Handmade Jewelry & Komboloi in Athens

The profile of Eftehnon creator

Maria Papakosta

Eftehnon aims to serve handmade jewelry and kompolois with sensitivity, passion and consistency by creating its own line of jewelry and kompoloi accessories.

At the same time, we have a selected collection of pieces from other talented creators, offering you a variety of designs and materials to find the ideal jewelry or kompoloi that matches your personal style.

My roots and journey

I was born in 1969 in Lamia, Central Greece, and grew up in Agios Georgios Tymfristou, a traditional village located along the Lamia–Karpenisi route. In 1987, I moved to Athens to study Sociology at Panteion University, later continuing with a PhD in the Sociology of Work and Statistics.

In 1996, I began working at the jewelry store “Achtida Art Jewelry,” owned by Tasos Thomaidis, where I discovered the magical world of Greek handmade jewelry — and especially the komboloi. Although I was not crafting the jewelry myself, I grew to love and deeply appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship behind it. At the same time, I began creating komboloi, gaining valuable experience in materials, techniques, and the philosophy behind this unique art form.

My passion for komboloi and handmade jewelry

In 2000, the “Achtida” collection expanded to include high-aesthetic komboloi, and in 2006 the company was renamed “Efhantron,” where I continued to work with dedication until the end of 2023. Over the years, I specialized in crafting komboloi from amber and other natural materials, featuring silk tassels and sterling silver 925 components — always with respect for tradition and Greek craftsmanship.

Eftehnon today

After 27 years of continuous contribution to the world of komboloi and handmade jewelry, in 2024 I decided to establish my own business: Eftehnon. At Eftehnon, in addition to creating komboloi, I began designing my own line of handmade jewelry and komboloi accessories, inspired mainly by folk art, Byzantine aesthetics, and traditional motifs.

Each piece at Eftehnon is designed and crafted with meticulous attention to detail — not only as a refined object of beauty, but also as a bearer of cultural memory. At the same time, I also curate and present selected works from other talented creators, enriching the field of Greek handmade jewelry with strong traditional character.

I warmly invite you to visit Eftehnon in person at our store at 9 Charilaou Trikoupi Street, 10678, in the center of Athens, as well as online at www.eftehnon.com.