ziio handmade designer jewelry

 Collection Penelope Preview

 The Penelope Collection: My Personal Journey

Collection Penelope Preview – I have always been fascinated by tales of perseverance and ingenuity, and few stories are as inspiring as that of Penelope, the legendary wife of Odysseus. To protect her future, she tirelessly wove and unpicked a tapestry, a gesture as skillful as it was full of love. It is this patience and creative strength that guided me in designing the Penelope Collection. I sought to capture the timeless beauty and quiet determination that characterise both the myth and the women of today.

Penelope at the loom with a few women

A Millennia-Old Greek Heritage

In ancient Greece, the art of weaving played a central role in daily life, particularly for women. Weaving fabric was not merely a craft; it was both a practical and symbolic act—creating new garments, telling stories, and passing down expertise from generation to generation. Penelope, with her cunning trick of unravelling by night what she had patiently woven by day, demonstrates how technical mastery could become an instrument of freedom and resistance.

Through her perseverance, she embodies a fundamental concept in ancient Greek culture: metis, a form of practical intelligence and cleverness that allows one to adapt to even the most delicate situations. Choosing Penelope as the muse for my collection stemmed from a desire to celebrate this subtlety of spirit while showcasing the artisanal craftsmanship that, through the centuries, has never lost its magic.

PENELOPE

From Mythology to the Modern Woman

Though Penelope’s myth dates back to antiquity, its message still resonates powerfully today. Like Penelope, the modern woman navigates multiple roles and responsibilities. She often has to deploy ingenuity and resilience to forge her own path. In my creations, I wanted to reflect this plurality by combining:

  • Historical References: Shapes, colours, and details that evoke ancient Greece—warm tones inspired by terracotta, deep blues reminiscent of the Aegean Sea, and mother-of-pearl suggesting the purity of Mediterranean light.
  • Contemporary Innovation: Complex threading techniques, bold material combinations (silver, Murano glass, vibrant semi-precious stones), and above all, the introduction of adjustable rings, designed to suit the needs of a dynamic, cosmopolitan woman.

In a sense, Penelope serves as a bridge between past and present: she reminds us that even in an ever-changing world, it is possible to shape one’s destiny through creativity and perseverance.

Ring PENELOPE Square Cornaline - ZIIO Jewels
Ring PENELOPE Square Cornaline
Ring PENELOPE Ovale Kyanite - ZIIO Jewels
Ring PENELOPE Oval Kyanite
Ring PENELOPE Round Grey - ZIIO Jewels
Ring PENELOPE Round Pearl

The Art of Weaving Revisited

At the heart of the Penelope Collection lies the idea of weaving connections—both literally and metaphorically. Like Penelope, I see weaving as a poetic gesture that tells a story:

  • The Guiding Thread: Each jewel is crafted through meticulous threading, bringing together stones, glass, and metal to form a harmonious pattern.
  • Symbolism: Circular and oval motifs represent the cyclical nature of life, while square shapes evoke the structure and stability Penelope demonstrated in her waiting.
  • A Subtle Balance: I enjoy playing with the contrast of fullness and emptiness in the arrangement of beads and stones, as though I were embroidering a narrative where every material has its place and role to play.
Ring penelope Ovale Kyanite - ZIIO Jewels
RING PENELOPE SQUARE KYANITE-ZIIO Jewels
RING PENELOPE SQUARE GREY-ZIIO Jewels

The Stones and Their Stories

  • Carnelian: In ancient Greece, it was believed to enhance courage and vitality. Its warm hues reflect the inner strength that sustained Penelope in her unwavering fidelity.
  • Kyanite: With its bluish reflections, it symbolises the distant horizon of the sea, recalling Odysseus’s trials but also the vastness of human creativity.
  • Pearls: In Greek mythology, pearls are sometimes associated with the moon, a luminous guide in the darkness. Their discreet, almost diaphanous glow adds a touch of timeless elegance.
Earrings PENELOPE Round Cornaline Gancio - ZIIO Jewels
Cornaline
Bracelet PENELOPE Ovale Kyanite -front- ZIIO Jewels
Kyanite
Earrings PENELOPE Ovale Grey Clip - ZIIO Jewels
Pearls with Mother of pearls

Modernity & Everyday Elegance

Whether it is a bracelet adorned with carnelian, an adjustable ring set with pearls, or a pair of earrings glowing with kyanite, I wanted each piece in the Penelope Collection to be easy to wear and style:

  • Daytime Wear: Pair a carnelian and pearl bracelet with a simple blouse and jeans. The stones’ radiance catches the light, adding a refined touch to a casual outfit.
  • Evening or Cocktail: Opt for a coordinated set—bracelet, necklace, and earrings—to enhance a little black dress or a bolder ensemble. The interplay of stones creates a captivating dance of light and shadow.
Collection Penelope Preview

Between Tradition and Innovation

The Penelope Collection follows in the footsteps of my previous creations while introducing a fresh perspective:

  • Balance: While some of my earlier collections focused on bold volumes, Penelope favours a soft harmony of shades and forms, resulting in a design that is both delicate and modern.
  • Evolution: With the addition of adjustable rings, I sought to innovate and meet the demand for jewellery that is both comfortable and customisable. This is my way of echoing Penelope’s ingenuity and practical sense in her weaving.
Earrings PENELOPE Square Kyanite Clip - ZIIO Jewels
Clips
Ring PENELOPE Square Kyanite -Marqueterie-closeup- ZIIO Jewels
Rings
Earrings PENELOPE Square Kyanite Gancio - ZIIO Jewels
Silver Hook

Penelope: A Living Myth

Penelope is much more than a character from The Odyssey—she is a symbol of femininity that combines intellectual finesse with inner strength. Through the Penelope Collection, I hope to honour this myth while showing how its values remain relevant in our modern world, full of ever-evolving challenges and opportunities.

May you find in each piece the pride and creative momentum that I experience while crafting them! Each jewel is a thread in this universal tapestry, uniting past and present, tradition and innovation, to tell your own story.

NOMET SHOWROOM PARIS

7-10 March Paris Fashion Week