Behind every piece of Alex Armen jewellery is a story that began over 40 years ago. Founded in Toronto in 1983, this family-run brand has grown from a traditional workshop into a modern studio known for its incredible custom designs. By mixing “old school” craftsmanship with the latest 3D technology, Alex Armen turns personal milestones into beautiful, wearable art. In this post, we’re exploring the brand’s history and the passion for creativity that makes their jewellery so special.
Alex Armen Jewellery: Brand History
The First Days in Toronto
The founder of Solitaire moved to downtown Toronto in 1983 to start a new jewellery business. This is where the company’s story begins. In the beginning, the company produced high-quality pieces for major stores across Canada. During this time, the company focused on building a foundation of technical skills and learning about the industry’s strict rules.
A Change Towards Custom Art
The brand made a big choice in 1992 to stop making mass-produced pieces. The team realized their true passion was creating unique pieces rather than off-the-shelf products. With this change, the brand could focus only on custom orders. In the late 1990s, the brand became so well known for its attention to detail that the Toronto film industry even asked them to make special movie props.
Welcoming New Technology
In 2002, Alex Armen joined the family business, marking a significant milestone for the company. He modernized the studio by bringing in digital design and 3D printing. This helped Solitaire become a leader in the Canadian market by mixing old-fashioned hand-finishing methods with the latest technology. The brand is now known as Solitaire x Alex Armen, and it has been around for more than 40 years.
The Story and Other Facts
A Group of Experts Working Together
The brand is built on a partnership between brothers Alex Armen and Arbi Khanjian. Alex is in charge of art and design, and Arbi is in charge of the business side and sourcing world-class gemstones for their work. They have turned their Toronto studio into a creative space where clients are treated as partners rather than just customers.
The Philosophy of Design
Personalization, quality, and timelessness are the three guiding principles of Alex Armen’s design philosophy. The brand believes that jewellery should reflect a person’s own style and story. The first step in making an engagement ring or a custom necklace is always a detailed consultation with the client to understand what they want.
Craftsmanship and Ethical Sourcing
The studio also believes in ethical practices. The brand offers both GIA-graded natural diamonds and high-quality lab-grown diamonds. Many rare gemstones are sourced from famous cutting centres like Idar-Oberstein in Germany. The brand can guarantee that every piece meets high standards of durability and beauty because every step of the process, from smelting the gold to polishing it, is carefully controlled.
Experience Craftsmanship That Speaks for Itself
Solitaire x Alex Armen is more than just a jewellery store; it is a place where the past and the future come together. The brand has helped people celebrate their most important moments for the past 40 years by sticking to family values and using modern tools. You are not just buying an accessory when you pick out a piece from the studio. You are buying a piece of wearable art that has a history of passion, honesty, and great skill.
The Solitaire x Alex Armen team is ready to help you make your dream a reality. You can make an appointment for a private meeting at the studio in Toronto or schedule a virtual meeting from anywhere in Ontario. You will work directly with the artist from the first sketch to the final reveal to make something truly amazing. Visit the website today to start your custom journey and find out why our brand is one of the most trusted names in custom jewellery.
FAQs
How long does it take to make a custom piece?
Most custom jewellery projects, such as engagement rings, take four to six weeks to complete. This schedule ensures that every last detail is perfect, from the digital design to the final hand-polish.
Do you have both natural and lab-grown diamonds?
The studio offers a large selection of both ethically sourced natural diamonds and high-quality lab-grown diamonds. All significant stones come with well-known certificates, such as GIA or IGI.
Can I see a sample of my design before it is made?
Of course. Alex Armen uses cutting-edge 3D rendering technology to give you a realistic picture of your jewellery. This lets you request changes and ensure the design is just right before production begins.