By Actina Jewelry / Photo Kyriakos Larmos
As a kid, I could never wear beautiful earrings, as an allergy I had when young to fake, cheap jewellery left me with very sensitive ears. I’d often admire the pieces my sister or my friends would wear but my experience with earrings had somewhat traumatized me that I had accepted I was never going to wear them.
Last year, after almost two decades of having naked ears I decided to give another chance to piercing my ears. It worked! The only important rule now to follow is to only wear gold, gold-plated or sterling silver earrings - away from nickel, copper and metal. At first, finding shops that sold quality, stylish jewellery was a bit of a challenge. So, I searched and searched for local designers that know what they’re doing and what materials they’re using.
After almost a year of being a proud earring-wearing woman, I have found some Cypriot jewellery designers that are worth checking out, especially now as you’re getting ready for your Christmas shopping. All of the shops I mention below, I have purchased from and tried their earrings and they feel perfectly comfortable to even my sensitive ears. They might be more expensive but they will last for years and it’s worth it if it means keeping your ears allergy-free.
So, this festive season please consider supporting local shops and artists - even if that means a like, follow or a mention. To them, it means the world. Here we go!
BohoandMore.cy
When this shop was on Ermou street, I would stop and drool over its boho-chic home decor. Then I found out that an old friend from elementary school owns it and went to see her at her new location in Kaimakli. There I saw her jewellery for the first time, mostly thick sterling silver pieces in all shapes in sizes. They are made by artist Nasilia Jewelry in Greece and they’ve recently added golden pieces as well. If you go, please also check out owner Laoura’s candles and incense sticks - I bought some more than 7 months ago and they still smell divine!
Facebook / Instagram T: 97753680
Kiwie Jewellery
I bought my very first pair of earrings from Kiwie after I got my piercings for the third and (hopefully) final time. I still have the hoops and have since then bought another pair of classy earrings. Her designs are beautiful, in silver and in various styles. She often does pop-up shops but you can also find her pieces at Huga Studio, Archive.Artspace and online.
Sea of Lace Jewellery
I would describe SOL’s jewellery as elegant pieces inspired by traditional Cypriot designs. That’s what it is in a nutshell as designer Eleni Nicolaou creates traditional embroidery techniques inspired by Aphrodite's beauty in her filigree workshop. It’s very intricate, detailed work using fine gold, gold-plated and sterling silver materials. I love her creations and wear my Helios earrings and matching necklace all the time.
Facebook / Instagram Website: www.seaoflace.com
Actina Jewelry
Minimal, elegant jewellery you can wear every day. Kind of what their designer Maria Matsouka is like. It’s a slow fashion brand that uses materials sourced from small businesses located in both Cyprus and Greece. Maria is the person who taught me about 925 sterling silver, one of its purest forms and perfect for sensitive ears. She just launched a new collection called the Citrus Collection inspired by the intoxicating smell of Cypriot citrus blossoms. Give it a browse.
Facebook / Instagram Website: www.actinajewelry.com
Maria Chara Jewelry
Whenever Maria Chara Jewelry posts on Instagram I get excited. She has a variety of designs in gold and silver using colourful stones, pearls and other jewels. I honestly feel like buying a bunch whenever I visit her shop in central Nicosia. She has small and big pieces, shiny and discrete. Worth checking her out.
Facebook / Instagram T: 22014499
Annabelle P
My good friend Annabelle, a little creative genius, creates handmade polymer clay designs with each item different than the last. All her beads are handcrafted and bespoke - it took me 40 minutes to prepare one bead when I tried once. Her pieces range from colourful, ethnic and boho to also minimal. Definitely try her out if you’re looking for something different to bedazzle your jewellery game. Her typical earring hooks are not sterling silver but she can swap them out for you if you ask. Pretty happy with mine!
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These are the ones I have tried and tested in Nicosia and keep going back to. All of the designers have necklaces, bracelets, rings and more in their collection so be sure to check out their pages to see more. If you do have an allergy, please do talk with the shops before purchasing to make sure the earrings are safe for you. And remember, taking the time to buy from a small local business is huge for them and now they need the support more than over.
Happy, mindful and sustainable shopping!
