lito jewelry book

All I ever wanted was to create jewelry that couldsuccessfully blend a unique reality out of my

inspirations and life experiences. I still have theprivilege of doing so, loving every moment of it.

The pieces I create are a peek-a-boo treat, between nouveau vintage and modernity, reflecting both my

dedication to traditional craft of jewelry and a flair for the unexpected, a voyage into antique opulence

with a twist.

Each collection speaks volumes without saying too much – a lingering tale that is energized by the women who wear

these pieces. Intriguing combinations and a driving passion for old-school jewelry techniques give rise

to unique, one-off pieces characterized by movement, originality, fluidity and light.

Inspiration is bountiful as are materials – my aim was and always will be, to fuse those elements together through

delicate design, excellent craft finesse and technical virtuosity. I work with gold, precious and semi-precious stones, corals, shells, traditional and not-so traditional materials combining them in order to create a bespoke,

unexpected message every time.

Philosophy

All I ever wanted was to create jewelry that couldsuccessfully blend a unique reality out of my

inspirations and life experiences. I still have theprivilege of doing so, loving every moment of it.

The pieces I create are a peek-a-boo treat, between nouveau vintage and modernity, reflecting both my

dedication to traditional craft of jewelry and a flair for the unexpected, a voyage into antique opulence

with a twist.

Each collection speaks volumes without saying too much – a lingering tale that is energized by the women who wear

these pieces. Intriguing combinations and a driving passion for old-school jewelry techniques give rise

to unique, one-off pieces characterized by movement, originality, fluidity and light.

Inspiration is bountiful as are materials – my aim was and always will be, to fuse those elements together through

delicate design, excellent craft finesse and technical virtuosity. I work with gold, precious and semi-precious stones, corals, shells, traditional and not-so traditional materials combining them in order to create a bespoke,

unexpected message every time.

Philosophy

This collection, designed for Galerie BSL in Paris, revolves around the mythical properties

of the sacred scarab and its innate beauty. The pieces are centred on a collection of preserved scarab specimens from

the Philippines, Peru, Costa Rica, Thailand and Madagascar set in gold and diamonds.

This series of one-off art pieces combines this unique source of inspiration with

an ultra-modern perspective.

Scarabées de Beauté

This collection, designed for Galerie BSL in Paris, revolves around the mythical properties

of the sacred scarab and its innate beauty. The pieces are centred on a collection of preserved scarab specimens from

the Philippines, Peru, Costa Rica, Thailand and Madagascar set in gold and diamonds.

This series of one-off art pieces combines this unique source of inspiration with

an ultra-modern perspective.

Scarabées de Beauté

The Hive collection is a precious interpretationof those dazzling moments when light

caresses the stones.

Threads of light help showcasethe intricate setting and

the round sculptured forms.

A lace-like gold lattice boldly embracesthe translucent precious stones.

The pieces include pink-gold based rings,bracelets and earrings, set with rose cut white

brilliants, topaz, amethyst and pearls, comprising an almost-provocative series.

The Hive collection is a precious interpretationof those dazzling moments when light

caresses the stones.

Threads of light help showcasethe intricate setting and

the round sculptured forms.

A lace-like gold lattice boldly embracesthe translucent precious stones.

The pieces include pink-gold based rings,bracelets and earrings, set with rose cut white

brilliants, topaz, amethyst and pearls, comprising an almost-provocative series.

Lito’s latest collection with hand-painted enamels by a Russian iconographer

crafted in silver and pink gold resultsin a unique piece each time,

as it playfully winks at the world!

Tu es partout

Lito’s latest collection with hand-painted enamels by a Russian iconographer

crafted in silver and pink gold resultsin a unique piece each time,

as it playfully winks at the world!

Tu es partout

The peacock’s symbolism of good fortune transcends this collection; a starting point

in Lito’s jewelry-making journey.

Inspiration was drawn from the feathers of this magnificent creature for a collection

of contemporary classics.

The pieces resonate passion with clear Art Nouveau and Art Deco influences combined

with lively enamel-based colours, sensuous curves and bold designs.

A collection in silver and gold intertwined with semi-precious stones that celebrate

the libertine in you every season.

Peacock

The peacock’s symbolism of good fortune transcends this collection; a starting point

in Lito’s jewelry-making journey.

Inspiration was drawn from the feathers of this magnificent creature for a collection

of contemporary classics.

The pieces resonate passion with clear Art Nouveau and Art Deco influences combined

with lively enamel-based colours, sensuous curves and bold designs.

A collection in silver and gold intertwined with semi-precious stones that celebrate

the libertine in you every season.

Peacock

This collection fusesthe delicacy of a sweet-shop

with the virtuosity of fine jewelry.

A series of candy-like explosionsrich in colour and brilliance

– a precious feast for the eyes.

Voluminous and colourful,the overall sensation

is vibrant, upbeat and refreshing.

This collection fusesthe delicacy of a sweet-shop

with the virtuosity of fine jewelry.

A series of candy-like explosionsrich in colour and brilliance

– a precious feast for the eyes.

Voluminous and colourful,the overall sensation

is vibrant, upbeat and refreshing.

Hand-carved coral roses replace diamonds in this collection of engagement rings with a twist.

Lito Karakostanoglou opened her first “Open Studio” in 1999 showcasing primarily one-off

pieces with a variety of materials and styles. In spite of her instant success, in 2004 Lito moves to Paris to complete her training and for two years she studied sculpture at the Ecole Nationale des

Beaux-Arts de Paris, and technical drawing at the Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Bijouterie,

Joaillerie et Orfèvrerie. She went on to create unique pieces of jewelry for the fashion shows of

Kenzo (2005) and those of Jean Paul Gaultier for the couture and “prêt-à-porter” collections (2006).

From India to Mexico, Japan or Africa, Lito travels the world in search of magnificent stones and original materials. With the persistence of an artist and the inspired touch of a talented

craftsman, Lito has succeeded in creating enchanted pieces that communicate with nature while at the same time seducing those who wear them, turning them into instant collectables. Her work reflects her fusion of the old-school feel of

traditional jewellery - making with contemporary influences, ushering a new era into the craft.

Since 2007, she has been living in Athens once again, where she has re-opened her

atelier-boutique under the name “Cabinet des Curiosities” in the centre of the city. In 2011,

Lito launched her own wholesale distribution company catering to clients in Greece, France,

UK, Cyprus and Japan.

In recent years, Lito’s work is reaching global markets through carefully planned steps and collaborations. Her pieces have been included in the portfolio of galleries and stores around Europe including the influential Galerie BSL and White Bird Fine Jewellery both in Paris,

France as well as H.P. France in Tokyo, Japan and Cube in Nicosia, Cyprus. As of fall/winter

2012, Lito is collaborating with Liberty in London, UK, Boutique 1 in Dubai, UAE, La

Grande Boutique in Aix En Provence and Gas by Marie in Paris and St. Tropez, France.

Her work is also being showcased in Olivier Dupon’s new book by Thames & Hudson Ltd entitled ‘The new Jewellers’. The book is an

anthology of rising talent in the field of jewellery creation across the globe, introducing the most

emblematic new designers.