Armenian Heritage

A man of the world, our founder Robert Tateossian has scoured the globe in search of the best materials, new designs and undiscovered inspiration. He has artfully pulled together different cultures into luxury jewelry, always respecting the symbolism and significance of a piece. But before he was travelling the world as the King Of Cufflinks, he was a boy from Kuwait born to Lebanese-Armenian parents. 

Tateossian’s heritage is celebrated in the Armenian heritage jewelry collection. Drawing inspiration from historical figures, architecture and religion, this collection encapsulates Armenian pride in all its splendour. With the recent announcement of Tateossian London’s partnership with the Football Federation of Armenia, it’s the perfect time for you to add a touch of Armenian culture to your jewelry collection. 

Armenian jewelry

“Armenians are the best jewellers in the world.” It’s a bold statement by Pierre Akkelian, the president of Canadian GEM. The Canadian-Armenian is committed to raising awareness of the heritage of Armenian jewelry and isn’t shy with his claims, “We are for the jewelry trade what the Swiss are for the watch trade.”  

The history of Armenian jewelry is a proud one. Whereas much of the world saw jewelry as ornamentations, additions to national dress or traditions, Armenians were one of the first cultures to introduce jewelry as an art form. Always with a flair for opulence, Armenian jewelry is highly luxurious. Made from gold and silver, adorned with precious stones and accented with bold colors, Armenian jewelry is a proud display of heritage. 

Armenian Church Pendant 

In 301 AD, Armenia declared Christianity its official religion, becoming the first country in the world to do so. Religion is an important facet of Armenian life and culture, and its influence has been woven into many elements of the nation’s identity. 

The khachkar is also known as the Armenian cross-stone. Found throughout the historic regions and monasteries of Armenia, this symbol was meticulously carved by monks into rectangular stone. It symbolised many things: the salvation of a soul, to commemorate a military victory or as a way to protect against natural disasters. Although there are different styles, the common elements of a khachkar are the shape of the cross with curved, concaved edges and decorative finishes such as geometric patterns and leaves.  

The Armenian Church Pendant pays homage to this design. It has been exclusively made for the Armenian Church in England and Ireland, at the special request of the Bishop. The back of the pendant has an engraving dedicated to this request, denoting the piece’s significance. As gold and silver are important metals in the heritage of Armenian jewelry, this necklace is available in two variations.

More than just a luxury necklace, you’re giving back when you purchase the Armenian Church Pendant. 30% of the retail proceeds will be donated to the Armenian Church.

Tigranes The Great Cufflinks

Tigranes II is more commonly known as Tigranes the Great as his era of ruling saw some of Armenia’s greatest successes, most of which have not been repeated since. Tigranes ruled Armenia from c. 95 to c. 56 BC. During his time on the throne, Armenia was the strongest state to Roman’s east. He expanded Armenia past its traditional boundaries until his Empire stretched from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean. Armenia would never see such an expanse of territory again. 

This great leader is now immortalised in Tateossian London jewelry, with his likeness embedded on the Tigran's Great Cufflinks. These cufflinks have a classic appeal about them that has been created through the oxidised finish of the sterling silver.

Mesrop Mashtots Cufflinks 

Another great Armenian commemorated on a designer pair of Tateossian London cufflinks is Mesrop Mashtots. He was a man of many great attributes: early medieval linguist, composer, theologian, statesman and hymnologist. Even though Merop was born into a noble family, he chose a pious life of service and modest living. As a devout believer, he is credited with improving the literacy of the country and allowing ordinary people to read the Bible for the first time. He did this by inventing the Armenian alphabet. Not only did it accelerate the spread of literacy, but it also helped strengthen the Armenian national identity. Due to his actions, he has been venerated as a saint in the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Armenian Catholic church, the Eastern Orthodox and the Roman Catholic churches. 

Our Mesrop Mashtots cufflinks are a way to celebrate this important figure in Armenian history.