Introducing Hermina Athens...

Hermina is a selection of timeless pieces influenced by a rich heritage rooted in Greek mythology and art.
The elements of asymmetry, roughness and appreciation of tradition give birth to unique jewellery.

With deep love and respect for the beauty of the imperfect, to which we all owe our uniqueness, Hermina creates small treasures to be passed on from mothers to daughters, from elders to younger.

Having worked primarily as a Translator, Konstantina Pantelous was enticed and absorbed by jewellery ever since she was young. She began designing pieces she would wear herself as a hobby and in 2012 officially launched the brand naming it after her daughter Hermina which is the female equivalent of ‘Hermes’, the Ancient Greek God. She now works with experienced silversmiths and artisans in Athens that implement her ideas and dreams.

Scroll down to read our exclusive interview with the Creative Director and Founder of Hermina Athens, Konstantina Pantelous.

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"Small Treasures"

Hermina Jewellery is purposefully designed with an antique finish to give the impression of vintage romanticism, providing wearers with a modern product that has the feel of a gorgeous heirloom.

Q

Hermina is such a special jewellery brand, with an emphasis on tactility and hand-crafted traditions. What initially inspired this unique approach to a modern jewellery brand?

A

I love everything old and vintage. Everything has a story behind it. This is why the pieces that I create are romantic in a way. I always try to make them look like old heirlooms that have been passed down from one generation to the other. I think that there is nothing more modern than a classic piece.

Q

We are living in a time of hyper-digitisation and in a world where imperfections are concealed and hidden at all costs. Yet, at Hermina, you celebrate the imperfect. What is special about imperfections to you?

A

I think that flaws enhance beauty. They make everything more alluring. At Hermina we always champion imperfections, in an age where we are obsessed with hiding them, we believe it’s important to love our flaws not as “flaws” but as things that make us unique and add to our individual beauty.

Q

t Hermina you often refer to your pieces as “small treasures”, there’s something really special about thinking about jewellery in this way. What inspired this thinking behind your pieces?

A

For me, a piece of jewellery is something that we wear and feel beautiful or adorned. Jewellery is like a companion in good and bad times. If you are used to wearing a piece every day don’t you feel like something is missing if one day you do not wear it? The feeling of the beauty it gives you, having something you can treasure and eventually pass down is really special.

Q

Your work is often inspired by your roots in Ancient Greek mythology. What figure of ancient Greece inspires you the most?

A

The brand is named after my daughter Hermina whose name actually derives from the Greek God, Hermes. Hermes is the Greek god of commerce, riches, good fortune, fertility, sleep, language, and travel. He was also the patron of shepherds, invented the tambourine, and, most importantly, was the herald and messenger of Mount Olympus.

I truly admire Greek mythology as it was a way for Greeks to explain the inexplicable. All ancient gods had their own flaws and were not perfect in any way. I find this fascinating and the stories so intriguing.

Q

A common theme in both of our brands is our Greek heritage, what is your most cherished memory of Greece?

A

My summer holidays as a child in my grandparent’s country house. Those long days at the beach and returning home with my cousins to wash off the salt with warm crystal clear water from the well in a garden surrounded by wild plants and trees. Those memories will always hold a special place in my heart.

Q

Many beautiful brands are coming out of Greece at the moment. We work with several at Paolita within our guest brand edit. Are there any specific Greek brands that you particularly resonate with?

A

There is indeed a big boom in Greek designer brands right now. I really appreciate the ones that have their own identity and stick to it. The ones that do not imitate others and have their own unique brand message and offer something new. Greece is a country of such rich history and it’s been incredibly inspiring to see this growth in young brands- it makes you feel incredibly optimistic!

Q

There are so many influences in your work, tell us a bit about your design process?

A

Most ideas come to me when I’m trying not to consciously think of them. An influence can be anything; a person, a situation, a movie, a song, a feeling… I always come up with the idea and then share it and talk it through with the designers at our workshop to make the design- it’s always a truly collaborative experience and an incredibly rewarding one. With the nature of our brand, we always feel like we’re creating something really special that is about to be cherished and adored by its new owner.

Q

What is your favourite piece from the Hermina collection here at PAOLITA and why?

A

I love your selection at Paolita! The Nebula earrings are probably my favourite. They look amazing on any face, type or age. They are also so dear to me because of the way I designed them. One day I was in the fish market and saw these beautiful French oysters. I bought one or two, took them home and then broke them with a hammer to make irregular shapes. I chose the ones I liked the most and gave them to the designer to make them identical! Like I said… inspiration really can transpire from anywhere.

Words by Claudia Brinkworth

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