Interviews med Maria Kotsoni

The design for the Smiley Spiked, flexible cuff, evolved from an on going collection which I started in 2017. The collection ‘Spiked’ draws inspiration from the element of the Spike, an ancestral element in nature for the protection of the delicate essence of life.

The main focus in designing this work was to create an innovative type of bracelet for everyday wea, especially for the lower part of the wrist.

The future plans for this, as with all my designs, is to be used as leverage for the generation of new ideas and a fresh perspective in contemporary fine jewelry.

For this actual piece, it didn’t take longer than two weeks, though the idea of the Spike was already something that I had been working on since 2017.

This design came as a personal initiative through the pursuit of inspiration by the Spike.

At the moment the design is being produced exclusively by my company and is part of my latest line which can be found in selected stores in the U.S. and E.U.

I was driven by my fascination for the Spike of course but I wanted to create an innovative type of bracelet with emphasis on the adornment of the lower part of the wrist, visible under a sleeve in a relaxed position.

My inspiration comes from my cultural background and from my fascination with nature.

Any woman or man with a strong, independent personality and a keen eye on innovation.

It’s shape and function.

The Smiley Spiked, flexible cuff is ‘smiling’ when on , due to is articulated U shaped formation of seven spikes in the center.

My mechanical pencil and a ruler for measurements.

The design was the result of a collective effort from my team of specialised technicians and bench jewellers.

The articulated Spiked part of the bracelet was digitally designed.

The research on the Spike and its role in the protection of sensitive life forms was a pre-existing fascination of mine.

The mechanics. It took a few months of testing to resolve.

I believe the concept of the Smiley, flexible cuff bracelet is unique and I wanted to present it to the world through an international competition, connected to my name before being copied.

I believe, with every truly innovative design, the designer seeks the reaction of the public to it which fuels their creativity.

I was born into an artistic family and had a carefree childhood, close to nature, by the sea and amongst the antiquities in Paphos, Cyprus. I guess all that nursed my artistic nature. Since childhood, I was drawn into small three dimensional shapes like pebbles, fragments of ancient ruins and natural forms like shells and insects or plants. I became familiar with all these stimuli by collecting and studying them. By the age of seventeen, I was certain I wanted to become a jewellery designer.

My company was founded in 2005 when I decided to settle in Cyprus after my studies in London and after living and working as a free lance designer and an independent Artist in Athens, Greece.

My design studio and Showroom is situated in the historic center of the Cyprus capital, Nicosia.

Design for me is my form of expression.

I am a jewellery designe, so that would be jewellery

I cannot speak of a most favorite; all my designs are expressions of ideas and carry on messages, perceived by those who are sensitive enough to appreciate them. I guess I feel more connected to some pieces than others but the connection is unique with each different piece as it expresses a different idea.

My favorite media is gold which I love it’s authentic yellow color, reminiscent of the ancient masterpieces that inspired me.

Usually early in the morning or in the evening when I’m in a relaxed mood and in a quiet environment.

The aesthetics, the originality and the ergonomics.

Its appeal to the public and the positive effect it generates.

The aesthetics, the originality and the ergonomics or the way it harmonizes with its surroundings.

To have a positive impact on both. To generate positive feelings and actions.

Design is a form of expression for the designer and as long as people are sensitive in perceiving the positive effect it has on them it will always serve a higher purpose.

I have just showcased at the Couture 2025, Las Vegas, U.S.A.

Everything around us can become a source of inspiration, visually, emotionally and mentally. I am very much inspired by the great ancient Civilizations that have left their mark on my homeland, but I am always trying to communicate with people in my time and pass on a message that will be perceived as positive or empowering for generation.

I live in Cyprus and the cultural heritage of my country has inspired me to become a designer and continues to feed my creativity.

The pros are mostly the quality of life for me and my family, a safe environment to raise my children, close to nature and the Mediterranean Sea, small distances and the multicultural environment.

The con is the small population with limited exposure of my work to the public.

A designer can be the soul of your company’s product. A successful product is one people can relate to and for that the designers skill to communicate with the public through their work is key in its success.

The idea is captured on paper by a quick sketch and then development begins.

To be original and innovative as well as aesthetically appealing through time.

Being creative is a need that must be fulfilled often by making sacrifices.

Originality and innovation, a sense of identity or philosophy behind the idea, aesthetics and ergonomics.

Problem solving and originality

My little notebook and mechanical pencil, always in my bag to put down any idea that comes into my head where ever I may be.

With difficulty and by sleeping less.

That is relevant, depending on the complexity of the piece

Every experience is important because there is always something to learn

People who appreciate my work of course

To create something new by following my intuition and leave a positive impact to future generations,

I develop my designs myself but always seek technical advice from associates that I assign with specific tasks.

I would rather not talk about my new projects until they are ready to be presented to the public.

By email, a message or a call.