February 18, 2025 |
BLINGIN’ IT IS TEN’S ONLINE SERIES WHERE WE SPOTLIGHT THE INNOVATORS AND CHANGE-MAKERS OF THE JEWELLERY WORLD.
There’s something undeniably captivating about jewellery that carries a story – a sense of history wrapped up in a single, sculptural form. And that’s exactly what YSSO delivers. It isn’t just about gold and silver. It’s about heritage, artistry and the kind of craftsmanship that whispers of ancient myths and sun-drenched shores.
Founded by Greek mother-daughter duo Stalo and Alexia Karides, YSSO is more than a jewellery brand. It’s a love letter to Greek culture, a tribute to the traditions of Mediterranean craftsmanship, and a bold reimagining of what modern jewellery can be. Stalo, an archaeologist and art historian, has spent over 30 years studying and creating jewellery, sculpting pieces that feel as though they’ve been unearthed from an ancient Athenian excavation – each carrying the weight of history but infused with contemporary energy. Alexia, once a corporate lawyer, now the London-based brand’s creative director, brings a fresh, modern edge to the designs, ensuring each piece speaks to a new generation of wearers who crave something meaningful.
YSSO’s designs are an alchemy of past and present – organic yet structured, fluid yet bold. Each collection is handcrafted in small batches in an Athenian foundry using recycled bronze, gold and sterling silver, ensuring every single piece carries a distinct, artisanal touch. But don’t mistake handcrafted for delicate. These are pieces designed to be worn, lived in and loved.
For Stalo, the journey from archaeology to jewellery design was a natural one. Crafting and sculpting with her hands; creating purely from imagination, you can feel love in every curve, texture and detail. Shaped by instinct and history, appreciation for the expressive power of adornment is deep-rooted.
But YSSO isn’t just about looking back, it’s about evolution. Inspired by their time in Greece, France and the UK, the duo have created a brand that fuses Mediterranean heritage with contemporary flair. The brand believes that jewellery should be more than just beautiful; it should also carry value. They focus on designing and creating pieces that embody this idea. Every piece is designed to be worn with confidence and in a bid for unfettered self-expression.
It’s no wonder then, that the brand has caught the eye of A-listers. Hailey Bieber, Adele, Kate Hudson, and Nicola Coughlan have all been spotted in YSSO’s must-have designs, proving that timeless craftsmanship and modern luxury make the ultimate power pairing. Stocked at Net-A-Porter, the brand has carved out a niche as the go-to for those who appreciate jewellery that does more than accessorise.
At its heart, YSSO is a celebration of craftsmanship, culture and individuality. It’s for those who see jewellery as more than just something to wear; it’s a reflection of who they are, where they come from and what they stand for. And that? That’s pure gold.
ON THE BIRTH OF YSSO
Alexia: Jewellery has always been part of my life. My mother, Stalo, has over 30 years of experience in jewellery making, and I grew up surrounded by her designs, materials, and conversations about craftsmanship. But my path to YSSO wasn’t linear – I originally studied Mathematics and then Law, working as a corporate lawyer before I realised I needed something more creative as I had always been painting and loved photography. The lightbulb moment came when I reconnected with my mother’s archive of designs while working in law and saw an opportunity to bring them into a contemporary space. That was the beginning of YSSO. I began wearing my mother’s designs at work, and I realised the power that jewellery had to not only transform an outfit but also one’s psychology.
ON THE BRAND’S HERITAGE
Alexia: YSSO is pronounced ‘ee-so’ and comes from the Greek word for gold, ‘chrysso.’ It’s a name that feels both ancient and modern, as it has no standalone meaning as a word. YSSO is about balance: between ancient and modern, raw and refined, bold and delicate. Our designs are deeply influenced by Greek heritage, my mother’s work as an archaeologist, the organic & fluid forms found in nature and the simplicity of ancient artefacts. We don’t replicate historical pieces, but we take inspiration from the timelessness of Greek craftsmanship and reinterpret it for today.
ON WORKING AS A DUO
Alexia: It’s a constant exchange of ideas. My mother’s depth of knowledge in jewellery making is invaluable, while I bring a fresh perspective and a modern sensibility to the brand. There are surprisingly no moments of creative tension – we both really respect each other’s design ideas, and we authentically have a shared vision for YSSO.
Stalo: My academic background gives me a deep appreciation for the past – how objects were made, worn, and valued. Jewellery is one of the oldest forms of artistic expression, and I approach it with that sense of history. But my years of hands-on experience in jewellery making also mean I understand the technical aspects of crafting each piece. At YSSO, we bridge both worlds – respecting tradition while pushing boundaries.
ON THEIR INSPIRATION
Alexia: I grew up by the sea in southern Athens, collecting shells and spending hours studying their forms. That love for nature has never left me. Many of our designs echo the textures and fluidity of natural elements – waves, pebbles, the ruggedness of rock formations. There’s something deeply grounding about wearing a piece that carries these references. Every design starts with form – whether it’s an idea inspired by a natural texture, an artefact, or a memory. Our Athenian workshops bring the designs to life using traditional techniques traditionally used for the making of bronze statues in Ancient Greece. The innovation comes in how we reimagine these methods, using them in unexpected ways or pairing them with modern design.
ON THE AESTHETIC OF YSSO
Alexia: We are drawn to imperfection but also wearability and to the idea that beauty isn’t about symmetry or polish but about depth and character. Ancient jewellery had that – it was tactile, sculptural, made to be touched and worn. We embrace that philosophy at YSSO, keeping the raw textures and organic lines but refining them just enough to make them feel effortless to the wearer and by creating pieces that will allow her to feel she is telling her own story. It’s a delicate balance between innovation and creating something that feels modern. Some of our most beloved designs are those that feel both sculptural and effortless – our Ariadne bracelet, for example, created in collaboration with Anna Bromilow, or our lace-inspired pieces that pay homage to traditional Greek textiles. Then there are our sea-inspired designs, which carry that raw, organic energy that defines YSSO. We see jewellery as something timeless – it carries stories, history, and sentiment, but it should also feel effortless and relevant today. Our designs are inspired by the women who wear them and their lifestyles; we come up with designs that revisit ancient forms but we strip them back to their essence, making them wearable and contemporary. It’s about achieving that perfect balance – organic yet modern, statement yet understated.
ON HOW ITS MADE
Alexia: Yes, all our jewellery is made in Athens by highly skilled and family run workshops. Greek goldsmithing has a long and rich history, and we’re committed to showcasing it internationally. We have been working with this particular workshop since 2015 when we first experimented with others creating our designs and when we discovered this network of artisanal workshops in our city. By working closely with these workshops we ensure that every piece is made with care and expertise, using techniques that have been passed down through generations. I am really passionate about this, and my motivation about championing the Made in Greece ethos internationally. Sustainability is important to us and we try to be as mindful as possible in our material choices. We use recycled metals where we can and our silver and gold are sourced from certified suppliers in Greece. By producing locally, we also reduce unnecessary waste and transportation emissions.
ON THE FUTURE OF YSSO
Alexia: We’re constantly evolving. This year, we’re expanding our storytelling – diving deeper into the narratives behind our pieces and exploring new materials and forms. Last year we launched very few new designs, while growing substantially as a business, reinforcing our approach that timelessness can become the core business model. We’re also working on exciting collaborations and refining our approach to bring our designs to life in new ways, as you may or may not know I take all the brand photography – so collaborations in this space are really exciting to me.
Photography courtesy of YSSO.
