ColumnistsMay 15, 2024
Squirrel Spotting: Why Retailers Struggle to Fire BrandsWhy do so many jewelers keep lines that are not selling? Peter Smith thinks the answer lies in these two behavioral principles.
TrendsJul 28, 2016
Lito Goes Graphic with ‘Infinite’ Jewelry Collection
The latest offerings from the Greek jewelry designer are a vast departure from her signature motifs.
A 14-karat rose and yellow gold bracelet with opal from designer Lito’s new infinite collection. Lito Goes Graphic with ‘Infinite’ Jewelry Collection
Athens--Despite Greece’s small size, it can sometimes feel like there are as many talented jewelry designers as there are idyllic islands within the country’s borders.
Athens-based Lito Karakostanoglou is the creative force behind fine jewelry brand Lito, which is carried by stores like Twist and Broken English and online at Net-a-Porter.
The brand is known for several signature motifs: a requisite evil eye, which is, despite the symbol’s ubiquity, one of the most hauntingly unique pieces of jewelry out there; its original scarab wing collection; and the hive range, which features rose-cut diamonds grouped into hypnotic patterns that most closely resemble strands of DNA.
Lito’s latest offering for fall 2016, the Infinite collection, is a far cry from Karakostanoglou’s typically intricate designs.
Rendered in 14-karat gold and diamonds, with the exception of one show-stopping bracelet that features a large opal, Lito has veered towards basic but impactful shapes with Infinite.
Two views of Lito’s 14-karat yellow and rose gold bracelet with cabochon-cut opal ($6,180)
“It’s all about simplicity,” explained Karakostanoglou. “It’s bold in its simplicity.”
“It’s all about simplicity,” explained Karakostanoglou. “It’s bold in its simplicity.”
From left, a 14-karat yellow gold hoop earring and 14-karat rose gold hoop earring ($3,470 per pair)
A 14-karat rose and yellow gold cuff ($1,770)
Lito’s 14-karat yellow gold earrings ($2,070)
A 14-karat yellow and rose gold earring ($1,000)
From left, a 14-karat rose gold lariat necklace ($730) and 14-karat yellow gold lariat necklace with diamonds ($2,930)
A 14-karat rose gold and diamond ring ($4,240)
“It’s all about simplicity,” explained Karakostanoglou. “It’s bold in its simplicity.”
Karakostanoglou has a circuitous design process, involving much experimentation and trial-and-error, but Infinite was originally inspired by the different shapes of vintage watch faces. She began creating similar shapes by laser-cutting gold, leaving a small hole in the center to represent the point where a watch’s hands are connected.
From there, she played with the various laser-cut shapes--ovals, rectangles, hexagons and octagons-- layering a rounded square with an octagon for an architectural, layered earring, or attaching an oval and circle to a cuff for a bold statement piece.
Karakostanoglou created various delicate lariats, pavé diamond-laden rings and a particularly stunning octagon hoop earring that is deceptively light for its size.
To maintain an element of playfulness, which is the connection among the collections of Lito’s oeuvre, Karakostanoglou experimented with combining yellow gold and rose gold in a single piece: a yellow gold-shaped circle, sitting next to a rose gold rectangle on a bracelet and so on. The unlikely color combination is subtle but provides an interesting visual depth to the pieces.
“The collection is very Cycladic, very minimal, very connected with the sun and the light, and how the light is reflected in those shapes and how you play with the two different colors,” Karakostanoglou said.
The designer’s favorite piece is the choker version of the opal bracelet, which she designed especially for the upcoming “Vanity” exhibit at the Mykonos Archaeological Museum. The exhibit will highlight Greek jewelry from ancient
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
to contemporary times, and feature 12 of today’s most prominent Greek designers.
Lito’s Infinite collection will be available at select retailers this fall. For more information, visit Lito-Jewelry.com.
Lito’s Infinite collection will be available at select retailers this fall. For more information, visit Lito-Jewelry.com.
More on Trends
The Latest
AuctionsMay 15, 2024
Red Diamond Breaks Records at Phillips GenevaThe “Argyle Phoenix” sold for more than $4 million at the auction house’s second jewels sale.
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2024
See Who’s in JA’s 2024 ‘20 Under 40’ ClassThe annual list recognizes young professionals making an impact in jewelry retail.
Brought to you by
Record Gold Prices Have Consumers Undeterred. Here’s Why.Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
IndependentsMay 15, 2024
David Mann Jewelers in Upstate NY to Close After 35 YearsOwner David Mann is heading into retirement.
Weekly QuizMay 09, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
FinancialsMay 15, 2024
Brilliant Earth’s Sales Fall Flat in Q1 While overall sales were sluggish, the retailer said its non-bridal fine jewelry was a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
SourcingMay 14, 2024
Anglo American Confirms It Is Looking to Sell De Beers The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”
Brought to you by
From Registration to Return: 10 Tips to Protect You Before, During and After a TradeshowTradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
AuctionsMay 14, 2024
2 Huge Yellow Diamonds Are Heading to AuctionChristie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.
MajorsMay 14, 2024
Platinum Born Taps ‘Born Leaders’ for New CampaignThe ad aims to position platinum jewelry as ideal for everyday wear.
GradingMay 14, 2024
Instappraise Adds Trifold Brochure to Appraisal OfferingsRetailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
Lab-GrownMay 13, 2024
Lab-Grown Diamond Brand Lightbox Cuts Prices by 25 to 40%The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
TechnologyMay 13, 2024
Christie’s Website Brought Down by Hackers, Watch Auction Postponed The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
AuctionsMay 13, 2024
Madeleine Albright’s Jewelry, Pins a White-Glove Sale at Freeman’s | HindmanThe late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
IndependentsMay 13, 2024
Zachary’s Jewelers Names Mother’s Day Jewelry Contest WinnersThree fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.
IndependentsMay 10, 2024
Frank Adams Jewelers Names New CEOKimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
CollectionsMay 10, 2024
Piece of the Week: Carina Hardy’s ‘Birth of Venus’ NecklaceAs a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
MajorsMay 09, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Pays $130M for Roberto Coin Inc.The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
IndependentsMay 09, 2024
Kyle Edward Fine Jewelry to Close Salisbury StoreThe company’s Easton location will remain open.
MajorsMay 09, 2024
JBT Elects New ChairmanBrian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2024
Fusing Past and Present at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
EditorsMay 07, 2024
Q&A: Author Vikki Tobak on the ‘Ice-Cold’ ExhibitionTobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
EditorsMay 07, 2024
10 On-Theme Looks from the 2024 Met GalaStars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
IndependentsMay 07, 2024
112-Year-Old New Orleans Business Popping Up in Aspen M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
MajorsMay 07, 2024
Richemont Acquires Italian Jeweler VhernierThe branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
These ‘Luminaries’ Are Set to Light Up CoutureThe six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
AuctionsMay 07, 2024
Sotheby’s to Auction Sylvester Stallone’s WatchesThe highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.
