Nicholas Theochari: A Lifetime of Craft, Captured in Design
Some jewellers design, others create.
Nicholas Theochari has dedicated his life to both.
At just 15 years old, Nicholas began his jewellery apprenticeship, his path was set- not towards mass production, but toward mastery. Fast forward to over four decades later, Nicholas, the founder of MDT DESIGN, continues to reflect that same philosophy: every piece begins as a solid bar of precious metal, forged, compressed and shaped through skill, patience, and intention.
In an industry that has shifted toward mass production and shortcuts, Nicholas remains committed to something far more enduring, individually handmade jewellery, not mass manufactured.
His array of award-winning ring designs are more than a mere idea -they are an example of a technical feat, a structure and design only achievable by a master jeweller handmaking their piece.
Susta – Movement of life
Introducing one of Nicholas’ most recent award winners ‘Susta’ (meaning spring in Greek).
A rather large formation of a double spiral created in solid 18ct Rose Gold.
Susta was created as a symbol of life’s journey – from childhood evolving into adulthood, each curve after the next accumulating. Until its centre pinnacle is found; with a diamond set in the point of each peak.
Under the larger spiral hangs a diamond pendulum, swinging freely, representing the idea of spirit and the flow of life.
Susta showcases a mastery of creation and an expression of life.
This ring encapsulates Nicholas’ ethos:
structure with meaning, engineering with emotion.
Mati – Suspended Eye
Mati, winner of the Diamond Guild Australia Awards in 2011 is a study in balance.
Mati, means eye in Greek.
A tension set design, holding a marquise-cut diamond, appearing to be floating, held in place, only through tension.
Foregoing traditional claws by setting the stone with tension- with the the shape of the ring mirroring the shape of the marquise diamond’s curved lines, resulting in a structural masterpiece that flows with grace and ease.
This ring is quietly confident. It is not over the top, but at the same time its composition is not accidental, it is intentional. Once you notice the structure required to behold such a marvel, the ring becomes a bold and outspoken statement.
Mati allows the floating diamond to take the centre stage and whilst the design is self can appear minimal, it demonstrates Nicholas’ ability to push technical boundaries while maintaining restraint- all the while engineering a structurally elite handmade ring- a combination that defines many of his award-winning pieces.
Three Wise Men – Colourful Celebrations
It is rare to find a piece that captures contrast and complexity quite like Three Wise Men.
This ring combines three individual elements into one confident motif. Comprised of 18ct White, Yellow and Rose Golds and set with pink diamonds from the Argyle mine is Australia, champagne diamonds, and white diamonds, making Three Wise Men a celebration of colour, juxtaposition, and harmony.
Awarded the Gemmological Association of Australia Coloured Diamond Award, Three Wise Men doesn’t only showcase gemstones- it tells a story through them, where each chapter offers more sparkle than the next.
Xenya – Classic Innovation
The Xenya ring represents a vibrant addition to Nicholas’ winning collection.
While most classic rings lean on predictability – the Xenya ring plays with movement and expression in a fluid way.
Therefore reflecting MDT DESIGN’s ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of design as we know it, not simply following existing design, but creating entirely new ones.
With Xenya, the focus is not only on the vibrance of the Yellow Diamonds it holds, but on how the metal structure itself becomes part of the visual journey.
Pente – Spherical Balance
Pente, meaning 5 in the Greek language, is a 2017 award-winning ring, that houses each of its diamonds thoughtfully.
This piece offers perfect order and balance- each element planned, carefully placed and all 360 degrees of each angle considered.
Where some designs aim to maximise brilliance, Pente feels more deliberate.
More controlled.
It reminds us that jewellery doesn’t always need to shout to be powerful.
More Than Awards
Over the years, Nicholas Theochari and MDT DESIGN have become recognised as one of Australia’s most awarded jewellery studios, consistently entering and winning national design competitions.
But the awards themselves aren’t the point.
They are a byproduct of something deeper:
- a commitment to handmaking
- a willingness to experiment
- a refusal to follow templates
Each award-winning piece is an opportunity to explore an idea that wouldn’t exist otherwise-something created not for a client, but for the craft itself.
Browse our Jewellery Awarded Designs
A Philosophy That Hasn’t Changed
Despite decades of recognition, the foundation of MDT DESIGN remains the same.
Every piece is still:
- designed in-house
- made by hand
- built from solid metal
Without outsourcing. Without shortcuts.
Just craftsmanship, carried through from concept to completion.
For Nicholas, jewellery has never been about trends.
It’s about creating something that lasts-physically, and emotionally.
Where Craft Meets Meaning
What makes these pieces stand out isn’t just the awards or the materials.
It’s the intention behind them.
Each design-whether it’s the symbolism of Susta, the precision of Mati, or the colour composition of Three Wise Men-reflects a different way of thinking about jewellery.
Not merely a decoration, but as something with weight, purpose, and story.
The Legacy Continues
Today, MDT DESIGN remains a family-led design house, with Nicholas’ children working alongside him, continuing the same philosophy of craftsmanship, personal care and individuality.
But at the centre of it all is still the same idea:
That jewellery should always feel personal.
And that the best pieces are made one way, by hand.
To learn more about creating your dream custom ring, contact us to secure an appointment with one of our jewellery experts.
