About
A Millennia-Old Art Form, Revived
Encompassing the entire ethos of Olithica is the 7000 year old art of gemstone engraving, or glyptics in Greek. Elaborately carved gems were a staple of luxury in antiquity and often incised onto semi-precious stones such as carnelian or jasper. In the form of a talisman they served as extraordinary symbols of status and in certain cases, divine protection. They were also employed as a form of personal identification with which one would press a wax seal. Rulers, nobles and wealthy merchants sought, collected and traded these fascinating miniature works of art. Our curated collection of nearly 1000 ancient engraved gem impressions is the cornerstone of our jewelry. Our particular selection features some of the the most celebrated and rare engravings in history.
Crafted by a master
Our head engraver, Chavdar Chushev, is an artist, restorer, jeweler, and master of the ancient art of gem carving. His extensive knowledge of gemstones and precious metals is complimented by a familiarity with more unusual materials, such as exotic woods, organic gems, and fossils. This unparalleled expertise accumulated over 40 years and distinct creative vision have made him one of the most respected jewelry designers in his field.
Our Philosophy
By employing techniques similar to those of goldsmiths 2500 years ago, we create a product that that has character, grit, a sense of history and identity. The pieces have the semblance of being unearthed following a millennia long slumber under the earth. Our process is highly labor intensive since every element is meticulously crafted and assembled by artisan hands. Each phase in the creation of an Olithica piece serves a pivotal role in ensuring there are no compromises between beauty and strength. Our hand-made approach results in minute differences in color, texture and shape to deliver a genuine one-of-a-kind modern heirloom.