcasing his elaborate technique along with his deep knowledge of quality jewellery making.
His atelier is in Athens and he has two conceptual boutiques in Athens and Mykonos, which reflect the distinct aesthetics of his work. Having his own workshops and sourcing exquisite stones in special cuts from all around the world, he creates unique pieces for an international clientele who collects jewellery and appraises the quality of his work and aesthetic ethos. He rigorously guards his artistic spirit and intricate craftsmanship derived from the Greek traditional goldsmithing legacy. His creations can be found at top-tier retailers in 29 cities around the world. This is what he had to say about his work:
Where do you draw inspiration for your creations?
My inspiration is rarely specific, or clearly defined. I am stimulated by architecture, the cinema, a book, a landscape, the colours of nature, a fine-limbed woman. All of these can inspire me. I translate these images into ideas, or into influences for my designs. Other times, I may be led by the material itself: a stone with a particular cut, a rope, or a chain. I hold something in my hands and think about what I can do with it.
Are there any collections that you would say are more of a Greek origin? Does Greece inspire you?
Greece is my root and my base. It always inspires me and even defines me in ways that are not visible in my work.
What are your favourite materials?
Diamonds for their geometry and shine, emeralds for their colour and imperfections and sapphires because they always remind me of the Greek summer.
How far did you have to travel to acquire rare diamonds and/or other gems? How long did it take you to locate them?
It can take years for me to find the stone I’m after, in the cut and with the characteristics I want. I have been to Botswana in Africa, where I visited the mines and observed the process of diamond mining and cutting. It is always an exciting quest.
How do you communicate your new collections to your international clientele?
Social media is one channel of communication, trunk shows and presentations in cities around the world and through the contact our team maintains with our customers worldwide. We believe in personal contact and making the customer feel confident and familiar with his or her experience with our brand, where everything is handmade and reflects attention to every detail.
What makes you happy today?
Being able to evolve creatively and being emotionally fulfilled.
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MULTI-AWARDED GREEK BRAND
Nikos Koulis has won the Couture Design Award four times; in 2015 in the Bridal Category, in 2016 and 2018 in the Haute Couture Category and in 2019 in the Gold Category; evolving his innovative signature design and exceptional craftsmanship. He was also awarded the 2017 International Jewelery Designer Award at the Vicenzaoro exhibition in Italy, was one of 3 nominees of the Jewelry Design Award at America’s GEM Awards 2018, he has won the Town & Country Jewelry Award 2018 with Lingerie Collection for ‘Pearls of the Year’ category and was a finalist for the Town & Country Jewelry Award 2019 in the ‘Diamonds of the Year’ category.
