Symbol of new life and protection. In the time of the Minoans during the second millennium BC, clay scarabs were used in fertility rites - possibly due to the close trading connections between the Minoans on Crete and nearby Egypt, where the scarab was a symbol of the sunrise and renewal.

In ancient Greece, they were important in the initiation rites of warriors. The scarab was sacred to Zeus, rather like the eagle, as seen in Aesop's fable 'The Scarab and the Eagle'.

It has been a privilege to work with the Vaphiadis family since 2007. They are one of the best manufacturers of sterling silver jewellery in Greece.

The collection is inspired by ancient Greek silver and gold coins, the art and jewellery of the Minoan civilisation, familiar symbolic motifs and images, and the animals that played a significant part in ancient Greek culture.

Due to the tragic, sudden death in early 2025 of Ioannis Vaphiadis, who made all this beautiful jewellery, the family's jewellery production has ceased.

This is all the remaining stock that I have. Ioannis was only in his late 50s, was such a lovely man and a dear friend. I was so lucky to work closely with him for 19 years.

If you already have a piece of his jewellery, cherish it.