Marina’s Story: via www.hri.org.au

WHEN SHE WAS JUST 23, MARINA ANTONIOU FACED AN UNEXPECTED HEALTH BATTLE AFTER BEING DIAGNOSED WITH A LIFE-THREATENING CARDIOVASCULAR CONDITION CALLED A PULMONARY EMBOLISM. NOW SHE IS USING HER VOICE AND HER CRAFT TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT HEART RESEARCH AND OFFERING HOPE TO OTHERS. THIS IS HER STORY.

Sydney mum and jeweller Marina Antoniou, 38, is known for her exquisite, handcrafted pieces featuring rare Australian gemstones. Every design carries her signature – organic textures, natural curves and a sense of enduring strength. For Marina, jewellery is more than adornment; it’s a deeply personal heirloom, rich with meaning and memory.

But behind the beauty of her work lies her own story of survival.

At just 23 years old, Marina faced a terrifying and unexpected health crisis – multiple pulmonary embolisms caused by blood clots in her lungs. She had no idea she was living with a cardiovascular condition.

“It started with shortness of breath and chest pain,” Marina recalls. “At first, doctors thought it was a chest infection, but X-rays were clear. Then, a few days later, I woke up in agony and was coughing up blood. I was rushed to hospital.”

What followed was a life-changing diagnosis: multiple pulmonary emboli caused by a combination of genetic clotting conditions and the oral contraceptive pill, which had significantly increased her risk of thrombo-embolic disease.

“I remember it so clearly. I was at a wedding, Greek dancing, and suddenly I just couldn’t breathe. I had to sit down. I was exhausted walking upstairs.

Marina was immediately started on anti-coagulation therapy and told never to take the pill again. Though her clots eventually dissolved, they later returned – meaning she now lives with an ongoing, daily treatment regimen of blood thinners (Warfarin).

The experience left her anxious in the years that followed, but it also gave her a profound sense of perspective and purpose.

“I have a family history. My grandfather died of a heart attack and my grandmother had a stroke in her later years, which impacted the rest of her life” she explains. “So, once I understood my condition, I realised I needed to take my health seriously.”

Despite the risks, Marina went on to have two beautiful children — Amelia, now 7, and Penelope, now 4. Both pregnancies were high-risk, requiring daily blood-thinning injections administered by her husband, Michael.

Today, Marina is a passionate advocate for women’s cardiovascular health. She shares her story to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease – the leading cause of death for Australian women – and the importance of listening to your body, pushing for answers, and prioritising your health.

“Women often put our own health last,” she says. “We make sure our husbands and kids get checked, but when it comes to ourselves, we say we’re too busy. It’s so important to understand that symptoms can present differently in women – and to take them seriously.”

Inspired by her journey, Marina has partnered with the Heart Research Institute (HRI) to create a special piece of jewellery that celebrates the gift of time and honours those affected by heart disease.

“I was inspired to design a personal pendant necklace after attending an International Women’s Day event for HRI earlier this year,” she says. “The flowing forms of arteries under the microscope and the fluidity of heartbeat lines inspired me to create a piece called ‘Chronos’ – the Greek word for time.”

The design takes shape as a golden wave with a single gemstone which moves freely, representing each of us as we travel through time.

“This design is deeply personal for me”, she reveals.

Through her work and this beautiful piece, she hopes to start conversations, empower women to seek care and offer a symbol of solidarity to all those touched by cardiovascular disease.

Aligned with HRI’s mission — to give people impacted by cardiovascular disease more time with the people they love — this piece is more than adornment. It is an invitation to spark conversations, to share stories and to hold time close to our hearts.

Professor Andrew Coats AO, Scientific Director and CEO of the HRI said they were humbled by Marina’s support.

“We are honoured that Marina has chosen to use her artistry to support our important work., he said. “The Chronos necklace is not only a beautiful piece of jewellery, but also a powerful symbol of resilience and a reminder of why our research matters.

“The heart of our research is all about giving people and their families more time and this pendant really reflects the concept of time.”

20% of every Chronos Necklace sold will be donated directly to the Heart Research Institute. Shop the Chornos Necklace here.

Studio photos by Effi Georgia.