Shopping for unique, antique jewelry pieces can be a daunting experience. The search for the perfect vintage accessory takes time and patience, and even then, shoppers may not have access to exactly what they are looking for. Konstantinos I. Leoussis, owner of KIL N.Y.C., a New York-based jewelry company that specializes in offering its customers antique jewelry from the Stuart period to the Elizabethan era, knew that he could create a shopping experience that was comfortable and seamless. Influenced by his interest in antiques, history and his global travels, Leoussis created KIL N.Y.C. for the new, tech-savvy generation of shoppers who are interested in populating their jewelry collections with one-of-a-kind vintage pieces.
Before KIL N.Y.C., Leoussis worked in a variety of roles under jewelry historians and as an operations assistant for a fashion jewelry firm. The brand’s curated offerings include a variety of antique jewelry pieces such as brooches, earrings, necklace pendants, rings and more; vintage homeware objects such as paintings and portraits in a variety of frames; antique restoration and repair services and educational content focused on antique jewelry. KIL N.Y.C.’s vintage products are available for purchase on its website and social media pages, as well as at antique shows and markets.
Leoussis also designs collections of new pieces — featuring rings, cuff bracelets, medallion necklaces, pendants and rings in gold and silver — that marry a historic sensibility with timeless statement style. KIL N.Y.C. has recently relaunched the Classics Collection which reimagines classic motifs and symbols through mythological sensibilities. Some highlights from the re-released collection include the Kelly Sword Pendant, a silver dagger necklace with black stones; the Ursus ring, which features a bear’s head in mid-roar; the Nehama pendant, a golden skull with a pearl fixed to its base and the Gold Sadboy pendant, an 18-karat gold eye with an opal pupil that cries tears made from ruby briolettes. Percentages of the sales from many of the pieces are donated to charities that coincide with Leoussis’ inspirations behind the pieces, such as charities that support animals, fight bullying and advocate for global gender equality.
Below, Leoussis shared his inspirations for both designing and sourcing jewelry, how KIL N.Y.C. has recreated the in-person elements of the antique jewelry business online and what is on the horizon for his brand.
Tell me about your introduction to the jewelry industry. Have you al- ways had a passion for jewelry, and what drew you to the medium?
I have always had a passion for jewelry from a young age. I have jewelers in the family that inspired me to pursue this field, and I was really drawn to the profession at a very young age.
What kinds of things in the world and in your life inspire you when it comes to designing jewelry?
I am inspired by a lot of things: a lot of metaphysical things, history, my Greek heritage and symbology.
Tell me about your process when it comes to curating antique jewelry pieces and objects. What are you looking for when you are on the hunt for a new piece?
I am kind of a weirdo when it comes to sourcing antique jewelry. While pieces like art deco rings with a large number of diamonds are lovely of course, I always try to source more esoteric and interesting pieces of antique jewelry. I specialize in mourning and sentimental pieces of jewelry from 1714 through 1880, so I’m definitely looking for items that are a little more gothic, which is on-brand for us.
How did you arrive at the mythological aesthetic for the Classics Collection? What is the most exciting part of relaunching this collection?
My Greek heritage inspired this a lot. I was brainstorming a ton during the height of the pandemic, and I wanted my first collection to really show off the skills that I have accumulated and act as a homage to my Greek heritage.
How has KIL N.Y.C. improved and perfected the experience of buying antiques online?
I think we have. It is nearly impossible to duplicate the experience of selling antiques in person, but we really try to answer messages promptly and make the process as seamless as possible for our clients. We are starting to offer virtual appointments for our customers later this year as well, which is as face-to-face as we can be.
Who is the KIL N.Y.C. customer?
This is a difficult question to answer because our customers are so varied. Some only follow us for the antiques, and some follow us for the jewelry line. I’d like to think that the KIL N.Y.C. customer is an engaged and passionate jewelry lover, and one that supports one or more of our brand ethos, such as fair compensation for our employees and keeping our jewelry design and production entirely in NYC.
What is coming next for KIL N.Y.C.?
There is a lot on the horizon for 2022, and we are trying to manifest as much as possible this year. Another full collection is coming out later this autumn, and it’s another slight nod to Greek mythology and culture. We also have a few exciting collaborations planned, and we hope to release new jewelry line items every month, and we are planning to do a ton of trade shows.
KIL N.Y.C.’s upcoming appearances at antique markets and trade shows through 2022 can be found at kil-nyc.com/pages/shows.
