the gyptis & protis collection
The collection draws its inspiration from the founding myth of the city of Marseille, a legend that tells the story of a city born from an act of love and cultural diversity. According to this tale, Gyptis, a Celtic princess, chose Protis, a Phocean navigator, as her husband on her wedding day. Through this act of a woman’s free choice, a symbolic union between two cultures was formed, leading to the foundation of Marseille. This mixed marriage became the cornerstone of the city, embedding values of openness, diversity, and intercultural exchange from its very inception.
The collection celebrates this heritage by reinterpreting wedding jewelry through elegant and symbolic pieces. Each piece evokes an aspect of this legendary union. The Delphis ring, designed as a modern engagement ring, revisits the traditional band while drawing inspiration from the dolphin, a symbol of protection for ancient Greek and Roman sailors. The Under the Sea wedding band is an ode to the Mediterranean Sea and its coral textures, reflecting the maritime environment that shaped Marseille’s soul. Finally, the Octopus medallion offers a nod to ancient times, crafted in the style of an old coin, evoking the commercial exchanges that animated the city’s early centuries.