Meet The Jeweller - Goldsmith Stelios Karantonas (podcast episode)
This week we’re joined by Stelios Karantonas who is a trained goldsmith. He trained in Greece before moving over to London to set up his workshop. He has his own jewellery brand and is a very knowledgeable and talented jeweller. Today he shares about his journey to becoming a jeweller.
007: Meet The Jeweller - Goldsmith Stelios Karantonas
This week we’re joined by Stelios Karantonas who is a trained goldsmith. He trained in Greece before moving over to London to set up his workshop. He has his own jewellery brand and is a very knowledgeable and talented jeweller. Today he shares about his journey to become a jeweller.
EPISODE RECAP
Tell us about your journey into jewellery making (1:42)
You trained in Greece and live in London. You sell your jewellery in Hatton Gardens, is that correct? (3:09)
When you were doing your training in Greece, what were the key things you learned? (4:14)
Tell us a little bit about your business now (9:10)
Can you think of any mistakes you’ve made in business and what you learned from them? (10:20)
What is the difference between calling yourself a jeweller, a goldsmith, a silversmith, etc.? (12:09)
What was the first collection you ever made? Tell us a little about your evolution as a jeweler (16:43)
Do you feel like you have a signature style? (19:33)
If you had to go back to your 26-year-old self and give him one piece of advice from your jewellery career, what would that advice be? (25:08)
When you start a jewellery business, it seems like there’s always someone who has something to say that’s not helpful. For me it made me more determined. (27:33)
What achievement in your jewellery career are you most proud of? (29:21)
It’s important to remind ourselves that the work we do matters (32:15)
You’re one of the incredible mentors on the Diploma Course. Can you tell us a little about that and what it’s like to be a mentor? (36:14)
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and skills (38:13)
ABOUT STELIOS KARANTONAS
Stelios Karantonas is an ardent, independent, first generation jewellery designer/maker with around 10 years of experience, currently running his own business in London.
He has participated in many trade fairs and shows in New York, Beijing, Munich, Athens and Paris.
Along with his business, his love and passion for jewellery making, led him to take part as a tutor in various workshops, one-to-one sessions & jewellery schools in London.
Ring designed and made by Stelios Karantonas
RESOURCES
Stelios Karantonas website http://www.steliosk.co.uk/
Nicos Koulis https://www.nikoskoulis.gr/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stelios_karantonas/
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