Although Elena Syraka’s past collections are characteristic, her epitome of greatness arrived with the presentation of her exclusive line inspired from the Islamic Art. As the exhibition’s relevance and presentation were of absolute prime importance, it was of no surprise to us when Elena approached our enterpreneur Costas Voyatzis to design the complete presentation of the jewelry collection. ; suffice to say he did not hesitate for a minute to take on the role. Costas designed horizontal placed printed graphic fabric backdrops which further emphasized and portrayed their original inspiration sources with circular motifs, upon which, each piece of jewelry was laid on for further emphasis, thereby bringing the modernization of the historic into the present.

One could describe the jewels themselves as eloquent, aristocratic and elegant. With a combination of precious stones, diamonds and calligraphic details, this collection has reached its full potential. The designs are a mix of fluidity with great symbolism, all derived from Islamic History. Examples from the 45 pieces, include the emblems on the diamond earrings which were once inscribed in sword cases or indeed the 18 carat gold with quartz stone & diamonds eye of the tiger necklace inspired by the book cover ‘The heavenly world of Islamic Culture’.  In this collection, all of the references have been carefully applied and greatly respected so that when you witness these pieces displayed at the museum at close range to their source of inspiration, you are really witnessing something both magical and moving.

Of course the strongest, boldest and most inspired element of all is none other than the bracelet made of 18 carat gold with white diamonds inspired by a gilded copper horse's chamfron (Turkey 16th C). This image encompassing horse and bracelet truly left us speechless as a piece of absolute greatness. The original photograph of the horse taken by the famous Italian photographer Mustafa Sabbagh became the landmark of the visual identity for the 'Nour' exhibition. Moral of the story - take a talented graphics/illustrator/ tiger eye of the future designer and combine his talents with that of a jewelry designer with great sensitivity / skill and passion and you have a creation of an absolute.

The exhibition itself will be on view until the 22d of April 2012 at the Benaki Museum of Islamic Art in Athens, Greece. From there, this exhibition, taking the history of Islamic art to the present day, is expected to showcase in museums in the Arab world.