Chain Reaction: Shells Reinvented with the Melanie Georgacopoulos Katina Collection

February 5, 2025

By Sarah Jordan

5 min read

Since focusing her attention on pearls in 2010, Melanie Georgacopoulos has become something of an expert in taking this recognisable material and transforming it into unexpected creations. In the last five years, she’s shifted her focus to shells – the more commonly disregarded ‘homes’ of pearls – and has used them to produce double-take jewels that subvert our perceptions of what this relatively soft substance can achieve. This is perfectly demonstrated in the new Katina collection, which uses carved quahog shell and mother of pearl to recreate the links in a classic metal chain. I spoke to Melanie to discover more about her latest, innovative offering…

This story is available to Katerina Perez Club members.

In the continuation of the story:

• Melanie reimagines quahog shell and mother of pearl in sculptural jewellery.
• The Katina collection is inspired by her aunt’s historic silver chain.
• Dark Katina pieces are bold, using purple shell, onyx, and blackened silver.
• White Katina offers a softer, bridal look with pearls and gold accents.

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