by Thanos Vasileiou
ABOUT
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Tell us about your brand:
The brand name derives from the Greek word λιθοξοΐα, meaning lapidary work. In my workshop I create handmade and unique jewelry, exclusively with natural precious and semi-precious stones and sterling silver (925°). My jewelry is based on my own inspirations but I am always happy to bring to life the visions and ideas of my customers.
When did you know that this was the right path for you?
My father was a carpenter so since childhood I was familiar with workshop enviroments and was amazed by raw materials and how creative they made me feel. Growing older I was fascinated by the magic of precious stones and minerals so I started working in a lapidary workshop and got to know all the perks of these materials. In the past decade I started exploring the world of silver and I combined it with my love for precious stones.This inspirational journey led me into creating my brand Lithoxoein.
What do you like most about what you do?
I start with a raw piece of rock in my hands. I start cutting it, shaping it, I follow its vains, I observe it and see where the stone takes me. Even the dullest rock can hide inside it a sparkling gem. This unveiling of what earth has been hiding and forming for thousands of years in its depths is what excites me the most.
What is the biggest obstacle you have faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?
It wasn't really an obstacle but more of a personal challenge. It was the moment I decided to get involved with a whole new world, the world of silversmithing, so I could enhance my lapidary art. New material, new rules, new approach in the way I was working with precious stones until then. I was lucky enough to have people around me who could support me with their knowhow and helped me express my own perception of what jewelry is.
What do you want people to remember most about you and your career?
All my jewelry is 100% handmade with techniques used since thousands of years ago. In a world that is being digitalized more and more we need to keep remebering how important it is to create with our senses. Art is hard! Art is heart!