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..!
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.
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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