Kirk Kara, the renowned luxury jewelry brand, is embarking on a new chapter as it celebrates 135 years in the business. At the recent JCK luxury trade show in Las Vegas, CEO Angela Karaguezian unveiled the company’s new Anniversary Collection, marking a significant milestone in its long history.
For the first time in 20 years, the Pasadena-based brand is expanding its portfolio beyond bridal jewelry. The new collection focuses on fine jewelry designed for women who choose to purchase their own pieces, responding to a growing market demand.
“The fine jewelry industry is evolving, and so are today’s consumers,” Karaguezian said. “More customers are looking for versatile, luxury pieces that are not just for special occasions but can be worn every day.”
She emphasized the rise of the “self-purchase” trend, where customers seek jewelry that reflects their personal style, whether it’s for work, school runs, or evening outings. The new collection, which includes handcrafted earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, is a direct response to this shift in consumer preferences.
The Anniversary Collection complements Kirk Kara’s renowned bridal and engagement lines, incorporating the brand’s signature craftsmanship, such as hand-engraving, pavé bezels, and colored gemstones.
Karaguezian described the collection as a celebration of the brand’s heritage. “We aim to be more than jewelers. We’re artisans of emotions, creators of beauty, and storytellers of heritage,” she said. “Each piece in the Anniversary Collection is designed to honor 135 years of artistry and reflects the timeless appeal of our iconic designs like Charlotte, Stella, and Angelique.”
The brand’s history dates back to 1890, when Karaguezian’s great-grandfather, Bali, opened a workshop in Armenia. Bali’s work was tragically interrupted by the 1915 Armenian Genocide, but his son, Artin, survived and continued the family tradition in Beirut. Artin’s innovative spirit helped the company thrive, and his son, Kirk, continued rebuilding the business after it was destroyed during the Lebanese Civil War.
In 1983, Kirk and his wife Lucy relocated to the United States with their daughters, Grace and Angela. The company, then known as Something Special, was renamed Kirk Kara in 2000. Angela, who worked in the office during school breaks, formally joined the company in 2004 and later earned an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Marketing from Loyola Marymount University.
In 2021, Angela Karaguezian became the first female CEO of Kirk Kara. Under her leadership, the company has focused on blending tradition with innovation, emphasizing brand storytelling, design, and marketing to connect with a new generation of jewelry buyers.
Looking ahead, Karaguezian is focused on continuing the brand’s legacy while adapting to evolving tastes. “We’ll keep designing ‘timelessly charming’ pieces that reflect our heritage and cater to the tastes of today’s jewelry buyers,” she said. “We will continue to showcase our signature 14K gold, diamonds, and royal blue sapphires, but we’re also exploring new gemstone colors to stay ahead of trends. The future of fine jewelry is about personal expression, storytelling, and versatility, and we’re excited to be part of this transformation.”
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