zolotas (Founded 1895)
The House of Zolotas was founded in 1895 in Athens by Efthimios Zolotas.
Since the day the store first opened its doors on Aiolou Street near the Acropolis, it has been considered a symbol of Greek craftsmanship and cultural identity. Zolotas’ vision has always been to revive and elevate the ancient Hellenic art of goldsmithing by blending historical techniques with modern artistry. Educated in Paris, the young designer aspired to build a Greek high jewelry house that would rival those he saw in Europe. By the early 20th century, the company had already achieved significant success, allowing Zolotas to expand and open an atelier where he employed skilled goldsmiths to craft pieces worn by Greek royalty and high society.
Zolotas’ son, Xenophon Zolotas—an economist, statesman, and Prime Minister—eventually took over the company in the late 1950s and furthered his father's vision of creating a brand that would have universal appeal while celebrating Greek heritage. This led to the integration of motifs inspired by Mycenaean lions, Byzantine mosaics, and archaeological treasures into their bold, sculptural designs. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Zolotas gained international acclaim, favored by luminaries such as Maria Callas, Elizabeth Taylor, and Jackie Kennedy.
In the 1970s, embracing change and following in the footsteps of its contemporaries, Zolotas invited artists such as Claude Lalanne, Paloma Picasso, and Takis to create exclusive designs for the house. By the end of the decade, and into the 1980s, the house came under the creative direction of Ronald McNamer, formerly of Tiffany & Co., who masterfully fused ancient symbolism, contemporary design, and Zolotas’ signature techniques—granulation, filigree, hand-hammering, and repoussé.
In more recent years, the house has continued to evolve under the artistic leadership of Georges Papalexis and Marianne Le Clère-Papalexis, introducing new textures, color palettes, and artistic collaborations—while remaining deeply rooted in the enduring soul of Hellenic culture.
