The force behind the 14-year-old firm crafts classic pieces with modern twists.
Jewelry designer Suzanne Kalandjian
Owner-Designer: Suzanne Kalandjian
Company name: Suzanne Kalan
Year Launched: 1998
Headquarters: Los Angeles (represented by Fragments in New York City)
Signature style: “Classic with modern twists (like diamonds set underneath and behind center stones) and a lot of color; pieces that a woman can wear today, tomorrow, and forever.”
Training and education: “My father owned a fine jewelry store, and my husband was a diamond setter. I fell into designing by accident, and started making jewelry for myself when my daughter was born. When I started getting requests from store owners, it turned into a business.”
Design process: “I’m involved in every single step of the process. I sketch some designs and work with a model maker, then the jeweler and setter. I do not make all my own chains and clasps, and some pieces are cast while others are fabricated. Everything is made in the U.S.”
Materials of choice: “14k and 18k gold with precious stones like diamonds, white stones like topaz, and colored stones. I love the way you could give each stone a certain look with the metals and diamonds you use.”
Starting retail price: “$500 in 14k gold and $800 in 18k gold.”
Accounts: “About 100 in the U.S., including Twist in Oregon and Saks Fifth Avenue stores, as well as about a dozen international ones.”
Jewelry trade show exhibits: “Centurion Jewelry, Couture, and the summer and winter editions of Jewelers of America.”
Fun fact: “My education was in French, and I love to read historical novels in French and listen to French music; my favorite singer is Charles Aznavour.”
Follow JCK on Instagram: @jckmagazineFollow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine
