MUSE COUTURE CONVOS: Christina Alexiou

Welcome to "Muse COUTURE Convos," where we journey into the world of exceptional fine jewelry with the talented designers showcasing their fabulous collections at the annual COUTURE Show in Las Vegas. In this exciting series, we explore the inspirations, craftsmanship, and stories behind some of the most stunning collections in the industry. Join us as we chat with these visionary artists, unveiling the passion and creativity that drive their work. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a jewelry enthusiast, our conversations promise to inspire and enchant, bringing you closer to the heart of jewelry.

Meet Christina Alexiou, your new go-to for tales told in gold! From Athens to your jewelry box, she blends ancient Greek techniques with a modern twist, ensuring every piece is an emotive journey from her rich design past.

Tell us what you’re focusing on or debuting at COUTURE this year.  

This year we are revisiting and expanding on beloved styles from our core collections. Our new Bella hearts are a variation of our classic Agape heart with its unique sculptural silhouette and concave finish, now fashioned with lustrous stones such as brilliant diamonds, champagne diamonds, and pink sapphires, adding a touch of sparkle that is both playful and elevated. We are also expanding on our collection of signet rings inspired by ancient Greek coins. The new rings showcase motifs taken from Greek myths revolving around the themes of love, unity, and prosperity.

Which piece from the collection you’re showing at COUTURE best captures your essence as a designer?

The Heart Bracelet from the Native Collection as it pays homage to ethnic jewelry, showcases the heart motif, which is integral to my work as a designer, as well as features my signature hammered finish, which pays tribute to traditional Greek craftsmanship.   

If you could only work with one gemstone for the rest of your career, which would it be?

I would love to work with colored gemstones, as no two stones are ever the same. I love looking at the different hues of color and picking out stones with charming inclusions, as they add a sense of uniqueness, character, and story to each piece I create. 

Which historical era do you wish you could have designed jewelry in?

I would love to travel back in time to explore the craftsmanship of ancient Greece or Egypt. I deeply admire the simplicity of their resources and the profound ingenuity of their techniques, which have shaped the history and tradition of modern jewelry. They would work with raw materials such as 24k gold and transform them into elaborate designs that aimed to not only decorate but also emanate the wearer’s identity, culture, and beliefs.

Which artist or designer has had the most profound impact on your work?

One of my greatest sources of inspiration is small jewelers and vendors found in antique stores and flea markets across the world. I love how their pieces pay homage to tradition and craftmanship but are presented through their unique point of view. I am also deeply inspired by jewelry seen on women in historical portrait across different periods of time – from ancient Greek sculptures to Byzantine iconography to Renaissance paintings. What inspires me about these pieces is that they were one-of-a-kind creations that were carefully crafted to emanate the wearer’s personal and cultural identity.

Where is your favorite place to design, and how does this space influence your creative process?

I always design from my home as it is my carefully curated microcosm of creativity and inspiration. The room I design in is bathed in natural light and filled with cherished objects and books I’ve collected throughout the years that move me and inspire me deeply. I also make sure that I am surrounded by vases with fresh flowers which get me in a cheerful and creative mood.

What is one thing you hope people will remember about your jewelry 100 years from now?

I hope that many years from now, [my pieces will be cherished heirlooms infused with memories and feelings to be passed on from one generation to the next.