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20% Sale on Earrings
Good through March 31
20% Sale on Earrings
Good through March 31

Updates from Pete and Joanne

Our Blog and News from the Workshops

Update: March 11th: 

Also: Our "regulars" know we like to give credit to the folks who help us along the way. Dreams are great, but that's all they amount to without the help of capable employees, contractors, and collaborators.


Lately you've been seeing a lot of this woman on the site. Munira is an international model with two university degrees in Computer Science—a beautiful AND brilliant addition to a Gerochristo photoshoot. Thank you, Munira, for adding your touch of elegance to our store. 

Update: March 1st: 

We are working through a flood of new photos and products right now. 

Al'Oro (above) has a new line of 18k Gold pieces that we are excited about. 

Gerochristo (below) has new pieces and new photos of existing pieces. 

Update: February 7: 

Welcome to Γιαγιάς store!

In English the word sounds like "Yiayia" and means "Grandma" 

So why is it Yiayia's store? Because she did as much to help build it as anyone! Yiayia is a Greek American that knows what good jewelry looks and feels like. Her yiayia wore it, her mother wore it, and she herself has worn it her entire life. She is proud of her heritage, has high standards and knows when it's done right. The final test of any new piece comes on Sunday at church when she shows her friends what she bought (no matter how big or small), and can proudly claim that hers is the best :-)


So on our 20th Anniversary, we would like to just give a special "thanks" to all of the Yiayia's who have blessed us with their patronage. 

You are our biggest supporters and we will continue serving everyone with you as our North Star!

Update: December 22: 

2024 marks our 20th year in business


On the morning of September 11, 2001 Pete climbed the stairs out of a subway station to a picture perfect morning. He had just gotten home from a honeymoon in Santorini and resumed his routine ... with a cup of street coffee and a copy of the New York Times he proceeded to his job on the 39th floor of the World Trade Center. 



Photo Left: The Maltese Stone Cross was the first piece sold by Athena's in September of 2004


Photo Right: The Cyclades Earrings was the first item with multiple sales ... also in September '04 


Maybe it was the fatigue of working for an investment bank, or maybe it was just that 12 years in NYC was enough, but when his son was born in 2003 he knew a better way had to be found.



Photos: "Alexander the Great", our most recent commission by Giorgo Damaskos and Luigina Rech



To be continued! 

We will be bringing more of the story each month along with special offers to commemorate the pieces that Athena Gaia was built on.

Update: November 30: 

The question we hear most: Do you have a physical location?

We have been working with R. Weiss Jewelers of Bernards, NJ for close to seven years. Rick handles our alterations with a rare expertise and it's been a joy to have his care and concern where our customers are concerned. 


Our big announcement today is that they have set aside a counter for our in stock items. So for those of you who would like to see a limited selection of our items in person, we finally have that option! 

We currently show about 50 pieces at the store but even if your size isn't available you can have a piece custom made in Greece.


If you are in Central / North Jersey and would like to see the collection in person (or you just have a watch or jewelry piece that needs attention) please be sure to pay us a visit at:


R. Weiss Fine Jewelers

www.rweissjewelers.com

80 Morristown Rd Unit 21, 

Bernardsville, NJ 07924

Update: November 22: 

The deadline for Stilvi is December 3rd.

Update: November 22: 

The deadlines for Kouzoupis and Maramenos & Pateras are both Midnight - Sunday 26th.

Update: November 12: A thought on Veterans Day, and who we are now

Someone once told me a bumble bee and a human being are 97% identical in regards to our DNA strands.


If we humans are 97% the same as an insect ... then how different can we be from one another?


As an ex-infantryman in the US Army ... this video brought that home to me. I hope you'll forgive my reposting it here, but it seems that our differences are much smaller than our similarities and it struck me as important.


Merry Christmas everyone ... it's never too early to celebrate that which we all hold dear ... together.

Update: November 6: Christmas Deadlines


In almost every household across our great land there exists that one gifted soul who knows with certainty that December 23rd is the best time to get the gift shopping done. It makes perfect sense to me (editorial note: this is Pete writing - not Joanne). Your last minute shopping gives family members less time to discover the gifts you hid under the tarp in the garage right?!  


That aside: It takes SLIGHTLY more than 2 days to get things made in Greece and shipped on time. So to help you get your orders in on time; here are some preliminary guidelines:


October 29th 

Gerochristo's deadline for guaranteed Christmas delivery was last weekend, but there is still time to place an order for "probable & hopeful" deliveries. If you are interested in getting a piece for Christmas give us a shout to see what's still possible.


November 19:

Al'Oro, Evangelatos, Yianni


November 26 (Black Friday)

Maramenos & Pateras, Kouzoupis


December 3

Stilvi


Thank you Barbara


You can feel a child's sad and wondering heart when they see the empty room, 

something special that once was there is gone.


What was your favorite thing about Grams?

Was it the gifts she gave you?

Was it all the hugs and love and attention?


Take heart. The best things about her are still right here, right inside of you, just look and see:


Whenever you give a gift you'll pass along Gram's kindness.

Whenever you give a hug you'll pass along her warmth.


Whenever you love somebody you will be lifting the torch of all things good,

and warm the world not just with your own heart, but Gram's too, 

because she made yours so strong.


 Barbara Borek 

1939 - 2023

Today is September 11

I'd like to say "thank you" to all the firefighters on this day. 


I saw you guys climbing the stairs as I was heading down. 

When I close my eyes I can still see the color of yours. 

You exist eternal in our hearts, our souls, and in every good thing we do. 


God bless you for your sacrifice, may he keep you and treasure you as much as we still do.

Update: July 27: A new way to pay!

We have a new payment method ... 


The new option is delightfully simple and requires no sign-up, personal info or credit checks. You simply opt to make a 50% deposit instead of full payment and when the piece gets done and has been shipped from Greece you pay the rest.


Crafting jewelry to order can take time and we don't want to make folks feel anxious while they wait - this is especially true of new customers that haven't experienced a purchase with us yet.


We are hoping that this payment method makes our art more accessible while at the same time empowers our buyers with the piece-of-mind gained from the delayed second installment.

 

Update: July 18: Lead Times for Christmas

Christmas: We know it's way too early to be thinking about Christmas ... but the deadlines surrounding August get us thinking about it. We will announce Christmas lead-times for each of our designers as soon as we know more, but once again highly advise getting your shopping done early. Last year's August orders REALLY helped us open up the schedule for the ensuing rush in late October & November. 


So if you like being the early bird or just don't want to get stressed in November ... now is a great time to order.


Update: July 18: The August Break Situation

August Break:


August 15th marks the religious celebration of the Assumption of Mary so it is one of the most important days in the Greek calendar. Because it falls during a month when most Europeans take vacation makes it an even bigger holiday because so many Greeks have traveled back to their island or village from their job in Athens. Family reunions and relaxation combine to make an important celebration a very popular one as well.


Gerochristo has stopped taking new orders (as of yesterday) and will be completing all of their outstanding orders by August 12 for shipment to the United States. Any orders made now can expect delivery in late September / early October.


Evangelatos & Kouzoupis will be taking the full month off to see distant relatives, so expect shipments to resume in early-to-mid-September.


Al'Oro will be shutting down on the 10th of August, so they are taking orders until the end of July. They will be resuming shipments in early September


Maramenos & Pateras, Stilvi and Yianni are keeping their workshops open. Expect normal delivery times from these guys.


Thanks to everyone for following along with our trip to the JCK show! It was nice to hear so many people chiming in with advice for visiting Vegas and well wishing for a safe trip home!


This final video features Antonis Pateras showing Joanne that incredible bracelet so many have commented on! The biggest question has been "how does it get worn?" 


So here is Joanne showing us! 

The Ocean Waves Collection

The Four Seasons Collection

The Byzantine Embroidery Collection

Update: June 15: The JCK Show in Las Vegas (part 2)

Last year ago we were fortunate to commence business with 2 of Greece's most established goldsmiths; Kouzoupis and Maramenos & Pateras.


We've visited both at their workshops and have gotten to know them pretty well just in the course of doing business, but it's great to just get some face-time with our friends and business partners and Las Vegas proved to be an ample venue.


This video features Antonis Kouzoupis giving us the grand tour of their new "Olympians" collection 

Update: June 9: The JCK Show in Las Vegas

Every year the world of jewelry comes together in one place: The JCK and Couture Shows at Las Vegas Nevada!


This year several of our friends showed up; Gerochrsito, Kouzoupis and Maramenos & Pateras. It was great to see them all and finally getting to pick up the bill for dinner (good luck with that in Greece if you have friends there - these folks are notoriously generous!).


We also got to see a bunch of new pieces, and get videos of some older ones - so the trip was a big success for us and we'll be sharing the details over the next few weeks right here in the blog!

Update: May 26: How to "Be"

If you want a successful business the very first thing I'd recommend is being good to your people and helping them grow. If you can create a workplace full of people who feel included and empowered, you'll be something better than successful, you'll be happy!


Tommy is a local guy who needed a job while waiting for his application for the merchant marines to come through. 


We knew he'd only be around for a few months but thought it would be fun to give him a few skills while we had him. This video tells a little bit of his story.


Well done Tom - and good luck!

Update: May 19: Improving Payment Plans

We are discontinuing "Shop Pay Installments" (you can use it until June 10th)


Last June we began offering "Shop Pay Installments" which allows customers to spread out payments for their purchases (which we like), but it has been causing excessive confusion for many of our customers during the checkout process, and often excessive fees for both parties.


We want our customers to have a smooth, easy to understand experience, so it's time for a change.


We are replacing it with our 50/50 program (which we are re-starting today)


50/50 is a great way to buy from us (especially for new buyers) and it's simple to understand and use.


With 50/50, an eligible order ($500 or more total, post discounts) allows you to pay for half of the order up front (instead of the full price up front). When the order arrives in the US at our location, the remaining half can be paid. All orders will follow the same return and refund policy. Payment methods are the same (all major credit cards). 


As you may know from visiting our site, some things can take a month to get made in Greece and arrive at our location. The anticipation can be excruciating! It's like watching ketchup drip out of the bottle - you just can't wait! Some folks start to wonder if we're "for real" in the first place (we are). Regardless, we hate for people to feel impatient or nervous, so 50/50 is really great for a lot of reasons. 


How do I do it? 


50/50 orders have to be completed by contacting us before checkout. Instead of going through the usual check-out process, if your order total is over $500, contact us with what you'd like to purchase. 


Use email, or the "chat with us" button to tell us what pieces you want. The wishlist feature will come in handy! We will ask any important questions, make sure the chain you like works with the pendant you're after (stuff like that), and then we'll send the first invoice for 50% of the total order which will produce a bill of sale once paid. You can also call us, but please do not leave credit card info on a voicemail.


This emulates the benefits of Shop Pay installments, but kills the burdensome approval process and potential interest rates you faced.


50/50 is only available for US and Canada shipping addresses.



Update: March 31: What do we wear?

We get asked!


"What jewelry do Pete & Joanne wear?"


Hopefully we'll get Joanne's response soon, but her answer gets kind of extensive and might take a while to record (she owns a jewelry store after all). 


Pete, on the other hand, only owns 2 pieces but wears them on a regular basis and was prepared to talk about them!

Update: March 5: Current Sales

25% Clearance Sale (Final Sale)



We have specific pieces in stock that we would like to move to raise money for future projects. 25% is easily the steepest discount we offer so be sure to check our quickly vanishing selection to see if there is anything for you!


 

20% White Sale



We take our product photography seriously, and sometimes we have pieces whose photos just don't make the grade. When you buy something it gives us a chance to rectify that! 




Customer Benefits (never pay retail)


At the minimum - anyone can sign up for our newsletter and get a 10% discount code. Subscribe at the bottom of any page. 


Returning customers also benefit from a coupon code found in their package (don't throw that away!)   


Fund-Raiser referrals also get significant discounts - and the referring parties get something out of it too! Use the "chat with us" button at the bottom of your screen to  learn more.

Update: February 28: New FAQ Videos

We get a lot of questions!


We love talking to our customers and over the years we've realized that many of the questions we get are similar in nature. So we established a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page to help out and have recently added more info and videos. 


It's worth mentioning that we've been lucky as of late to have the help of a "new guy" in Thomas Ferguson. Tommy is waiting to ship out with the Merchant Marines so before he gets on with his life we've been pumping as many skill sets as we can into him (video editing being one of them). Thanks for the help Tom! 

Update: February 24: Fund Raising

Over 50% of our business is "repeat or referral" 


Never-the-less; we spend a gut-wrenching amount of money on social media advertising and have grown increasingly uncomfortable with the divisiveness found on these sites. 


We feel that people are meant to be united in good causes, so our goal is to re-direct some of our ad-spend to organizations that bring people together and help communities grow. 


If you are active in raising funds for your church or community and would like to hear more - please let us know! (the red chat button at the bottom of your screen is the best way!)

  

Update: February 3: Making Shopping Easier

The Wish List!


We've had customers asking about a wish list for as long as we've had the store. Finally, we have something worth offering!


You'll start seeing little heart symbols all over the site - clicking a heart adds the associated piece to your wish list!


Use your wish list as a reminder of the pieces you like ... AND ... to share that list with your generous, loving spouse!


You'll need to create a login to our site for your list to stay put after you leave. This login will also allow you share your wish list with other people. This account is free and easy to set up! 

Chat with us!


We tried a chat service once before but it was tied to a large social media company that we'd prefer to avoid (your purchases are none of their business).


This version is better because we can usually see what piece you are asking about. We can also share coupons, automatically answer frequently asked questions and order updates ... and chat with you directly about anything else!

HEADS UP: 


We now prioritize chat over e-mail. Our inbox has been targeted by more spammers than we can shake a curmudgeonly "get-off-my-lawn" fist at, so we tend to just look at it 3 or 4 times a day instead of incessantly & pathologically ... chat is our new favorite thing so please use it for the best service!

Update: January 6: Empowering Women at Athena Gaia

Luigina Rech works on a new micro-mosaic

Joanne, Pete and Alexandra in Central Park

As Americans, we think about "power" in military terms, but our real power is actually in our values and supported by our economic strength: Where our money goes, so do our values. Values like equal opportunity and fair play.


In many of the world's cultures it is difficult for women to establish themselves and make progress in business. Within the Greek jewelry industry, "Athena Gaia" has become well known. It is understood that our standards are not just technical and artistic, but also ethical and based on a fair and even playing field for everyone.


With each sale we are empowering women to be more assertive and break through with confidence in themselves and pride in a job well done.


The purchasing decisions you make are a force for change. 


Choosing forward-thinking brands sends an important message about who we are as Americans.

Update: December 21: "Merry Christmas!"

News: Today is the last day we will take orders for "In-stock" pieces. Please visit "Athena Express" to see what's available.


We had an extremely busy Christmas season and we just wanted to say thank you to all of our customers, jewelry designers, and employees!


Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!


Update: December 7: "Christmas Update"

News: Orders are getting out on time. 


For more information Pete's here with a video, but you should also feel free to e-mail us at athena@athenagaia.com


Also ... the correct pronunciation of "Gerochristo" 


Update: November 25, 2022: Getting a Gift? We have 2 Options:

Updated: November 25, 2022

Stilvi

Maybe it's the clean air up in Volos. 

Maybe it's the mountains and the sea.

Maybe Stilvi just really loves to please! 


Whatever the case, this is easily our fastest designer and we will take orders up until December 5

Evangelatos


Most of their pieces can still be made in time ... but we're not even going to publish an expected cut-off date (please just call us to ask any specific questions you have. 


BTW: 

If you are even remotely thinking about an Evangelatos white-sale piece ... jump on it! This is an outstanding designer whose art will become part of you.


Al'Oro

Al'Oro's cut-off for chains is over, but call just to be sure - there is still a chance they have what you need in stock and can get it to us in time.


Their other pieces may be in play. They have a great selection of 14k gold crosses, dainty bracelets and necklaces that make great gifts for girls of all ages! 




Update: October 16, 2022: "She's Back!"

Not much time tonight for the full story, but we met with Alexandra today are very happy to start offering her art again!


Our relationship with Evangelatos goes all the way back to 2005. We will explain more about them in an upcoming newsletter but for now we just want to get the announcement out and go-live with a few of their most popular pieces. 


Most of these are White Sale (20% off) so jump on it quick if you like it!


Click here to see the catalog

Update: August 27: "The Loop Chains"

If you are caught between wanting something small and something big, a loop chain might answer the question. 


You can wear it by itself, or build up a pendant's presence with it. Either way, it's a smart addition to your collection. We made a quick video explaining some of the differences.


See the loop chains here.

Update: July 14 2022: "The White Sale"

"The White Sale" provides a heavy 20% discount to buyers for helping us make the site look better. The sale is on pieces whose photography needs a little love (usually this means a white background, hence; "the White sale"). 

 THE CATCH: 

Act fast if you're interested—We only need one copy of a piece to photograph in-house. For instance; as soon as a White Sale piece is purchased once, it will go back to its regular price.

A note from Pete: 

We recently stated that there wouldn't be many sales this year but now we're on our 3rd ... huh? Actually 2 big things have happened: First; we picked up 2 new designers and we always introduce a designer with a sale. Second; To hell with inflation ... we're not participating.  

Update: June 30, 2022: Packing & Shipping


We get a lot of questions about our packaging. Some of the packaging we use is displayed below. Typically we'll put band rings into small pouches, but larger rings, necklaces, super-expensive things & birthday gifts automatically find their way into boxed packaging. 


We're also careful to be as "green" as possible - we've cut our paper consumption by 1/3 recently with the "tape-down" method shown in the video :-)

Update: June 27, 2022: Konstantinata


We've updated our "History of the Cross" page with information about Konstantinata / Martirika / Filakta 

(to which many of you may respond ... "huh?"). :-)


Sometimes it's the little traditions cultures maintain that can be the most amazing. We've been selling (and you've been buying) the little round pendants with crosses and "ICXC NIKA" in them for years but we've finally gotten around to explaining what they are all about and giving them their own place in the store (sorry for it taking so long)!


So drop by the "History of the Cross" page and take a look - especially if you're just procrastinating at work today and looking for something better to do than that silly TPS report :-).  

   

Update: June 7, 2022: Introducing buy now, pay later with Shop Pay


We've introduced a new "buy now, pay later" payment option.


Several customers have asked us for Lay-Away or 50/50 payments — we think this is a great way to serve them in an organized fashion. In general, due to our suggested crafting times - we felt like this would be a good thing to offer.


You can view all payment options after shipping at checkout.


Please note: If you finance your purchase with Affirm, your first payment is due approximately two weeks after your purchase is finalized. Please note that due to extended delivery times, your loan payment(s) may be due before you receive your purchase.


   

Update: May 18, 2022: Please welcome Maramenos & Pateras


I've known about Maramenos & Pateras for many years. They have a reputation for a fearless approach to design balanced with a conservative approach to craftsmanship and construction. 


It has been a pleasure for us to get to know them over the past several months. Everyone we've spoken to there rings the "yes" bell, but they also come with the all-important nod of approval from Spiros Gerochristo himself.


We've also been blessed with the addition of a Greek photographer. Together we developed a new look for the still shots and are very pleased with the results and with our collaboration. Not many people can make a snake look cute - good job Orestis, it's a pleasure to finally work with you!   

Update: April 29 2022: Andrea and Elizabeth dropped by for a photo shoot

We haven't seen Elizabeth (our model) or Andrea (our stylist) for several months. They bring a lot of energy and fun into our lives, so it was great to see them again.


We photographed pieces from our new designer.  Everything will be made with 18k gold and diamonds.


Stay tuned and subscribe to our e-mail for more info!

Update: February 21, 2022:

Maria is at it again! This time she finds inspiration in the horses of ancient Greece in all their forms! Join us for an entertaining and educational overview of how our noble friend the horse has helped us along our way.


Maria is Evangelatou is a Professor of Mediterranean Studies in the Department of History of Art and Visual Culture 

at the University of California Santa Cruz.

Update: February 12, 2022:

Olives!

 

With the help of Maria Evangelatou we have assembled an overview on the olive and its impact on Greek history and culture. 


You might be surprised to see what a far reach that tiny fruit has had! 

We've had tremendous success with Stilvi's Pearl Olive and Olive Tree collections and decided to create a new mood ... apologies for not creating a poem to go with it yet but I'll give it a shot as soon as I can! 

Update: January 21, 2022:

Introducing:

Maria Evangelatou

 

Maria is Professor of Mediterranean Studies in the Department of History of Art and Visual Culture at the University of California Santa Cruz. Having published and edited books and articles on everything from the Ethiopian Cross to the symbolism of clothing in ancient and Byzantine times, she has established herself as an authority on subject matters close to our hearts!

We have asked Maria if she would help shed some light on the symbolism that is prevalent in our jewelry and as you may have already guessed she chose the subject of dolphins to get started.


The content she creates will cross-reference related products and other articles she prepares for us and eventually form a Wikipedia style guide to ancient and Byzantine jewelry fashions!

Congratulations 

Gerochristo!


On winning the prestigious 
JCK Jewelers Choice Award 
for the Imperial Heart Pendant!

God Bless you and Keep You 

Pete & Joanne, Owners of Athena Gaia

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