Ring in the gods

BANGKOK — Two years ago, a brave young label called Sretsis caught my eye during Elle Fashion Week. Sretsis, or “sisters” spelled backwards, is a line run by siblings Kly, Pim and Matina Sukhahuta. Known for donning their own creations, the sisters exude a vibrant sense of style.

Matina, the jewelry designer, is a standout with her bejeweled hands that are sure to catch your eye. A visit to her shop, Matina Amanita, will convert even those who shun jewelry. Case in point: I, with barely a watch adorning my wrist, was moved to order the Pub ring from her Globetrotter collection.

When I picked up my order last March, I spoke to Matina about her latest collections.

Mount Olympus Collection

Nothing evokes more awe and decadence than the gathering of 12 Olympians on Mount Olympus. Matina, an artist and graduate of Product Design from Parsons New York, says she was mesmerized by the scent of ambrosia as she was painting Greek gods and goddesses.

“I was so moved by it, that’s why I started reading about Greek mythology religiously. The more I read about it, the more I found really interesting stories I’d never known before. I wanted to tell those stories into a jewelry collection,” Matina says with a smile.

Her interpretation comes alive with her intricate, almost decadent pieces of jewelry that resemble miniature sculptures. She took liberties with some facets of mythology to make it more appealing.

“In Greek mythology if you make eye contact with Medusa, you’ll turn into stone. So I created a sleeping Medusa to make it look friendly.”

A variety of colors and gemstones was based on each god/goddess’ habitat.

“The Mediterranean ring — that’s Poseidon, the god of sea. I imagined it would be bluish or greenish. For Medusa, I used ruby and green garnet. The flora ring — the god of flowers — I made in pink and pastel blue.”

Although each piece is precious to Matina, she considers the Griffin claw and foot ring as her personal favorites.

“Griffins are half-eagle and half-lion. They are protectors of all gods’ treasures, gemstones or anything valuable.”

The ring comes in two styles, with a gemstone or a pearl. A chain is included, so the wearer can use it as a necklace. A smaller version can be worn as a pinky ring.

All pieces are made from high-quality cubic zirconias, synthetic gemstones, and 92.5 sterling silver: plated in gold, rose gold, and black rhodium.

The Nemean lion earrings and brooch are made from oxidized brass.

Warrior’s Collection

Matina’s eye for grandeur is reflected in her first men’s collection called “Warriors.”

Heeding a demand for more masculine jewelry in her store, Matina took inspiration from a warrior, “to celebrate bravery, about a man who doesn’t fight for anything but love.”

The result is a collection of pieces in the form of animal armors and skeletons of a cat, wolf, eagle, owl and horse.

Her “Bring Me Back to Life” ring series is Matina’s personal favorite, about creatures that are “supposed to be dead but because of their love, they’re back to life.”

Pieces that are half-animal, half-skeleton are plated in two tones of rhodium or black rhodium and gold or white gold. 

The pieces are raw-looking, unpolished and in matte finish, and are unisex.

Matina Amanita’s flagship store is located at Gaysorn Shopping Center in Bangkok, with an impressive, growing list of international stockists — in Australia (Fallow, Ourmishmash, Pretty Dog, Gorman, and Incu), London (Liberty, Selfridges, Kabiri, Matches and Donna Ida), Tokyo (Idea by Sosu), and soon in the US.

A Tokyo store is part of Matina’s 10-year plan. For her, “that would be the ultimate. Japanese people really appreciate imagination and good craftsmanship. My products are very well received there.”