Family Heritage

Vioro Design was founded by Jozsef Konya, a master jeweller whose journey began in Yugoslavia over 50 years ago. Born into a Hungarian family, Jozsef was recognized early on for his artistic talent, excelling in drawing and painting. His teacher saw great potential in him, even arranging a scholarship for him to continue his studies in art. However, fate had other plans. A local jeweller, impressed by Jozsef’s skills, approached his parents and persuaded them that he should join him as an apprentice instead.

Vioro Design was founded by Jozsef Konya, a master jeweller whose journey began in Yugoslavia over 50 years ago. Born into a Hungarian family, Jozsef was recognized early on for his artistic talent, excelling in drawing and painting. His teacher saw great potential in him, even arranging a scholarship for him to continue his studies in art. However, fate had other plans. A local jeweller, impressed by Jozsef’s skills, approached his parents and persuaded them that he should join him as an apprentice instead.

Jozsef in Subotica around 1970

Jozsef in Aurometal around 1976

At just 16 years old, Jozsef chose to trade paintbrushes for precious metals, beginning a lifelong journey in the world of jewellery. In 1976, he joined Aurometal, a state-owned metalworking company, where he spent over a decade mastering his craft. There, he worked on everything from everyday ornaments to high-value pieces, including setting an expensive diamond under the watchful eyes of three security guards—a memory that still brings a smile to his face.

Jozsef in Aurometal around 1976

In the mid-1980s, while working at Aurometal, Jozsef became a modern-day hero in our eyes when he took on the role of a stay-at-home dad for his twin daughters. With a small table in the kitchen, he continued to work on jewellery repairs to supplement the family’s income, balancing his craft with diaper changes and bottle feedings. It was a rare sight in the 80s—a father putting family first, all while perfecting his craft at home.

In the mid-1980s, while working at Aurometal, Jozsef became a modern-day hero in our eyes when he took on the role of a stay-at-home dad for his twin daughters. With a small table in the kitchen, he continued to work on jewellery repairs to supplement the family’s income, balancing his craft with diaper changes and bottle feedings. It was a rare sight in the 80s—a father putting family first, all while perfecting his craft at home.

Jozsef with his daughter, Anita in 1984

In 1991, with dreams of providing for his family, Jozsef opened his first jewellery store in Subotica, Serbia—Zlatara Konya. It was a dream realized, a testament to his hard work and dedication. But just seven years later, war forced the family to flee Serbia, leaving behind everything he had built. They relocated to Hungary, and in 1999, Jozsef started over, founding Vioro Design.

With VIORO, Jozsef didn’t just return to his roots; he innovated. After years of dedication and learning, he developed a unique technique inspired by the ancient Japanese Mokume Gane. This technique, now the hallmark of the Imperial Collection, reflects the strength and resilience of the samurai warriors and the regality of handcrafted art.

With VIORO, Jozsef didn’t just return to his roots; he innovated. After years of dedication and learning, he developed a unique technique inspired by the ancient Japanese Mokume Gane. This technique, now the hallmark of the Imperial Collection, reflects the strength and resilience of the samurai warriors and the regality of handcrafted art.

Jozsef and his wife, Zsuzsanna showcasing the Essence collection at a fair in Budapest in 2018

Despite the challenges, the small family business thrived, focusing on quality over quantity, with collections like Essence, which embodies timeless designs. Jozsef’s dream was always to create something lasting, not just for his family but for every customer who wears his jewellery—pieces that hold their value and become family heirlooms.

Jozsef and his wife, Zsuzsanna showcasing the Essence collection at a fair in Budapest in 2018

In December 2022, during a family Christmas gathering, Jozsef expressed his wish to retire and asked if someone would continue the family business. Knowing how much this legacy meant to him, her daughter, Anita offered to take up the mantle.

After researching the market in the Netherlands, where she has lived for the past 11 years, she introduced Vioro Design to the Dutch market in May 2023 at an exhibition in Amsterdam. The positive response led us to establishing Vioro Design Nederland, bringing the Vioro collections to prominent European trade shows in Frankfurt, Utrecht, Munich, and Brussels.

In December 2022, during a family Christmas gathering, Jozsef expressed his wish to retire and asked if someone would continue the family business. Knowing how much this legacy meant to him, her daughter, Anita offered to take up the mantle.

After researching the market in the Netherlands, where she has lived for the past 11 years, she introduced Vioro Design to the Dutch market in May 2023 at an exhibition in Amsterdam. The positive response led us to establishing Vioro Design Nederland, bringing the Vioro collections to prominent European trade shows in Frankfurt, Utrecht, Munich, and Brussels.

Anita and Jozsef introducing Vioro Design Nederland in Utrecht in 2023