🎁 Unique ideas for your special someone
🎁 Easy size exchanges
If you're new to the tradition, a "name day" (giorti, or "γιορτή") is the feast day of the Orthodox saint you're named after — and in Greek culture, it's often celebrated with more enthusiasm than a birthday. If someone in your life has a Greek name, there's a good chance their name day matters more to them than you'd expect.
Every day on the Orthodox calendar is assigned to one or more saints. If you're named after that saint — Yianni for Saint John, Eleni for Saint Helen, Dimitri for Saint Demetrios — that saint's feast day is your name day. It's treated as a personal celebration, often bigger than a birthday, and it's common for people to host an open house where friends and family drop by unannounced.
A birthday celebrates the day you were born; a name day celebrates the saint you share a name with, and it's tied to the church calendar rather than your personal date of birth. In many Greek families, the name day is the bigger event — some people don't celebrate their birthday at all, or keep it low-key, and save the real celebration for their name day.
It's not strictly required, but it's customary and appreciated, especially for close family or godchildren. Because name days often involve an open house with a steady stream of visitors, gifts tend to be smaller and more personal than birthday gifts — a small piece of jewelry, sweets, or flowers are all typical.
Small, meaningful pieces work best. A cross pendant or bracelet is a classic choice, especially for a religious name day tied to a saint. A Konstantinata (coin pendant) is another traditional option that carries real symbolism without being flashy. For someone you're closer to, a nicer cross in gold or two-tone makes a name day gift feel more significant, without needing to compete with birthday or holiday-scale gifting.
The simplest way is to ask, since not every name maps cleanly to a single saint's day, and some names have more than one option. If you know the saint they're named after, a quick search for that saint's feast day on the Orthodox calendar will give you the date. Once you know it, it's worth remembering every year — it means a lot that you did.
Yes, and it's usually well received. Showing up with a small gift and wishing someone "Chronia Polla" ("many years," the standard name day greeting) goes a long way, even if you're not part of the tradition yourself. It's a gesture people notice and appreciate.
Not sure what fits the person you're shopping for? See our full gift guide below for more ideas by birthstone, budget, and occasion, or browse our full cross collection.
Jewelry with birthstones makes a great gift because it's personal and thoughtful, showing that you’ve considered the recipient's unique identity. Birthstones carry meaning and symbolism, often representing protection, luck, or health, which adds a layer of sentimentality to the gift.
Consider the birthstones of someone's child, pet, mother, best friend, grandmother, or a combination of all—the options are endless. Looking for a partner's gift? Get a little more unique and consider the month you met, a wedding anniversary month, or maybe a month when you took a special trip together.
See our full guide birthstone meanings and great options for birthstone jewelry >
Zodiac symbols (a person’s astrological sign) are often believed to influence personality, behavior, and life events. Rooted in ancient traditions, they offer insight and a sense of identity, helping people better understand themselves and others.
Custom name necklaces, bracelets, and initial rings are popular because they offer a personal and meaningful way to express identity and individuality. They allow people to wear something unique to them, whether it’s their own name or that of a loved one, creating a sentimental connection.
| January | Garnet |
| February | Amethyst |
| March | Aquamarine |
| April | Diamond |
| May | Emerald |
| June | Pearl / Alexandrite |
| July | Ruby |
| August | Peridot / Spinel |
| September | Sapphire |
| October | Opal / Tourmaline |
| November | Golden Topaz / Citrine |
| December | Blue Zircon / Turquoise / Blue Topaz / Tanzanite |
Aquarius: Jan 20 – Feb 18
Pisces: Feb 19 – Mar 20
Aries: Mar 21 – April 19
Taurus: April 20 – May 20
Gemini: May 21 – June 21
Cancer: June 22 – July 22
Leo: July 23 – Aug 22
Virgo: Aug 23 – Sept 22
Libra: Sept 23 – Oct 23
Scorpio: Oct 24 – Nov 21
Sagittarius: Nov 22 – Dec 21
Capricorn: Dec 22 – Jan 19
Our newest Gerochristo collection featuring stunning designs inspired by the magic of marine life. Perfect gifts for beach lovers or boat enthusiasts.
Our most popular Gerochristo collection has new accents! Wear them all, wear a few a time—These match well with a current set, or you can create a new one.
We sell a lot of items to men directly or as a gift for a loved one. If you're looking for gift ideas, consider some of these:
Bracelets: Leather, chain, or heavy silver designs
Rings: Bold club rings or unique decorated cigar bands
Cufflinks: Stylish and versatile, especially in mixed metals
Chains: Silver, gold, or add pendants with meaningful symbols — we are often asked what chains are good for men, or young men in particular. Here you'll find durable, high quality chains that hold up to a day at the gym or just everyday wear with a cross or pendant
Wearing or carrying an evil eye serves as a protective charm, shielding your loved one from misfortune. It symbolizes good luck—a safeguard from negative intentions that might otherwise impact their well-being or overall life.
You can't go wrong with a mix and match of Al'Oro layering chains and necklaces. Start off with one now, and build up on future gifting.
Mix lengths and metals, delicate with bold. Wear all day, every day. When it comes to layering chains and necklaces, there are no rules.
Gifts for gardeners and flower enthusiasts—featuring elegant jewelry inspired by the life forces of bees and butterflies. Each handcrafted piece captures the charm and grace of these vital creatures, blending natural wonder with timeless style.
These often go missed as they're not in a more popular category: An anchor for the sailor in your life; a Hummingbird for life and joy; or a simple Peace Dove for a dainty touch of harmony and tranquility.
Nervous about a ring size? See our Ring Size Guide so we can help!
Or, consider a pendant, bracelet, or earrings in the style of their favorite piece of jewelry.
No sacrifice on quality and detail - these sterling silver (some with 18k accents) and 14k gold options are easy on the budget
We're often asked for help finding holiday gifts, unique mothers rings, engagement rings, keepsakes
Each piece in our collection is handcrafted in Greece using high quality metals, ethically sourced gemstones, and historic symbols, making them a perfect choice for anyone seeking unique mothers rings or unique gifts that carry personal meaning and heirloom-level quality.
What if they want to exchange the gift?
We have an easy return policy if a size needs adjusting. Too big or too small? Let us know and we will send you a return information. Please see details in our Store Policy.
What if I don't know A Ring Size?
Is there a ring that fits the finger you are buying for? If so we can get the size from that with a simple photograph — Place it on a ruler, photograph it overhead, and send to us. (We look at the internal circumference of the ring). See a sample photo in our Ring Size Guide Here. Ideally if the gift receiver knows they're getting a ring, a local jeweler can size the finger.
Timing: I'm gifting the jewelry after The Return Window - how long do i have to exchange?
For the holiday season, we extend the return timeframe—Please see our policy page for dates. For other special occasions, let us know in the notes in your cart, or contact us and we'll note the date.
How long will my order take to be delivered?
Please see each listing for the time estimate. The delivery options at checkout are the choices to ship from New Jersey to you once it is received from the workshop in Greece. EU orders will ship directly from Greece. For pieces marked in stock, please ask us for the available size or color that is here in the US if it is not noted.
Items that are ready to ship immediately (within the US) are listed in Athena Express, and please note the availability changes several times daily.
Not sure what to gift?
Give them the gift of choice with an Athena Gaia gift card. Gift cards never expire.
Gift cards are delivered immediately by email and contain instructions to redeem them at checkout. You can email them to yourself and pass the gift instructions along to a loved one, or email directly to the recipient. Do not worry about "losing" your gift card! We keep these on file with the email you use at checkout.
Call us with questions, or if you prefer to make a phone order
862-222-0442
Pete and Joanne are available 7 days, though hours will vary (EST)
