The Nikos Designs website has been closed at the request of the owner. This web address will soon be discontinued. Meanwhile, please enjoy the following entry from the blog of a certain Sharon R.:
Nikos Nafpliotis is an absolute artist and exudes a warmth that instantly puts you at ease. After taking my grandma to Silver Tips Tea Room for some birthday tea time revelry next door, I was drawn into Nikos' small eclectic jewelry shop/studio. I am so glad that I followed my instinct to investigate.
What caught my eye in the window was a row of thick and swirly silver rings with an oxidized/distressed treatment. One was more original and beautiful than the next. They must be out of my price range, I thought. Definitely. But I went in anyway.
Nikos greeted me and my grandma graciously and showed us a magnificent pair of curvy bronze earrings he just completed. And then he showed me an even larger row of rings in the same style of the ones in the window. I tried on about a dozen of them appreciating the details and technique. After choosing a favorite, Nikos said he would like to make me a special one similar to the one I liked best, but with a bit more flare. And the magic price for such a custom piece of his wearable art was $60! Amazing! And my grandma ended up treating me, so I really got a bargain!
The ring was ready a week later. And he had actually made seven different variations on a theme for me to choose from. He decided that for these shapes, shining the silver enhanced the design, and he was right on. The rings were more perfect than I could have imagined. And, when I returned to pick-up my new favorite piece of jewelry, I ended up also getting the gorgeous bronze earrings he had made the week earlier.
I love the way Nikos works with metal. He understands the material and how to make it represent movement. His designs capture a dramatic modern elegance. I just found my favorite jewelry designer!