Kosta Theochari

Managing Director | Jeweller & Diamond Grader

Kosta Theochari of MDT DESIGN in the Melbourne boutique, reflecting on his journey as a jeweller, award-winning designer and second-generation member of the family business.

Jewellery has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a child, I was always coming into work with my dad, Nicholas, on the weekends. I loved spending time in the workshop, making jewellery with the help of my father, watching jewellery take shape and on occasion even assisting clients. Those early experiences in the late 80’s and 90’s sparked a passion for design and creativity, and my love for jewellery.

In 2003, I officially began my jewellery apprenticeship at MDT DESIGN when we were located at 166 Swanston Street in Melbourne with the workshop being on the 1st floor and the Boutique and showroom just below on the ground floor. It felt special to be learning at the jewellery bench in the same workshop where our family legacy was built. From the start, my focus was on mastering traditional handmaking jewellery techniques while trying to develop a strong eye for design. Working with creative designs using negative space, asymmetry and tension setting styles helped hone my eye to modern looking designs. In 2007, I completed practical diamond grader, deepening my knowledges and expertise in diamonds and reinforcing my commitment to precision and quality.

I have been entering jewellery design competitions since 2004, the year after is started my apprenticeship. From early on I using entering jewellery awards as a way to challenge myself creatively and technically. While I have yet to win a major award, I am proud to have been recognised multiple times as a finalist, with designs that reflect innovation, balance, and traditional handmade craftsmanship.

Master jeweller and designer kosta theochari in the on site melbourne jewellery workshop in 2010
Photo of master jeweller and designer kosta theochari in the previous boutique and workshop location on Swanston st taken in 2009.

Award Entrants & Finalist Designs

The following pieces were designed and handmade by me personally and are recognised in national jewellery design awards:

• 2004 – First Award Entrant

My first year entering jewellery design competitions, marking the beginning of an ongoing commitment to creative development through industry recognition.

• 2010 – “Confucius Says”

Jewellery Design Awards 2010 – FINALIST

A thoughtful and expressive design that has an amazing side view, philosophy and structure.

🔗VIEW CONFUCIUS SAYS HERE

• 2012 – “Ace High”

Jewellery Design Awards 2012 – FINALIST

A cuff bracelet in platinum, designed to replicate an ace up the sleeve, set with white diamonds, black diamond and treated blue diamonds to replicate a ace card from a deck of cards

A bold and contemporary Men’s “Ace” card bangle reflecting balance, proportion, and technical execution for the card being removable.

🔗VIEW ACE HIGH HERE

• 2017 – “Dos Amigos”

Jewellery Design Awards 2017 – FINALIST

Dos Amigos by Kosta Theochari, a 2017 jewellery award finalist handmade in 18ct rose gold and platinum, featuring two tension-set diamonds.

A two-stone tension set diamond ring in made in 18ct rose gold and platinum, celebrating connection and symmetry.

🔗VIEW DOS AMIGOS HERE

• 2022 – “Ayios”

Jewellery Design Awards 2022 – FINALIST

A refined modern dress ring featuring a tension-set centre diamond framed by rare pink diamonds.

🔗 VIEW AYIOS HERE

These pieces represent milestones in my journey as both a designer and jeweller. Each being a step forward in refining my approach, technique, and creative voice.

My Leadership & Legacy

In 2019, MDT DESIGN moved to its new location, from 166 Swanston Street to 348 Collins Street in Melbourne. This is when became part owner of the business, a proud moment that marked the continuation of our family story into its next chapter.

Today, I am the Managing Director, managing both the boutique and workshop, overseeing daily operations while remaining closely involved in clients designs, advising and guiding my in-house jewellers, and work closely with clients helping them find and create their perfect piece. I work alongside my father and siblings to ensure every piece that leaves our Melbourne workshop reflects the values MDT DESIGN was built on: integrity, handmade craftsmanship and personal service.

For me, jewellery is not just about the final piece, it’s about the process, the collaboration, the generations that will get to enjoy the piece and the trust clients place in us. Whether I’m designing a custom engagement ring, restoring a treasured heirloom, or mentoring the next generation of jewellers at the bench, my focus remains the same: to create jewellery with meaning, strength and longevity to mark special moments in people’s lives. 

To ream more about my history, passion for handmade jewellery and expertise click here.