Harutyun Iskandaryan

Guardian of the Van Region Silversmithing Tradition

Harutyun Iskandaryan, born in Yerevan, proudly continues Armenian gold and silversmithing traditions. His ancestry can be traced back to the

Van region, where his great-grandfather was an esteemed silversmith. Harutyun has inherited not just a craft, but a profound connection to his family’s origins and jewelry traditions. Harutyun grew up captivated by the style and approach of family heirlooms created by his great- grandfather. To this day he spends hours studying the catalogs of the Museum of Armenian History to learn how to revitalize these methods.

At the heart of Harutyun’s craft lies a reverence for the distinctive patterns and forms that define Armenian national jewelry, tastes, interests, and emotions. Each piece he creates carries not only symbolic significance but also the remarkable ability to bestow blessings, ward off negativity, and convey various attributes. Belts incorporated into wedding ensembles are believed to offer protection, while the bride’s girdle symbolizes fertility.

Harutyun’s designs embody profound meanings specific to traditional Armenian jewelry, from representations of celestial bodies to the vitality of plants and the essence of creatures from Armenian folklore. Through meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail, he breathes new life into centuries-old traditions, infusing each piece with his unique perspective and ensuring that the stories of the past are carried forward for generations to come.

*Note: As of March 27, 2024 we are saddened to share that Harutyun is unable participate in this year’s Market due to a challenge obtaining a visa for travel to the US .