In ancient Greek, art means skill in work, especially in the processing of metals. It comes from the root TEK, from which the verb tikto also comes. Kourtius admits the existence of two cognate roots and groups of words: 1) the root TEK from which the words teknon, tikto, tokos, tekmairomai, art, tekton toxon and 2) the root TYK or TYX from which the words tychnano, tych, teucho (= produce through technical work, manufacture) are derived, and the common meaning between the two groups is considered to be “to give birth to, produce, shape, achieve, succeed”. Based on this etymological analysis, one could reasonably claim that one of the most representative arts is that of jewelry making.

The art of jewelry today (otherwise called the creation of visual jewelry or simply visual jewelry) is a concept that is included in the broader concept of jewelry, but is not identical with it. In the art of jewelry, this distinction is extremely important, but sometimes, due to the commercial nature of jewelry, quite indistinct. In every work of art, the intention, effort and personality of the creator appear clearly, while industrial products are characterized by the standardization and usually the anonymity of their original creator. Special mention should be made of the jewelry created by great haute couture designers in the context of fashion. These jewelry are not works of art in themselves, because although they have the elements of the individuality of their creator, they do not constitute any form of visual expression, but rather attempt to decorate specific items of clothing according to how fashion dictates. The industrial design of jewelry, and the standardization of imitations of fine jewelry, are not objects of the art of jewelry, but simple commercial applications of its techniques. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that very often a fine jewelry is copied, slightly modified and produced industrially, depriving the work of art of its uniqueness and the individual element of the artist who created it. This phenomenon, although common, in no way deprives the artistic jewelry of its characterization as an object of art and that is why we find today important works of the art of jewelry in all the museums of the world, but also in private collections.

Visual jewelry is, in principle, a unique creation, by an artist, who is both its designer and manufacturer. It can be small or large and made of precious or completely cheap materials. Visual jewelry is a work of art that is not weighed in carats. However, what we call jewelry art today concerns handmade jewelry, unique in design and execution, which is an expression of the artist's inner being, aims to convey messages, ideas and emotions and, in addition to their ability to decorate, actively participates in the cultural development of our time.

Based on these thoughts, my jewelry acquires its own authenticity. Its design does not need to be borrowed or imitated. It is original and unique, because it is the result of a creation whose medium, which leads from the subject to the design, is the soul. The soul is an element unique to every person, but also a source of strength for every effort to communicate with fellow human beings and the environment, and thus jewelry, in addition to adorning, becomes a means for expressing emotions and communicating ideas and meanings, transforming the aesthetics of "clothing" into a carrier of timeless values ​​and concepts.

The magic of myth, the lyrical touches of poetry, the beauty of Nature, the dreamy paths of literature, the dynamics of words, and so many other wonderful elements of our existence, become inexhaustible sources of inspiration for me. The impulse of inspiration through the study of books and inner search is transformed into an idea, which through the dynamics of symbolism seeks its realization in the design. The imprinting of the design is followed by the processing of the metal, which, guided by the knowledge of the technique, mutates, adapts, is abolished and is reborn many times, until it comes to life, acquires its own entity and soul, and speaks, conveying the messages of its primary source of inspiration.

My jewelry is aimed at modern women, with an opinion, with spiritual culture and inner sensitivity, dynamic and independent, because it is a small work of art with character, which dresses and adorns the woman who wears it, while simultaneously showcasing her personality.

Sophia Pavlakou