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Ruby and sapphire are certainly two materials that we have combined with rare and expensive jewellery. But how many of you know that they are the same stone? The scientific name is Corundum (corundum) and it gets its special colour from the metals that are found with it. Thus, the deep red colour of ruby, which we all love, is due to the presence of chromium. When it is found with iron, its colour turns blue and then we call it Sapphire. Corundums, however, are also found in many other colours and then we call them sapphires, using the colour in their name e.g. yellow sapphire, pink sapphire etc.  Ruby: Interesting information Description: The word "ruby" comes from the Latin word ruber, which means red. In ancient times, the ruby was known as "sapphire purple" or "sapphire purple". Gemstone: Considered one of the most important gemstones, along with diamond, sapphire and emerald. Hardness: The corundum is the second hardest material found in nature, after diamond. On the Mohs scale of hardness, it is number 9 (only diamond is number 10). Where do we find them: The main source of rubies has for centuries been the Mogok Valley in northern Myanmar, but today very few good quality rubies come from there. Other countries in which rubies are mined are: Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Kenya, Madagascar and others. Birthday stone: Ruby is the birthstone of July and is considered a symbol of power with many healing properties. Pigeon's blood ruby: The most demanded shade in rubies is Pigeon's blood, a deep red with a rare blue tone. Famous jewellery with rubies: One of the most famous, yet valuable, pieces of jewellery in the history of jewellery making is the Cartier-designed ruby and diamond necklace for Elisabeth Taylor. The most expensive ruby: In May 2015, Sotheby's sold for £19,600,000 (a world record ruby value) the ''Sunrise Ruby'', a 25.59-carat Burmese red ruby set in a Cartier jewel.

Presentation of pearls and their secrets, at the cocktail event we organized with the cooperation of Utopia, the most important European pearl jewellery company, at our store in Tsimiski. Anna Gaia, the youngest, third generation owner of the Italian house Utopia, together with Akanthos Kalfidis, also the youngest third generation owner of KALFIDIS Jewellery, gave a unique presentation about pearls and their use in jewellery making.

Gold is a metal with a bright yellow colour and is the main material used in jewellery making. People have loved it from ancient times to the present day because of its unique properties, rarity and beauty. Pure gold is also called Venetian gold, a name that refers to the Venetian coins, which were made exclusively of solid gold. For gold we also use the word "malama" referring not only to jewellery, but also to quality, e.g. for a person we say "he has a malama heart", as well as "he has a heart of gold". Gold is extremely expensive, because of the enormous difficulties and costs of mining and processing, but also because of supply and demand. The special features of gold Some of the special characteristics of gold are the following: Does not oxidize (does not rust), Can be forged very easily, Has a unique colour and shine, It is non-toxic and does not cause allergies, It is edible! It is very soft and flexible (even a gram of gold can be made into a very thin plate and giving us a square meter of gold leaf). The colour of gold and alloys Yellow gold is the most common, but gold today is also available in a wide range of colours. Because it is soft enough to work with, alloys are formed with impurities of gold and other metals in order to make more durable objects and to make it more affordable.An alloy is the union of two or more metals to form a new material. Depending on the impurities, the alloy acquires the corresponding colour. Yellow gold alloys contain mainly bronze, white gold alloys contain silver and palladium, and pink gold alloys contain copper. Other attempts to produce alloys of other colours are currently under investigation. The measurement of gold in carats The carat (K) is a unit of gold content and should not be confused with the carat (CT) which is the unit of weight of precious stones. The purity of gold in an alloy with other metals is determined by its carat. 24 carats is the maximum limit which means that the gold has not been mixed with other metals. At 18 carats, therefore, we have 75% gold and 25% other metals, such as bronze, copper or silver. In 14 carat jewellery we have respectively 58.33% gold and 41.67% other alloys. Each piece of jewellery is engraved with the purity of its metals expressed per thousand units. That is, an 18-carat jewel, which consists of 75% pure gold, is stamped with 750 degrees.  

See which gemstone corresponds to the month you were born and find out what its unique properties are! January-Granate January's birthstone is the beautiful garnet. Its name is derived from the Latin word "grantum", meaning "pomegranate", and is attributed to the similarity of the crystals, both in shape and colour, to the seeds of the fruit. Garnet, offers energy, courage and optimism, and is also characterized by a variety of healing properties. February-Amnesty Were you born in February and your favourite colour is purple? It's no coincidence! The birthstone of the month is the gorgeous amethyst, found in shades from dark purple to light lilac! Amethyst protects against drunkenness and addictions and removes negative emotions. It is said that St. Valentine, who is being honored this month, always wore an amethyst ring! March-Aquamarine The March birthstone brings us a taste of summer! Aquamarine, named "sea water" after its unique blue hues, is considered one of the most famous and popular gemstones. The most famous piece of aquamarine is the one that adorns the Royal Crown of Great Britain. Aquamarine belongs to the same family as emerald and is associated with a variety of beneficial properties. It offers calmness and mental clarity and removes phobias, giving courage and self-awareness. In folk traditions, it is believed to offer its owner insight, courage and happiness, while it protects the love of the couple and promises a happy marriage! Also, the aquamarine is the lucky stone of sailors! April-Diamond April's birthstone is the diamond, the "king" of gemstones, known for its particular brilliance and properties, but also for the stories and myths that accompany it. The diamond symbolizes eternity, health and courage, and gives self-confidence and spiritual balance. Its name is derived from the Greek word "adamas" which means indomitable, invincible. It has been used in a variety of ways in jewellery making and has 'starred' many times in films, books and songs. It is one of the favourite materials of high jewellery and, as a symbol of absolute love, the diamond solitaire ring is the classic wedding proposal gift for your beloved. May-Scarlet May's birthstone is the emerald, the most expensive gemstone after the diamond! The emerald is known for its striking green colour, which is even used as a benchmark for the shades of other green stones. It is a symbol of love, kindness and wisdom, while at the same time symbolizing prosperity and is believed to bring brilliance and success in the professional field. This is perhaps why it is a favourite choice for celebrity jewellery. Case in point is Mariah Carey's one-stone ring, featuring the dazzling 17-carat emerald and costing $2.5 million! June-Pearl June's birthday stone is the beautiful and popular pearl, one of the most common choices for women in jewellery. A symbol of love, kindness and beauty, the pearl is thought to impart elegance, femininity and timeless style. In fashion history, it was strongly associated with Coco Chanel, who used to wear rows of pearls even with her most casual looks. As Christian Dior said of Chanel: "With a black sweater and ten rows of pearls, she stirred up the fashion." July-Ruby July's birthstone is the ruby, known for its special red colour and unique properties. Ruby drives away sadness and removes negative energy, giving energy, courage and strength. It is thought to have healing properties that detoxify the body and are beneficial for the heart and circulation. One of the most famous, yet precious, pieces of jewellery in the history of jewellery making is the Cartier-designed ruby and diamond necklace for Elisabeth Taylor. August-Peridot The favorite stone of August that brings luck to the lions and virgins of this month is the bright peridot, with its excellent light green color. It is a stone that has been associated with many healing properties and brings beauty and optimism to our lives. Its unique positive energy fits perfectly with August and holidays! September-Sapphine September's birthstone, the sapphire or "stone of wisdom", is the gemstone of tranquility and contemplation and offers peace and protection to anyone who wears it. The most distinctive and famous piece of sapphire jewellery is Princess Diana's engagement ring, featuring the striking oval Ceylon sapphire set with diamonds. This is the same ring that Prince William gave to Kate Middleton. October-Tourmaline October's birthstone is tourmaline, a favourite material in the jewellery industry. Tourmaline is found in all the colours of the rainbow, and can also form beautiful combinations of two or more shades. It gives love, peace and longevity. November-Citrine Those of you born in November can brighten and enjoy the cold days of the month by choosing jewellery with the bright citrine! Citrine, the November birthstone, is known for the calm and positive energy, warmth and good luck it brings to anyone who wears it. December-Blue Topaz The last birthday stone of the year is the beautiful blue topaz. Topaz has been known since ancient times and is named after its place of origin, the Red Sea island of Topaz. It is found in many shades with a variety of colour properties. Those of you born in December benefit from its multiple healing properties, and it gives you humour, optimism and integrity.

Mother's Day, the day we honor motherhood and all the mommies of the world is approaching! And while we love them dearly every day of the year, this global day gives us the opportunity to show it once again. We have selected and presented jewellery from the brands we host in our stores, suggesting a range of great gifts for Mother's Day. The beauty of simplicity and soft tones. Rings by Marco Bicego from the Lunaria and Jaipur collections with 18-carat gold that radiate elegance and glamour!  Mothers are unique... just like our jewellery! The famous designer from Italy Annamaria Cammilli with her very special approach to jewellery proposes creations inspired by nature, its beauty and the small details that impress our eyes. The dance of the butterfly, refined movement like a mother's tenderness. Elegance, romance and beauty from the "Baile de mariposas" collection by Carrera y Carrera. White gold and blue topaz jewellery, decorated with delicate butterflies. A classic and timeless pearl, like a mother's everlasting love. UTOPIA always impresses us with its original take on pearl jewellery, giving a fresh and renewed version of such a classic material. Because all mothers are special! Each proposal from Pesavento stands out for its innovative techniques, exceptional design and choice of special materials. Because we love mothers so much! Earrings with the beloved heart shape from the Rubber collection by Marcello Pane. Pink silver with finishes that give a ceramic effect and a velvety texture. Mothers deserve the best! Montegrappa writing instruments are a special gift for mothers who love beautiful objects. Montegrappa's traditional manufacturing techniques, attention to detail and innovative designs turn each creation into a timeless work of art.  

What is the ideal gift for Valentine's Day? Jewellery is definitely a classic suggestion for this occasion that combines romance and timelessness and keeps your loved one's company for a lifetime! We have selected the most special creations from KALFIDIS Jewellery brands for Valentine's Day. Which of our suggestions would you choose? Jewellery with hearts and... lots of love Designer Manuel Carrera(link) dedicates an entire collection to love and presents jewellery decorated with the letters of the word "love" in white and yellow gold, with diamond details. Designers Chiara Carli and Marino Pesavento take their own unique approach to the timeless symbol of love, the heart, using innovative processing methods and original materials such as carbon nanoparticles. The result? A very special yet classic piece of jewellery that you are sure to love!Heart-shaped necklaces, with Pesavento's signature. With a romantic mood, but also with the necessary dose of originality, both in the materials and in the manufacturing techniques! Jewellery with the symbol of the heart in a special style and design line, designed by Michalis Kalfidis(link), in two colors of gold, with diamonds. Bracelet and earrings from the Rubber collection, with a very impressive mix of rubber and gold-plated silver and the signature Marcello Pane! Marcello Pane jewellery is characterised by high quality and a balance of traditional and contemporary elements, always aiming to reflect timeless feminine elegance. Annamaria Cammilli(link), painter and designer from Tuscany, gives us creations inspired by the wonderful nature of her famous region, which always exude something ethereal and dreamy...Earrings with blue sapphire and diamond details, a special version of Annamaria Cammilli's heart-shaped jewellery. The designers of the Italian house Coscia use a baroque pearl in the shape of a heart and give us the unique and elegant version of the jewellery inspired by love. Necklace from Coscia's Oceania collection, featuring a pearl framed in gold and diamond details. Jewellery with symbols and a romantic mood Marco Bicego(link), the great Italian designer, presents his approach to love. We love his wonderful aesthetics characterized by romance, elegance and refined design. The pearl is a classic choice of absolute elegance. Necklace with South Sea pearl and diamond details by Utopia. South Sea pearls are considered one of the rarest pearls because of their size, their particular colour and their brilliance. Carrera y Carrera's(link) explosive creations invite us to "awaken" our passion. Necklaces with a very characteristic style of the house, for those who want to stand out with their style! Accessories and gifts beautiful as jewellery! Keep the spark alive on Valentine's Day.  A timeless gift for your partner, the lighters of the famous house of St. Dupont(link), characterised by their exceptional quality, design and durability. Cufflinks with the signature of Mont Blanc!(link)  A timeless gift that will accompany your loved one, elegantly completing his or her image.