Malta’s jewellers are seeing a revival of ancient-inspired jewellery

In a market where minimalist jewellery has dominated for years, ancient-inspired pieces offer something more expressive. Coins, mythological figures, engraved stones, Mediterranean motifs and Maltese traditions can give a piece an identity beyond its material value.

From Zendaya wearing 3,000-year-old gold disc medallions to Anne Hathaway showcasing an ancient Roman silver coin on Bulgari’s rose-gold Maglia Milanese secret watch, described as the “Odyssey Effect”, the fascination with ancient jewellery has made its way into the mainstream – and now appears to be gaining ground in Malta, with a number of local businesses confirming increased interest in such pieces.

While the trend is not entirely new, several jewellery businesses speaking to MaltaCEOs.mt said they have noticed an increase in interest over the past three years, with demand becoming particularly evident in recent months.

At a time when consumers have an abundance of choice when it comes to jewellery, the appeal appears to go beyond aesthetics. Customers are increasingly looking for jewellery that feels distinctive, carries a story and connects them to a particular culture or period in history.

At Timeless Treasures, the business has been observing the trend for around three years, with interest appearing to peak more recently. It has noticed customers showing greater interest in designs inspired by ancient civilisations, particularly as customers look for pieces that offer something different from more understated contemporary jewellery.

That desire for individuality appears to be an important part of the trend. Rather than choosing jewellery purely as a subtle accessory, some customers are drawn to pieces that make a stronger visual statement while also carrying a sense of history and meaning.

Timeless Treasures said the vast majority of customers showing interest in this type of jewellery are tourists.

However, the trend is not limited to visitors. Other local jewellers told MaltaCEOs.mt that they are seeing growing interest from Maltese customers, particularly in vintage-inspired pieces that will allow them to stand out.

Other local jewellery businesses said that interest is mainly coming from locals, something which is considered logical given their position as a local jewellery retailer. Businesses that do not specialise in ancient inspired jewellery pieces have also noticed this trend as many locals went inside the shop and asked for such jewellery pieces.

For Victor Azzopardi Jewellery, the shift is part of a broader revival of historical influences in contemporary jewellery. The company said consumers are increasingly drawn to pieces with a deeper narrative, including Greek and Roman mythological motifs.

It also pointed to the revival of traditional techniques such as granulation, coin settings and intaglios, which offer a tactile and decorative contrast to modern minimalism.

Victor Azzopardi Jewellery identified several customer groups driving the interest. Millennials and Gen Z are attracted to jewellery with a strong narrative, while affluent cultural tourists are looking for Mediterranean heritage pieces that can serve as meaningful souvenirs.

High-net-worth collectors, meanwhile, are viewing classical designs, yellow gold and gemstone-accented antiquity-inspired pieces as wearable art and potential heirlooms.

For local jeweller Daniel Formosa, the growing interest has also been visible for around three years, particularly in jewellery connected to traditional designs but he has noticed such pieces for the past ten years.

Because his work focuses more heavily on traditional Maltese jewellery, he has noticed significant interest in Mediterranean-inspired pieces. His clientele is local, particularly younger customers between the ages of 25 and 30.

The interest among younger consumers challenges the idea that heritage jewellery is primarily associated with older generations or collectors. Instead, traditional influences appear to be finding new relevance among younger buyers looking for jewellery that feels personal, distinctive and connected to a wider story.