YEPREM JEWELLERS SHINE AT DOHA EXHIBITION

2010 /02/21 | 10:20

Diaspora

Armenians have a colourful track record in the art of jewellery
making. And nowhere is it as discernible as at the outlet of the
Yeprem Jewellery at the imposing Alfardan Pavilion of the Doha
Jewellery and Watches Exhibition at the Doha Exhibition Centre.

The Beirut-based jeweller is displaying a rich array of well-chiselled
diamond pieces, which no visitor is likely to miss even though the
outlet is located at one end of the huge pavilion.

"It is doubtful if the craftsmanship of any other country has
influenced the customers of this region as much as those from Armenia,"
said manager Ludvig Chakardemian. The jewellery was started 46 years
ago by Yeprem Chakardemian Sr.

"Wherever you travel in search of diamond-studded ornaments in this
region, you will find Armenian craftsmen at jewelleries and metal
workshops, providing a range of services from cutting and polishing
of the stones and metals to putting vital ingredients to make an
exquisite piece of jewllery," he said.

Chakardemian feels the craftsmen from Armenia have earned a good
reputation because of the uniqueness, grandeur and elegance of their
creations over the last three centuries.

He said the region’s customers have a special love for ornaments and
stones from Armenia. "The customers know that not everyone can make
the kind of ornaments that our craftsmen manufacture for our clients,"
Chakardemian said.

Chakardemian says the diamond stones that his craftsmen use in the
ornaments date back to the 16th century or even earlier. "The more
ancient a stone is, the more valuable it is," he said.

The diamond pieces that the outlet is displaying at the exhibition are
those in great demand in the region, according to Chakardemian. The
local people, he said, are true connoisseurs and have rich collections.

"The pieces that we offer are those that were created with great
care over a period of time," he said Chakardemian said a number of
young Armenian migrants in Lebanon are already dealing in jewellery
business, inheriting the rich and colourful tradition and experience
of their predecessors.

Chakardemian’s elder sister Virna has designed a number of pieces
on display at the exhibition. Virna, brother Johny and their mother
Zarmig are also actively involved in the exhibition which ends today.