Greek luxury jewellery house Vourakis celebrated 100 years of fine jewellery crafting at a landmark gala inside the Old Athens Stock Exchange.
The anniversary event commemorated the company's path from its founding in 1926 to the present day, while marking the beginning of its second century in business. Centred on family heritage, the gathering highlighted the craftsmanship, historical identity, and figures associated with the Athenian house over the past century.
Members of the Greek Royal Family attended the milestone celebration alongside prominent figures from academic, political, business, shipping, cultural, and social circles. Clients whose families have maintained relationships with Vourakis for multiple generations were also present, together with international representatives from Italian jewellery house Vhernier.
Greek journalist Sia Kosioni presented and coordinated the proceedings during the evening.
Family leadership and core values
Antonis Vourakis, who currently leads the house, spoke about the significance of the centenary and the responsibility of upholding the family history. He said he felt blessed to be at the helm of the company for its 100-year anniversary.
He emphasised the importance of maintaining the family legacy and the foundational principles that have guided the house, identifying them as morals, dignity, and honesty.
Liana Vourakis also participated in the anniversary celebration, paying tribute to company founder Ioannis Vourakis as well as her father and uncles while continuing her own professional career grounded in the family heritage.
Commemorative publication and biography
During the gathering, the house unveiled a centenary publication titled Vourakis - 100 Years of Heritage, which documents the history, key milestones, individuals, and creative legacy of the Vourakis family.
Biographer Rafaela Martinez authored the volume, while the publishing house Le Bee Publications, established by author Giorgos D. Lembesis, produced the book.
Guests received the commemorative biography as a keepsake marking the firm's first century. The volume features a dedicated section of tributes and personal recollections contributed by international personalities, partners, and longtime associates.
The Vourakis by MINAS brooch
A key highlight of the event was the reveal of a commemorative jewellery piece titled Vourakis by MINAS, a limited-edition brooch crafted by designer Arion Spyridis.
The collaboration carries historical symbolism tracing back to 1953, when the late designer Minas began his apprenticeship at the Vourakis workshop at the age of 15.
Antonis Vourakis created the collaborative piece to honor the craftsmen and partners who worked with the house over its history, including Minas.
The brooch is shaped in the form of the number 100 while evoking the infinity symbol to represent continuity, succession, and the company's next chapter. Only two pieces were produced, with one retained by House of Vourakis and the second placed in the Spyridis family archive.
A century of Athenian jewellery making
Diamond setter Ioannis A. Vourakis established the House of Vourakis in 1926, laying the foundation for a tradition of technical skill, aesthetics, and craftsmanship.
Over the decades, the house developed alongside the evolution of Athens and Greek fine jewellery crafting. Its history includes long-standing connections with the Greek Royal Family and prominent figures in public life.
The Old Athens Stock Exchange, situated in central Athens, is a historic building that housed the national bourse for decades. Milan-based Vhernier is an Italian luxury jewellery house known for modern design, while Minas Spyridis gained international recognition for his distinct fluid aesthetic.
Each generation of the Vourakis family has introduced its own creative perspective while preserving core techniques. One hundred years after its founding, the house continues to combine traditional fine jewellery crafting with contemporary design as it enters its second century.
