woven necklace with loveknot and rams

The ram represents authority and nobility, virility and fertility, power and leadership. Zeus and Hermes are associated with the ram in Greek mythology, Cernunnos in the Celtic, Amun Ra in the Egyptian, Thor in the Scandinavian.

Alexander the Great after his death is depicted on coinage with ram's horns, as he thought himself the son of Zeus Amun. The horns represented and confirmed his deification.

A symbol of love and commitment, the love knot - also known as the Hercules knot and reef knot - featured in ancient Greek and Roman weddings.

Consisting of two strong, intertwined strands, it was tied as a protective amulet into the bride's wedding gown, to be untied by the groom. Hence derives our idiom of tying the knot. This tradition may have a mythological connection with the capture of Artemis' famous belt by Hippolyta, the Amazon Queen.

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.