Nikos Koulis Shows His Exquisite High Jewelry to a Greek Port City

The Athenian jeweler Nikos Koulis has invited me here-my first time in Greece! I get to see the Acropolis!-to view his latest collections of fine jewelry, the kind of pieces so exquisite, and yet so youthful, so joyous, they would enliven the haughtiest ball gown, but would also be right at home hanging out with jeans and a tee The stylish Koulis says he chose this unlikely, out-of-the-way venue because, "I wanted something that was sexy and cool I didn't like for the jewelry to be in cases, I wanted something new, something fresh" The works include both one-of-a kind high-jewelry treasures-once they're gone, they're gone-and the more accessible new Feelings collection, so-called, the designer says, because "It's soft, but sometimes it's aggressive.

And sometimes it's romantic." Both collections are indeed displayed out in the open The high jewelry includes deliberately unmatched triangular earrings comprising sapphires, white diamonds, and a central yellow diamond; and a tanzanite ring sunk in a diamond star that desperately wants to come home with me These are all on view in a funny, cage-like structure near the entrance; for Feelings, you feel your way to an installation in a smoke-filled back room, where the Deco-ish creations-diamonds, black enamel, and golden elements reminiscent of nautical ropes, offer a fitting tribute to the sea nearby.

As we walk to the restaurant in the far West Village, Koulis confesses that though he loves New York, his jewelry is sold all over the world "I feel very Greek Every time I leave, I miss my country so much-it is my origins, it's where I was born.

I even love the color of the airport-that blue, the Greek blue, the color I know from my childhood." Does that blue ever show up in the jewelry? He shakes his head and laughs. . Source