Minoan Malia honeybees earrings

The original Malia honeybees pendant was discovered at Chryssolakkos, the burial ground outside the palace of Malia on Crete. It represents two bees, with wings raised, holding a honeycomb of fine granulated gold between their legs, sipping from a drop of honey or nectar.

The pendant is thought to date to ca 1800 BC and is in the Heraklion Museum. This exquisite craftsmanships demonstrates the sophisticated technical knowledge of the Minoans, for whom the bee was a sacred creature and an integral part of daily life.

It has been a privilege to work with the Vaphiadis family since 2007. They are one of the best manufacturers of sterling silver jewellery in Greece.

The collection is inspired by ancient Greek silver and gold coins, the art and jewellery of the Minoan civilisation, familiar symbolic motifs and images, and the animals that played a significant part in ancient Greek culture.