Meet Celana: The designer that makes every piece feel like an ancient discovery
Elena, founder of Celana, grew up watching her grandfather in his metal workshop, where he created precision components and small bronze objects inspired by ancient Greece - so when founded her own fine jewelry brand in 2024, she knew exactly where to find the inspiration.
Today, she is based in Geneva and designs sculptural jewelry inspired by the Greek mythology she grew up surrounded by - pieces made to look more like they were unearthed that designed.
Each piece is handcrafted in Swiss recycled silver, and Elena and her team put a lot of thought into longevity of the pieces, with an extensive repair service available.
We sat down with Elena to hear more about her inspiration and unique philosophy.
You grew up surrounded by Greek mythology. How did that shape you as a designer?
"Jewellery has always felt like a personal form of storytelling to me. Growing up, I was surrounded by the myths and symbols of Greece, which fueled my creative imagination. I fell in love with the idea of creating something tangible that could carry meaning, beauty, and emotion for generations. My path as a jewelry designer was a natural evolution of this passion — a way to translate my heritage into something wearable and timeless."
What is the secret of the brand?
"The secret of our brand lies in creating more than just jewelry — our pieces are modern talismans that bring comfort and empowerment. Rooted in Greek mythology and aesthetics, each design carries the beauty of human imperfection, expressed through imperfect textures and timeless craftsmanship. Our jewelry evokes the excitement of uncovering a precious artifact — a treasure that feels as though it has countless stories to tell."
Where does a piece begin for you?
"The design process is where the magic happens. What I cherish most is bringing a story to life, translating abstract ideas and stories into tangible forms. The moment a design takes shape in wax, and I can see the concept come to life, is incredibly rewarding. It's also fulfilling to work with my hands and feel a deep connection to every piece I create."
Pictured: Elena's grandfather in his workshop
"My path as a jewelry designer was a natural evolution of this passion — a way to translate my heritage into something wearable and timeless."
How would you describe the DNA of the brand?
"The DNA of our designs lies in the fusion of heritage and modernity. Each piece reflects a balance between organic, imperfect textures and clean, elegant forms. We focus on crafting jewelry that is rooted in history yet resonates with the modern wearer, creating heirlooms that connect the past with the present."
What does sustainability look like in practice?
"Sustainability guides everything we do. From using Swiss recycled silver to collaborating with local suppliers, we ensure every step of our process minimizes environmental impact. By crafting small batches and offering repair services, we focus on creating pieces meant to be treasured and worn by generations."
Is there a piece from your own collection that feels most personal?
"The Amfitriti Ring perfectly embodies our ethos. Inspired by the Greek goddess of the sea, it combines the beauty of imperfect textures with timeless elegance, making it a meaningful talisman and a key piece in your personal heirloom collection."
Who do you design for?
"My typical customer is someone who values individuality, authenticity, and meaning in what they wear. They appreciate sustainable craftsmanship and are drawn to jewelry that feels timeless and personal. When wearing these pieces, they feel confident and stand out with a unique style that reflects their identity and story, setting them apart from the ordinary."
What's next for the brand?
"We're excited to expand our collection by introducing pieces in gold, featuring both semi-precious and precious stones. This new direction will offer our customers even more ways to connect with timeless beauty and meaningful design."
Elena has built Celana around a single, beautiful idea: that jewelry should feel discovered rather than designed, ancient rather than new, and personal enough to pass down for generations.
We are so proud to have Celana with us in The Jewellery Room. Discover the full collection here.