The Story

We are proud to work with local artisans who create our beautiful jewelry and aim to support them in fundamental, tangible ways. We also know that transparency and traceability are the enablers of change. Charalampia Concept Items has been shaped around these principles, keeping us accountable and authentic in how we treat our people and the planet. We choose raw materials that are ethically sourced and can be reused and recycled, ensuring each piece is traceable, from design to delivery.

 

Embroidery can be traced as far back as the 5th-3rd century B.C. and has lived on generation after generation with minimal changes to technique or materials used. Colorful threads became a form of decorative communication for our grandmothers and great-grandmothers who used to convene daily with neighbors and friends in their homes’ courtyards to embroider and talk, instinctively creating a therapeutic communal gathering. We continue to use the highest quality cotton thread for all our creations. 

 

Recycled brass is the cornerstone of our jewelry collections. As a versatile binary alloy composed of copper and zinc, it is both a practical and precious metal and makes for an ethical alternative to gold. All brass is free from lead and cadmium – we ensure complete contaminant removal occurs during the recycling and purification process.

 

Gold jewelry components such as earring fastenings and necklace chains are made from 9ct gold and 14k gold fill. Our gold-plated pieces are created by electroplating 24k gold onto brass at a thickness of 1 micron.

 

Some pieces, such as earrings, are made with 925 sterling silver or have sterling silver fastenings. Others feature silver that is electroplated brass with an additional layer of chrome which gives them a high shine and a durable finish.

 

Inspired by Greek folklore designs, we apply the same traditional hand-stitching techniques our grandmothers and great-grandmothers used years ago, modernizing them by combining delicate needlework with lustrous metals.  

 

Brass is the base of all our creations as it is a metal that meets sustainability requirements. Methods used to create and recycle it have a lower carbon footprint than even aluminum and steel. An alloy of copper and zinc, brass carries the basic properties of both of these metals, which explains its ease of "shaping" and its use in jewelry design. However, it is not created by combining the two metals, which would be both costly and environmentally harmful, but rather through recycling, as it can be melted down and reused over and over again. This process does not affect its valuable properties, making it a material that exemplifies the principles of the circular economy, an important consideration given the environmental crisis.

 

Before melting, pouring, and hammering the brass material by hand, our artisans source it ethically from various places, including waste facilities, focusing on recycled and reclaimed elements. As a result, each piece is traceable, from design to delivery.

 

Our jewelry is 100% handmade by talented artisans and built to last. With proper care, it should last you a lifetime.

Full disclosure: Although we strive towards zero waste in our manufacturing process, sometimes it is not entirely possible, as small, randomly-shaped pieces of brass may separate from the finished product during jewelry casting.

 

You may find that the shine on your jewelry fades a little over time; this is perfectly normal, particularly for pieces worn on high-contact areas,such as rings and bracelets. However, you can maintain your jewelry bright and shiny for longer by following the care instructions below. 

 

 We deliver all of our pieces in a gift-ready box and storage pouch. We recommend keeping your jewelry in the pouch the product arrives in to avoid oxidation from exposure to moisture and direct sunlight and protect them from damage and dust while you’re not wearing them.Jewelry boxes are a great place to store jewelry, but that alone won’t prevent sterling silver pieces from tarnishing.  

 

 You may want to wear your jewelry all the time, but giving them a break during the day will guarantee maximum shine over a more extended period. Therefore, make it the last thing you put on while getting dressed and the first thing you take off. Be very careful not to expose jewelry to makeup, perfume, oils, or hair products. If this isn’t possible,allow any self-care and beauty products to dry completely before wearing them. Sweat has the same anti-shine effect, so make sure to remove any items before exercising. Also, avoid water. Never wear your jewelry in the shower, in the swimming pool, sauna, or during any activity where it may get wet. And finally, keep your jewelry away from any harsh chemicals such as household cleaning products, and don’t wear them during activities where they could be hit or scratched. Don’t forget, delicate chains need extra care when storing, so they don’t break or get twisted. Gently coil chains when storing and avoid yanking orpulling on them. 

 

1. Wipe each piece with the soft buffing cloth we provide.

2. Do not use any products that contain alcohol, as this can ruin the finish, and avoid direct contact with water and chemical products,such as soap and detergents.

3. Take the time to lightly clean your jewelry after each wear to remove any makeup or skin oil residue.