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G arabet (Gary), Hermine, and Michael Artinian are the proud owners of the longstanding family business Artinian Jewelry, established in 1965. The store has been located at 1734 Massachusetts Avenue in Lexington Center since 2001. As you walk into the store, it is warm, welcoming, and bright. Customers are greeted with smiles from their staff, all of whom strive to ensure each customer has the most memorable experience at their store. Artinian Jewelry has been successfully serving customers for over 60 years and continues to make a lasting impression on the Lexington community.

At age 14, in Romania, Gary began creating jewelry as part of an apprenticeship. Gary, Master Jeweler, started the business in 1965 in the Jewelers Building on Washington Street in Boston. In 1989, Gary opened the Concord location, then in 2001, he opened the Lexington location and closed the Boston store. Gary has passed his craft onto his sons, Alex, Michael, and Gary Jr., all of whom are trained goldsmiths. Michael consults with customers daily to bring their ideas to life.

Their services include jewelry and watch repair, jewelry engraving, insurance appraisals, buying, selling, trading, and repurposing old jewelry. Artinian Jewelry creates meaning and stories with the jewelry they make. Hermine noted that most of the jewelry they work on is sentimental, and many pieces come from customers’ loved ones who are no longer with them. For instance, recently a customer came in with her mother’s six pearl necklace. Artinian is making each of her six daughters a single pearl necklace that will remain in their family and will be a fond memory of their grandmother.

What sets their jewelry apart is that all work is done in-house by the goldsmiths. Hermine said of customers, “They know their jewelry will be safe with us.” That level of security is important to have for customers.

For example, if someone comes in and wants an engagement ring made, Store Manager Samantha will really get to know what the customer wants by asking a series of questions, or the customer can bring in a photo. Artinian sells semi- precious stones, mined and lab-grown diamonds, white gold, yellow gold, and platinum. There is continuous communication throughout the process. Artinian will ask customers which metals they want to use and then call them with an estimate. “The end goal is for the customer to walk out thrilled with the piece Artinian has designed for them and feel supported and heard throughout the process,” said Samantha.

Being in Lexington, their business is strongly supported by the Town Center. People in Lexington want to support their local businesses by shopping local. Hermine noted that they have many loyal returning customers. The Lexington community is a well-informed population that does its homework before visiting and can be assured they will receive high-quality service, from design to customer service.

As for the future of Artinian Jewelry, their son Michael will be taking over the business, and they are thrilled about it. Hermine stated that it’s important that Gary’s goldsmith ability is being passed down from generation to generation.

Hermine hopes that someone wearing an Artinian piece will feel that “it’s a quality piece and realize that their input was a large part of what has been done.” Gary said he “emphasizes attention to detail from start to finish on original designs and encourages a creative thought process involving the customer’s input, always making them a part of the process.” Gary provides patience, understanding, and care for the individual needs of his customers. At Artinian Jewelry, they want the customer to know that they have paid attention to detail and shown them the personal attention to create the piece they are wearing today.

The advantage of buying fine jewelry in person versus online is that photos may look different, and customers may not get a feel for the piece’s quality. By buying in-store, they can try anything on, ensuring the piece is a good fit. Photos can sometimes be misleading about color, size, or overall appearance, and they don’t convey the true quality or craftsmanship. If there is any issue with the quality of the piece, customers can ask questions, and someone at Artinian will guide them through the process with ease.

The Lexington community can show their support to the business by continuing to shop local and by remembering “no dream is too big or too small” for Artinian Jewelers. They can and will bring any idea to life.