Where old meets new – that is the foundation of Sanktoleono Jewelry, a label based in the Greek capital of Athens and headed by Panagiota Ferentinou.

The range is made up of Aztec-like geometric motifs, primitive unprocessed mineral stones and raw brass, complemented by additional living and breathing materials such as leather, which continues to give birth to one-of-a-kind pieces.

Anyone familiar with the designer’s work would be shocked to learn she has no formal training; Ferentinou has a background in social theology and fashion design, but this hasn’t mattered in the slightest, as she has managed to attract an enviable following across the globe since the label’s launch in 2011.

And it’s not hard to see why.

Each piece draws from the designer’s background and interest in theological studies, with ancient tribal religious symbols and motifs made from raw and natural materials, which are then processed by hand, and with the use of contemporary technology.

“I try to be versatile by combining old and new, heritage and tradition with newer styles,” she tells Neos Kosmos.

“My goal is to make contemporary pieces that don’t necessarily belong to a time period or style,” with Ferentinou essentially making each piece an affordable investment piece that will stand the test of time.

But it is in more ways than one that Sanktoleono fails to follow the status quo. Rather than release isolated collections, the designer opts for what she terms “capsule collections that connect to each other”.

One of the main reasons for this is that it gives the designer a greater sense of freedom during the design process, while also allowing for versatility among her designs.

“I make whatever comes in my head as an inspiration.” She says this extends from people she meets, nature, music, films, shapes, and everything in between.

“I draw all the time and make lots of prototypes until deciding on a final design. I work on my label more than full-time – I’m designing almost every day for many hours and everything goes through my hands: design, construction, photos, etcetera.”

It’s not surprising that Ferentinou doesn’t do things traditionally considering her back story.

“After finishing my studies I worked various jobs, but soon I felt I wanted to do something creative and fulfilling on my own.

“As I’m self-taught, I keep learning new techniques with the help of friends. And lots of Youtube tutorials!” she adds with a laugh.

Aside from the usual challenges posed for any young artist starting their first business, Ferentinou admits Greece’s economic instability was the biggest challenge she would come to face.

Starting out in 2008 during the crisis’ peak didn’t do her any favours, but through passion and determination she managed to flourish despite circumstance.

“The economic crisis affected my work so much that in 2010 I stopped working to start again in 2011.

“Because the market in Greece is practically nonexistent, I realised I couldn’t sustain a business if I wasn’t going to work with people from abroad,” which is where her vision to collaborate and use the world wide web worked to her advantage.

Since then, Sanktoleono has gone from strength to strength, with the range available through a number of stockists in Europe, the US and online, with plans to set up a new showroom in the bustling historic centre of Athens – an important step for the young designer.

“I recently moved into a new space that is also going to function as my showroom, and I’m very happy about it!

“I’m also currently working on my winter designs and planning an exciting photo shoot. Everything’s looking up.”

For more information and to view the Sanktoleono range, visit www.sanktoleono.com/