ALBERT BOGHOSSIAN
Growing up in a family that has been in the jewellery world for six generations, I would really say that jewellery is a part of my genes. Although I started my business in Beirut in the seventies, I moved to Europe with my brother Jean after the civil war broke out. By 1975 we had set up jewellery and diamond wholesale offices in Antwerp and Geneva, and soon after we expanded the business, with major collectors and private clients commissionning bespoke designs and jewellery inlaid with our own precious stones. In 2007, with my two nephews Roberto and Ralph, we launched our own retail brand, Boghossian. Our ambition was to further stretch the boundaries of jewellery design and craftsmanship, as well as reintroducing the intricate ancient Moghul art of inlay into the world of jewellery, which has now become the signature of the Boghossian brand
If there was one piece of art you could feature in, which would it be and why?
One of our very special pieces of jewellery is a specially carved blue opal tulip necklace inlaid with a sapphire. It is the perfect reflection of the spirit of our jewellery, built around audacity and intricate craftsmanship.
Who inspires you and why? An artist, a family member, someone current or historical?
Beauty, nature, art and culture in general are my sources of inspiration. Any work of art that is about breaking the codes and stretching the boundaries is what thrills me. I have to add that we have been fortunate for the past 15 years to work with a very talented creative director, Edmond Chin, who has been instrumental in designing our jewellery.
What are your cultural aspirations? What do you still want to see, do and achieve?
Five years ago the Boghossian Foundation opened its newly restored Art Deco art centre at the Villa Empain in Brussels. The main aim is to promote cultural exchanges between East and West. My dream is to give it a more meaningful role as an artistic embassy of tolerance and open up a dialogue through art in those difficult and hard times where East and West seems to be in conflict.
What are your favourite cultural cities in the world and why?
Rome is a city that exudes a wonderful energy. It is the city of romance that has an exquisite poetic side to it, yet at the same time it carries a prevalent historic heritage abundant with monuments and artworks.
What are you up to at the moment and where can we find it?
We just launched a brand new collection – the Ballet Oriental. Inspired by one particular movement of the ballet, every line, namely Saut d’Ange, Arabesque, and Reverence reveal and unveil breath-taking techniques and designs. As the epitome of elegance and sensuality, these new pieces bring to life the magic of the ancient East, Egypt, Persia, Babylone or India. The Ballet Oriental Collection is full of movement, harmony, rich colors, feminity and romance. It is the perfect fit to Boghossian’s Orient Contemporain philosophy and history. With offices in London, Geneva and Hong Kong I’m also very busy travelling the world and presenting our creations to a larger number of jewellery connoisseurs. I cherish these rare moments when I get to share our passion for outstanding gems, audacious innovations and distinctive designs.