Diane Kordas was a Parsons graduate and a New York fashion designer before jewelry found her. She moved to London in 1995, and while spending summers in Greece with her Greek husband, she met the jewelry craftsmen of Athens. In 2000 she launched her own line, starting with the evil eye, a symbol you see everywhere in Greece and still the heart of what she makes. She was also one of the early champions of the delicate diamond pave that is now everywhere.

What I love is how personal the symbols feel. The Evil Eye 18-karat gold diamond necklace is the simplest way in and the most affordable piece here. The Vergina Sun Nomad pendant nods to an ancient Greek emblem, and the Snake and Lion pendants bring in color with enamel and stones. Pick the one that feels like your handwriting.

Fine jewelry has a way of making people feel they should save it, and that is the fastest way to turn a lovely piece into a regret. Diane Kordas designs symbols to live in, which is why I would wear one piece constantly rather than rotating several. The evil eye pendants are the natural starting point given where the brand began, and the Mama necklace makes a meaningful gift. I would think harder about the larger enamel pendants, which are beautiful but louder, so be sure you love the motif before committing. Find the symbol that means something to you, put it on, and stop taking it off.