Joseph Varjabedian (pictured), the founder of Jova and website Z.Jova, died on Feb. 12 of COVID-19. He was 63.

Born in Aleppo, Syria, Varjabedian was introduced to the jewelry business by his brother-in-law. He later moved to New York City and began a jewelry manufacturing business that grew to over 50 employees.

After a time managing a business in Russia, he returned to the U.S. in 1999 and formed Jova. Seeing the rise of CAD/CAM, he attended New York University to study computer science.

In 2019, he established Z.Jova, a custom jewelry site that lets customers create their own Zodiac sign merged with their initials.

In his honor, his family will continue the website.

“We will remember Joseph for his generosity, mentorship, care, and concern for the people he surrounded himself with,” said a family statement. “He was inclusive, loyal, committed to excellence, and always offered help. We will remember Joseph as a true caring spirit, a friend and colleague who was there for each of us.”

He is survived by four sisters. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church.

(Photo courtesy of Z.Jova)

 

 

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