Jewelry designer Ara Vartanian brings his U.S. flagship store to the Bal Harbour Shops.

Ara Vartanian’s dramatic interior design. Photo courtesy of Ara Vartanian

Renowned Brazilian-Armenian jewelry designer Ara Vartanian is celebrated for his edgy approach to fine jewelry. With a reputation for crafting statement-making pieces, Vartanian combines artistry and innovation, using avant-garde techniques like inverted diamonds, vibrant gemstones, and meticulous craftsmanship to create designs that captivate collectors and fashion-forward clients worldwide. His work looks completely different from traditional jewelry aesthetics, appealing to those who value individuality.

Designer Ara Vartanian creates unique creations. Photo courtesy of Ara Vartanian

Vartanian recently brought his vision to Miami with the opening of his first U.S. flagship at Bal Harbour Shops. The boutique, which provides the perfect backdrop for Vartanian’s one-of-a-kind creativity, reflects his ethos, blending a dramatic interior design with vignettes that allow his jewelry to take center stage. 9700 Collins Ave., 3rd floor, Bal Harbour,@ara_vartanian

Born into a family of jewelers, how did you want to approach your brand differently?

I founded Ara Vartanian 22 years ago, but my journey with jewelry started much earlier. I began as a designer working for my family’s company, and over time, I felt a strong desire to create my signature designs. My designs have always centered around a personal philosophy: the stone is the most important element, and I build my creations around it. From the beginning, I’ve worked exclusively with my artisans, ensuring that every piece reflects my vision and craftsmanship but with a collective effort that makes each piece truly exceptional.

Exterior shots of the Bal Harbour flagship location. Photo courtesy of Ara Vartanian

What inspires you?

My hobbies play a huge role in my design process. Many are connected to vintage analog equipment from the 50s, 60s, and 70s—like motorcycles and cars—built to last. This appreciation for durability has influenced how I approach my jewelry: each piece is handmade carefully and given the proper weight to stand the test of time.

Miami Favorites:

•Restaurant: Surf Club
• Bar: Dante’s Hi-Fi
• Best kept secret: Ogawa
• The thing to do when in town: drive around my 1957 Porsche
• Way to unwind/relax: Since I live in São Paulo, a walk on the beach