Maria Kotsoni

Specialized in Jewelry Design.

Maria Kotsoni

About Maria Kotsoni

Maria Kotsoni is a Cyprus-based, award-winning jeweller and micro sculptor, blending antiquity with contemporary design in 18K gold and natural diamonds. Raised in an artistic family and a Central Saint Martin’s graduate, she launched her eponymous brand in 2017 after showcasing her work in group and solo exhibitions across Europe and New York. Her sculptural pieces interact with the human body, evoking reverence for the past while embracing the present. Maria’s signature jewels are expressions of individuality, embodying timeless elegance and a profound connection to cultural heritage.

  • Winner of the A' Design Award.
  • Specialized in Jewelry Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs
  • Jewelry
Smiley Spiked Flexible Cuff Bracelet

Smiley Spiked Flexible Cuff Bracelet

Jewelry Design

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Interview with Maria Kotsoni

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
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.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
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.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
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.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
My favorite media is gold which I love it’s authentic yellow color, reminiscent of the ancient masterpieces that inspired me.
When do you feel the most creative?
Usually early in the morning or in the evening when I’m in a relaxed mood and in a quiet environment.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
The aesthetics, the originality and the ergonomics or the way it harmonizes with its surroundings.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
To have a positive impact on both. To generate positive feelings and actions.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
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.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
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.
Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
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.
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
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.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
The idea is captured on paper by a quick sketch and then development begins.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
To be original and innovative as well as aesthetically appealing through time.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
Being creative is a need that must be fulfilled often by making sacrifices.
What is your "golden rule" in design?
Originality and innovation, a sense of identity or philosophy behind the idea, aesthetics and ergonomics.
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
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.
What was your most important job experience?
Every experience is important because there is always something to learn
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
To create something new by following my intuition and leave a positive impact to future generations,
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
I develop my designs myself but always seek technical advice from associates that I assign with specific tasks.
Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
I would rather not talk about my new projects until they are ready to be presented to the public.

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