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(METAIRIE, La.) – Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based jewelry craftsman and designer Ara Chanakian, earned two first-place awards and the esteemed Best of Show at the Jewelers of Louisiana Annual Design Competition, during the organization’s convention held on August 5 and 6.
Chanakian’s exceptional designs triumphed in Category 2 ($2,001 – $6,000 retail value) and Category 3 ($6,000 and over retail value), with his Category 3 winning piece also crowned “Best of Show.”
The judging criteria encompassed Overall Design, Marketability, Practicality/Wearability, and Craftsmanship. Each creation, crafted from precious metals and genuine gemstones within the past 18 months, underwent rigorous scrutiny by a jury of esteemed jewelers. The Best of Show award was determined by votes from convention attendees.
“I am deeply honored to have received these awards. They validate the dedication and quality that I strive to infuse into my work throughout my career,” said Chanakian. “This accolade not only reflects my personal commitment, but also mirrors the excellence of Louisiana’s jewelry craftsmanship on a national stage.”
As the bench jeweler and custom designer for Pattons Jewelry in Baton Rouge, Chanakian specializes in crafting unique, personalized designs that cater to Pattons’ discerning clientele. Collaborating closely with buyers, he transforms their concepts into exquisite pieces, including rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces and more.
Kevin Patton, President of Pattons Jewelry, expressed his pride, stating: “We are delighted to have celebrated jewelers in both our Baton Rouge and Alexandria stores. Ara’s exceptional talent has consistently delighted our clients since joining us in 2020. With the addition of Melinda Wallace at our Alexandria location, who clinched Category 3 – 1st Place in both 2021 and 2022 and was named Louisiana’s ‘Jeweler of the Year’ in 2022, we remain dedicated to fulfilling the bespoke design desires of our valued clients.”
Ara Chanakian commenced his jewelry journey in 1992 with his own retail and wholesale business in Lebanon, traveling extensively across Arab countries to showcase his creations. In 2013, he brought his expertise to the United States and established his manufacturing shop in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His accolades include two third-place awards in 2021 and a first-place award in Category 2 in 2022 at the Jewelers of Louisiana Convention in New Orleans. Ara joined the Pattons Fine Jewelry team as one of their accomplished contract jewelers in 2020.
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