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Eleni Prieston
Artist Statement

My love and passion for painting has been with me throughout my life and is my underlying theme. That thread can be followed by a loose spontaneous style peppered with colored gemstones. Often organic in technique, ELENI PRIESTON and MADE is simultaneously contemporary and ancient, much like Etruscan or Byzantine pieces. I create work that is not limited by current styles or fashion trends, there by timeless. A Bespoke Primitive which is handmade, allowing for ‘the mark of the hand’. Investing time translates and we are naturally attracted. Time and substance are intertwined, time being the most valuable and irreplaceable asset.

I’ve always been more interested in how things were made, the individual behind the work, than the value of the material. My passions drove me to use my time in various ways. A few years in the commercial industry in New York City, a Certification in Diamonds with the Gemological Institute of America and a few years apprenticing with classical jeweler Luna Felix when Gold was closer to $200 an ounce than to $2000! Over time I opened and operated 2 retail stores on the East End, and as I do now, making 90% of the work and doing all the repairs by my hand. Our flexible season allowed me to travel often opening a restaurant in Greece. I built my own home here, had 2 sons later and here I am! One of my sons was literally born at home. The ultimate act of owning your creation! All those passions make up the tapestry that feeds me creatively.

Eleni Amsterdam 2022

Eleni Greece 2022

Clients Say

"Eleni is a highly skilled silversmith as well as a talented silver and gold jewelry designer. She salvaged a silver family heirloom for me that no one else in the New York metropolitan area would attempt to repair."

– Michael Lavyne, MD

"I want to thank our relentless and uber-knowledgeable Show Director, Eleni Prieston, for her insights, vision, and uncompromising standards for this fair. Her 40 years as a respected and award-winning goldsmith, savvy curator, and successful local retailer, has served us well."

– Rick Friedman, Founder/Executive Director, Hamptons Jewelry Show

"I’ve known ELENI and enjoyed owning her exquisite jewelry for over 30 years. Her work both as an artist and designer exceed any retail piece I would consider purchasing. Even more, her work is a fraction of the price normally seen in retail outlets. The finesse and detail of the two rings I own are only surpassed by her perfectionist attitude and joy in making jewelry. The Garnet 22k gold Byzantine ring she made me has caught the eye of many people. The eternity wedding band I commissioned is perfect in every aspect. The quality of diamonds is flawless, carefully selected by ELENI. They make the ring subtly stunning. Collaborating with her was such a thrill! I cannot recommend her work more highly!"

– Rosemary Reynolds,PhD, Austin Texas

"I lost the most precious ring I had inherited and Eleni was able from pictures to make me another copy and give me another Treasured ring. Eleni is an excellent artist as well as a beautiful sensitive caring person."

– Fran Schuster, East Hampton, 2021

"If you want a unique piece of jewelry, Eleni has made it. When you want a stunning eye-catcher, Eleni has made it! And, if you can conceive a new design or if you want to repurpose a beautiful stone, Eleni will collaborate with you to get your design up to speed and she can make it for you. She’s so clever!"

– Judy Henriques-Adams, Sag Harbor Artist, 2021

"My husband and I decided to take a jewelry making class one summer as a special couples activity. He is Greek and so is Eleni so the concept of making Byzantine-style jewelry was very appealing to us. We went for several weeks and my husband made a signet ring with Poseidon on it, and I made chain bracelets with a small cross and their birth stone for each of my daughters. It was a wonderful experience. In addition, Eleni created new ring settings for old family stones. Both rings are magnificent. Thank you!"

– Lina Kitsos, President, TBL Companies, LLC, San Juan, Puerto Rico

"We recently bought some beautiful opal earrings set in gold from Eleni. The entire experience, from choosing the opals to deciding on the setting was a delight. She is an incredible jeweler and her gold work is exquisite. We will visit her again soon."

– Jeanie & David Stiles, The Ultimate Treehouse Company, StilesDesigns.com

"I commissioned Eleni to design and make a 22 karat bracelet. Over the years, I have bought many pairs of beautiful, earrings hand made with pearls and semi precious stones as gifts for joann. Made in 22 karat."

– Chris Coy AIA, Barnes Coy Architects

"I commissioned Eleni Prieston to make any bracelet she thought I would love. I have worn my special 22 karat gold bracelet with different pairs of Eleni’s gold and semi precious gem stone earrings every day since."

– Joann Owen Coy

"I have known Eleni for over 30 years - first as a jeweler, and most recently as a jewelry making instructor. I bought ready made jewelry pieces from her, and also commissioned her to make pieces for me and my daughters over the years. The quality of her work was always outstanding. Recently, I asked her to instruct me in my jewelry making hobby, and to help me improve my techniques.Eleni is a talented jeweler, and a gracious instructor. She has been a pleasure to know, and I appreciate her knowledge, as well as her friendly assistance in all jewelry matters. I love the pieces of jewelry that I have bought from her over the years-they are beautiful and durable. I thoroughly enjoy working with her, and highly recommend her as a wonderful jeweler and instructor, and an exceptional person who is a pleasure to spend time with."

– Dr. Stephanie Hiram
Licensed Psychologist

"Loving my creations! Eleni was the perfect and patient instructor to my sometimes overly ambitious ideas. I learned alot and, among other things, was able to repurpose and reinvent some of my childhood jewelry and turn it into a new favorite piece that I wear everyday. So satisfying! Thank you, Eleni - Am so glad I did that!"

– Holly Li
Li Productions