What better way to start the New Year than by offering a jewel with meaning and good intentions? In one country in Europe, this cherished custom combines cultural symbolism, masterful craftsmanship, and heartfelt wishes. Greece, a land steeped in ancient traditions, celebrates the arrival of each New Year with the creation of “gouria” (γούρια)—beautiful lucky charms meant to bring prosperity, protection, and happiness. As someone who loves the jewelry and the story behind these creations, I find this tradition beautiful, inspiring, and deeply personal. To celebrate the start of 2025, I’ve curated a selection of lucky charms from our talented Hellenic jewelers, whose work continues to honor this timeless practice.
The Greek tradition of crafting gouria (γούρια) as New Year’s lucky charms is a deeply rooted cultural practice aimed at bringing prosperity, protection, and good fortune for the coming year. Gouria are small decorative items or jewelry pieces designed to bring good luck, prosperity, and protection. These charms are often exchanged as gifts among family and friends during the holiday season. The origins of this custom trace back to ancient Greece, where symbols like the evil eye (“mati”) have been used since the late Classical period to ward off negative energy. Other common symbols include the pomegranate, a representation of abundance and fertility; horseshoes and keys, which signify protection and opportunity; and knots, emblematic of unbreakable bonds. The number of the New Year is often integrated into the design to mark the year. These amulets are crafted in various forms, such as pendants, bracelets, or small tokens for the home. Greek jewelers skillfully use materials like metal, beads, enamel, and gemstones, often accentuating their creations with traditional motifs and hues such as the iconic blue and gold.
For Greek artisans, the creation of gouria represents more than just a nod to tradition; it’s an opportunity to showcase their artistry. From modern and minimalistic designs to intricate and elaborate pieces, these lucky charms cater to diverse tastes while maintaining their cultural significance. Contemporary Greek jewelers masterfully blend age-old symbols with innovative styles, ensuring the tradition remains relevant and cherished in today’s world.
Gifting a gouri is a traditional Greek New Year’s gesture intended to bring luck to loved ones. It’s customary to present a gouri when visiting a home for the first time in the new year, symbolizing wishes for prosperity and protection for the household. This tradition highlights the enduring Greek connection between jewelry and storytelling, as each gouri carries a narrative of hope and positivity for the future.
The 2025 Gouri charm by Yannis Sergakis is inspired by the Sigma collection’s latest element, featuring the signature charnière and a golden pebble. This necklace, with a boho spirit, evokes the Greek sea’s natural beauty. Instead of a diamond, a striking lapis lazuli stone takes center stage, symbolizing wisdom, truth, and clarity.
Christina Soubli’s lucky charm for 2025 is the Scarlet Gold Beaded Cuff, a protective talisman and a symbol of confidence. Christina Soubli’s Gold n’ Rouge Beaded Cuff draws inspiration from an artifact steeped in ancient history, when golden cuffs were worn to convey power, spirituality, and a sense of protection. The upper half is golden bright, signifying prosperity, while the bottom half is enameled in scarlet red, aspiring to passion. Let’s embrace the New Year and step into it with all our power with this elegant open cuff with 25 beads comprising two hemispheres.
Myrto Anastasopoulou carves each year a piece inspired by a feeling she wants to carry forward. This year, she has chosen a seashell for its unique blend of beauty and the childhood wonder that it evokes. Shells, treasures from the mystical world of the sea, are offered to us as gifts when water meets the shore. Shaped by the rhythm of the ocean, their expanding spiral reveals the beauty of natural design. Once homes to delicate creatures, they remind us of the transient nature of life, encouraging us to slow down and savor life’s simple moments.
For 2025, ZOLOTAS explores flowing movement and redesigns its classic lines with a contemporary approach. The Meander, an eternal wave and symbol of harmony, inspires the AENAON collection by ZOLOTAS. Five interlocking waves symbolize harmony, continuous evolution, and natural balance. As the House celebrates 130 years of history and creative excellence in 2025, the “AENAON” jewelry charm honors this important anniversary with its unique symbolism. The collection of finely crafted necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings is a contemporary narrative of the ceaseless movement of creation, as reflected in the House’s enchanting journey through time.
Tiny Love was inspired by the scarab, a powerful symbol associated with protection, renewal, and transformation. Their Scarab Lucky Charms pendants are available in three variations: with a chain, with a green cord, or with a red cord, and are made of 24K gold-plated silver 925 with a matte finish. The cute scarab is also available as a bracelet with a shiny finish.
Polina Ellis presented the Phaos Charm for 2025. The word “phaos” means light and appears first in Homeric texts. Rooted in the ancient idea of light as a guide and source of renewal, PHAOS celebrates the journey toward clarity and balance. Inspired by Ancient Greek rituals where light plays a paramount role, this pendant is available in 18k yellow gold with diamonds and 18k gold-plated silver. Let’s carry this beacon of positivity to shine brightly in every moment.
As we step into 2025, let’s embrace the spirit of this beautiful tradition and carry its message of good fortune and joy into the year ahead.
