Sassi Fine Jewellery introduces new iterations of its well-received Nika series that carry some of the trademark characteristics of its predecessor: youngish yet classic; fun; and versatile.
Drawing on the simplicity, femininity and versatility of the original line launched in 2018, Sassi Fine Jewellery continues to expand its offerings of every-day luxury with the launch of its 2022 Nika collection.
This time, the Nika collection introduces five new pieces of jewelry showcasing Nika’s signature double-sided medallion that turn and flip with the wearer’s movements. They combine delicate18-karat rose gold with smooth, iridescent mother-of-pearl. Nika’s fresh design hinges on expert craftsmanship and a playful sense of history, the hallmark of Sassi and the reason behind its success.
“I look to women of the past to create jewelery for women of today,” says Sassi founder, Renilde Vervoort. “Nika is imbued with the dynamism of the Roman empress who inspired the collection. These pieces pay tribute to the victory of a woman, so I designed them to be worn every day. Much like precious talismans.”
Nika, meaning to “win” or “conquer” in Greek, draws its inspiration from Theodora, one of the most influential empresses of the Roman Empire. When an angry mob attacked the royal palace in Byzantium in 532, her husband, the Emperor, considered fleeing, but Empress Theodora stood her ground.
“Nika!” she declared, and together they took back power and ruled as one. At the beginning of the 20th century, the mysterious Asyut treasure was discovered in Egypt. Thought to be linked to the Byzantine court, it included medallions with the portrait of the Byzantine Emperor and an intricate gold breast chain fit for royalty.
These were creative catalysts for the Nika collection, realized using the ancient lost wax technique. Skilled artisans carve delicate open-work medallions out of malleable wax that is then replaced with 18-karat rose gold. Disks of precious mother-of-pearl are added to the back to bring an aura of femininity.
The two sides are encircled in a simple ring of gold, resulting in Nika’s signature reversible medallion. Every Nika piece is designed to accentuate the medallions through movement, including the five new pieces in the 2022 collection:
ïWhisper-thin necklaces are crafted in two designs: five Nika medallions played off four small disks of mother-of-pearl, or three Nika medallions (one slightly larger than the next) alternated with two small disks of mother-of-pearl. A short chain weighted with a small gold ball dangles from the lobster clasp in the back.
ïLong, dangling earrings combine two Nika medallions with one small mother-of- pearl disk that shimmer and move with the wearer.
ïThe ring and cuff bracelet offer an innovative open design with a fun-to-flip Nika medallion accented by a smaller mother-of-pearl disk. The cuff opens up, making it easy to put on or take off.
The new pieces compliment the original Nika collection, which includes delicate bracelets, a trio of chain necklaces of varying lengths and medallion sizes perfect for layering, an “almost” stud pair of earrings featuring an ingenious little ball that allows the medallion to rotate and a ring with rotating medallion.
Nika and all Sassi Fine Jewellery collections are distributed exclusively through Jul B. Dizon at the Peninsula Manila. Contact: Renilde Vervoort, renilde@sassifinejwellery.com, 09992205991
