5 questions to Elina Afentaki, fine jewelry designer. A beautiful soul inside out, with sustainable mindset and unique designs.
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| At the ID trunk show |
1. Tell us a few things about your
conscious mindset when creating high jewelry pieces in limited quantities.
To be
very honest with you, aside from the conscious and sustainable approach and my
strong stance against fast fashion, I deeply believe that jewelry evokes
individuality. Many of the stones I use are rare and hard to source due to the
geological and socio-economic origins they come from so naturally, they aren’t
abundant.
But more
than that, I love designing with a specific woman in mind. Whether it's through
bespoke services or releasing limited pieces, my intention is always to create
something that speaks loudly and truly. It’s about connection and emotional
value, not mass production.
Creativity is a gift that comes when it wants to. You can’t force
it, you have to respect it.
2. What is your first idea or thought
when designing a piece or starting a collection?
Honestly,
it usually happens very randomly. I've noticed certain themes keep resurfacing
in my mind; it's almost impossible to ignore them, even when I try (I admit that
haha). Creativity is a gift that comes when it wants to. You can’t force
it, you have to respect it.
When
something speaks to me and I can envision it clearly and tangibly, I know it’s
time to grab my pencil and start designing. It’s a very intuitive, almost
spiritual process..!
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| The designer |
3. Your very first jewelry memory? (Design
and concept)
I know
you’re asking about the first piece I designed, but I'd rather share the story
of a ring that was given to me by my mother. I must have been around 12... I
used to wear it on my thumb because my fingers were so tiny, and it didn’t fit
anywhere else.
I
grew up surrounded by women who saw jewelry as both ornament and necessity. That ring, though, had deep
sentimental value. I never took it off, until I lost it in the sea. It had
shaped my finger in the same way it had shaped me. Gone with the ocean… along
with my memories, and a lot of sorrow. That was the first time I truly understood
how jewelry can carry stories and emotions.
4. Your top Elina Afentaki jewelry
picks for summer? (Key pieces, layering tips, etc.)
I’m a
layering girl through and through. I love stacking bracelets, necklaces, rings,
and even earrings. When I design a piece, I always think about how it can be
played with, transforming earrings into pendants, breaking down earrings into
minimal versions…
I just love exploring the versatility of fine materials.
Although
I often say "less is more," with jewelry I believe "more is more"! My must-haves this summer
are my bangles which are perfect for stacking my Apollo Hybrid Necklace Charm
and my new seashell mini hybrid apollo collection. It's inspired by the god of
the sun, Apollonas, and sea urchins - something I used to collect with my
dad during childhood dives. It’s sentimental, symbolic, and warm, just like
summer. I wanted to create something beautiful that reminds people of sunny
days, cherished memories, and the light we all carry within us.
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| Founder of ID Irene Deros & Elina Afentaki |
5. A moment you are proud of.
That's
such a powerful question and honestly being proud of myself hasn’t always come
easily. After years in the industry, through both challenging and joyful
collaborations, I can say the moment I'm most proud of is when I finally took
it all in.
I’m
proud of who I’ve become emotionally, of how I’ve stood up to situations that
once intimidated me. As a woman in this industry, it’s often felt like I had to
work twice as hard especially when compared to someone older or more
traditionally experienced. It’s a constant battle to prove yourself.
But
today, I sit here and feel proud. Proud of growing, of learning, and of finally
allowing myself to feel that pride. For many, that kind of self-recognition
isn’t easy. But it’s necessary, and I hope more of us learn to embrace it.
You can find the collection at
ID fine jewelry.
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