THE PAST

 

The history of our company begins the year 1902, when our great-grandfather Apostolos Vildiridis from eastern Thrace is engaged in goldsmith – watchmaking, in America, in Constantinople and finally settles is Thessaloniki. His eldest son, Athanasios Vildiridis from the age of 13, learns the art of goldsmith next to him. In 1931 the family store opens at 39 Venizelou, Thessaloniki. Its name was associated with quality, reliability and perfection of jewelry making. At the age of 97, he retires after being previously awarded with the title of the eldest living goldsmith in Greece.

 

THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE

His youngest daughter, Virginia Vildiridou (economist), marries Vassilis Bassioudis (economist), who has been learning the art of traditional goldsmithing and diamond-setting next to his father-in-law, since 1971. He then studied gemmology (FGA) and diamontology (DGA) in Great Britain and diamontology (GIA) in America. Both working hard, by combining the traditional methods with the modern world perception in the field of goldsmithing. With their knowledge and experience they gain the trust of the customers. In 1997 they founded the company “Virginia Vildiridi – jewelry since 1902” and they manage to stand out in the world of high-end jewelry and precious stones.

Their passion and love for jewelry is passed on to their little daughter Thani Vildiridou-Bassioudi (4th generation).

Thani leaves for America where she studies: Design, Jewelry manufacturing, Diamond-Setting in (GIA) Gemological Institute of America and Diamond Appraiser in Belgium (HRD)

Returning from her studies, with the knowledge she acquires, hard work and the right partners she manages in a few years to gain the acceptance and respect, creating a very modern store and workshop in the center of Thessaloniki.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

We continue with the same values from our heritage, combined with new ideas and technical know-how.  Stylistic development, creativity and passion, help us to understand you and suggest the ideal jewelry for your style and personality, and we create the jewelry of your dreams, for all the special moments of your life.

SPECIALISATION

The human resources of the company “Virginia Vildiridi – jewelry since 1902” acquired special knowledge in schools in America, England and Belgium.
HRD (Higher Diamond Council)

Diamond Grader and Identification

GIA (Gemological Institute of America)

Diamond GraderJewelry Manufacturing ArtsJewelry DesignGold and Precious Metals

FGA (Gemmological Association and Gem Testing Laboratory of Great Britain)

Gemmologist

DGA (Gemmological Association and Gem Testing Laboratory of Great Britain).

Diamantologist