Biography

Varney was born in Australia to a Greek family. Her father was a small business owner and her mother worked as a seamstress. Watching her mother sew sparked Varney’s initial interest in making and design. As a young teenager Varney would interpret new fashion trends and sew her own designs by sourcing fabrics and materials.

Her career started in Travel - (working for British Airways, Sydney and London, eighties to early nineties), then Fashion - (having worked in the NYC fashion industry in the nineties) and then trained to become a Florist. Varney went on to create Evanthia Flowers in 2000. She was one of the new generation of florists who emerged from the Jane Packer Flower School. The insight into colour, texture and fashion trends gave her a vision which could also be applied to the art of jewellery. Elegance, colour and texture are the most important elements in her work. She is inspired by a single colour or theme and then builds a story around it using exquisite gemstones, textiles and materials.

Varney’s previous experiences and her early love of fashion and design has evolved into a passion for creating everyday, wearable jewellery.

Kohatu + Petros

Kohatu + Petros was established in 2006 and is an independent jewellery boutique with authenticity, elegance and style at the heart of the brand. Each season Varney designs with new, exciting colour combinations and materials inspired by art, fashion and new season trends. Using semi-precious gemstones, sterling silver and gold vermeil, the collections are designed and handcrafted by Varney and team in the U.K. The designs are desired by her customers for their beauty, individuality, and accessibility.

Varney says, "The designs are inspired by so many different aspects of life; from my immediate surroundings to travelling, visiting art museums, fashion, nature and architecture. Some of my best ideas have been influenced by a pattern in a carpet, a shape on the beach, a piece of art, by local artisan markets around the world or even by a beautiful piece of printed fabric.”

The name Kohatu + Petros reflects the origins of its founders.

Kohatu is the word for Stone in Maori

Petros  is the word for Rock in Greek

HISTORY

2005-2015

The brand was founded by Varney Polydor and Joanna Salmond in 2005, after a trip to Hong Kong where their passion was ignited by the amazing selection of beautiful gemstones. Together, the incredibly talented design team created the Kohatu + Petros brand. They started in a small Marylebone studio and then went on to open the intimate and luxurious Kohatu + Petros Jewellery boutique,  located in fashionable Chiltern St - considered by Condé Nast Traveller magazine as London's coolest street. Alongside their own brand the duo also showcased up and coming designers including Cara Tonkin, Neola, Tomasz Donocik, Sushilla, Alice Menter, Tina Lilienthal and Mara Hutong.

AWARDS

The success of Kohatu + Petros has been recognised by receiving the following accolades: 

Professional Jeweller Top 100 - 2014

Retail Jeweller Inspiring Independent  -2014

Finalist in the UK Jewellery Awards - Boutique of the Year 2014

Winner of the UK Jewellery Awards Shop Window Competition - 2013

Finalist in the UK Jewellery Awards Boutique of the Year - 2013 

Retail Jeweller Inspiring Independent - 2012  

Proud supporters of 'The Cheapside Hoard - London's Lost Jewels' exhibition at the Museum of London 2013/14

Kohatu + Petros Jewellery boutique opened in Chiltern St , London W1 - November 2010 and closed September 2015 when Joanna decided to relocate to her home in New Zealand. 

2015 - 2019

Varney continued the Kohatu + Petros brand as an online boutique, shipping worldwide and appeared as 'Pop Up Shops' over the Greater London area throughout the year. The location of the pop up shops were communicated by email and social media. Varney also worked with personal stylists who continued to sell her jewellery to their discerning clientele. In addition to this, Varney collaborated with like-minded women in business to promote small independents. 

2020 - 2022

In March 2020, Varney opened her studio in Old Amersham alongside the fabulous Cecilia Quinn Shoe Boutique; this being one of the successful ‘pop up’ locations in recent years. Due to popular demand, the right environment and the positive working relationship with other small businesses and clientele in the area, it was the ‘right’ move to open her independent retail shop and studio in Old Amersham town.

The styling aspect of the business is even more prevalent as customers continue to bring in their outfits for jewellery advice. Her Marylebone and London clientele are not forgotten and can of course be in touch via email to book an appointment if they are unable to visit the studio in Old Amersham.

The online shop is further improved and is supported by a strong social media presence.

In December 2021, Market Square undertakes a refurbishment and K+P moves on…

2022 & Onwards…

Online, collaborations and events in Amersham, Henley and Central London will continue, stay in touch.

The business continues to go from strength to strength, offering the personal service that customers have always been accustomed to and the Kohatu + Petros brand continues to stand for authenticity, elegance and style.

For further information or to book an appointment, email Varney at studio@kohatuandpetros.com

Charities supported are Mind, Smart Works and National Autistic Society