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Hellenica Collection

Hellenica Collection

3 minute read

If a pattern has survived wars, power shifts and millennia of change and is still incorporated into fashion today, then it can truly be considered timeless. Discover the new Hellenica collection by Tateossian, an edit of luxury jewellery that celebrates one of the most iconic patterns in the world – yet very few know its name.

The Greek Key

The Maeander River in Asia Minor (now known as Turkey) was a source of ancient inspiration. The rush of the water along the bends and curves inspired a pattern known as a meander, meandros, Greek key or Greek fret. Although this pattern of endless interlocking bends was found as early as 23,000 BC in Mezin (Ukraine), it’s best known for its adornment on Greek artefacts. From pottery to jewellery and architecture, this geometric design of straight lines and right angles became a common motif in the Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods. It persisted into the Roman Empire and retained its popularity until the modern-day, where it is still used in luxury jewellery.

The meander pattern ranges from a simple iteration, a connection of short horizontal and vertical lines, to an intricate labyrinth of interlocking shapes. While it’s typically seen as just an interesting pattern, the Greek key held deeper meanings for the ancient civilization. It was a sign of Greek style, taste and sophistication.

The name “meander” might give the wrong impression. Meaning to take an indirect path, this is further from the truth of the Greek key. It’s a symbol of the ancient Greek’s ability to overcome adversity. While the pattern does signify the constant movement of life, going back to its watery inspiration, recently historians and psychologists have suggested that this pattern has a much deeper significance. They theorise that the interlocking shapes could symbolise a strong handclasp that was used in ancient Greek gymnastics, wrestling and battle. The shape formed by the right angles does look eerily similar to two hands clasped tightly together with their fingers curled between the palms. Incredibly strong and difficult to break open, this grip was a manifestation of heroism and the resilience of the Greek spirit.

The Hellenica Collection

The Hellenica collection by Tateossian adds a modern update of luxury to this ancient pattern. On offer are three designer pieces, each incorporating the emblematic Greek key pattern into a chain – creating contemporary, wearable and unique pieces.

Made from rhodium-plated sterling silver, this premium collection includes the Hellenica bracelet, the slide Hellenica trio bracelet and the Hellenica necklace. Both the bracelets complement the necklaces and can be worn interchangeably to invigorate your outfit. The slide Hellenic trio bracelet incorporates three uniquely formed chains that provide a layered look; while the Hellenica bracelet and necklace have a single strand of the Greek key-inspired chain.

Rhodium plated sterling silver Hellenica bracelet Sterling silver Slide Hellenica Trio bracelet Rhodium plated sterling silver Hellenica necklace

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