About Kazanjian Brothers | major suppliers in fine diamonds and precious stones

The Kazanjian History

Founded in 1918 by James and Harry Kazanjian, Kazanjian Bros. Inc. has a long family tradition of knowledge and expertise in the jewelry industry. James, with his brother Harry and their father Charles, brought their European experience first to New York and later to Los Angeles.

The Kazanjians had a reputation as "Deans" of the international jeweler industry. They established a legacy continued today Michael and Stanley, as well as his grandson Douglas and granddaughter Michelle. Michael Kazanjian is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Gemological Institute of America.

Kazanjian Bros. Inc. established its Beverly Hills salon in 1969 and is presently located in the heart of Beverly Hills at the corner of Rodeo Drive and Dayton Way. We have been supplier members to the American Gem Society.

James Kazanjian's lifelong search for unusual and exquisite gems took him all over the world. During his worldwide travels, he was able to acquire jewels from the Maharajahs in India, the largest rubies and sapphires in the world, and other historical jewels from a variety of discrete private collectors and luminaries, alike.

The brothers patriotism toward their adopted country led to the commissioning of four of the largest sapphires in the world to be carved into busts of American Presidents that are greatly admired. Totaling in rough weight some 8,139 carats. The stones were ultimately carved into the likenesses of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Eisenhower, who was President at the time of the project's completion.

The Lincoln carving was the first of the series of sapphire Presidential busts, and took over two years to create. Artist Norman Maness had to develop new cutting tools that would work well on sapphire, since none had yet been invented in the late 1940's. An extraordinary feature of the Washington, Jefferson and Eisenhower busts is that the technical advisor was Lincoln Borglum, who was also responsible for creating the largest Washington carving in the world. This is the famous sixty foot high figure on Mount Rushmore, which he completed after the death of his father, Gutzon Borglum, sculptor of the Rushmore Memorial.

In 1988 these carvings were presented to the nation as a gift to the White House by the Kazanjian Foundation. These beautifully sculpted busts of our Presidents remain on display today.

Kazanjians also discovered what was the largest black star sapphire in the world known as the "Black Star of Queensland." It originated in Queensland, Australia and weighs an amazing 733 carats. Its sale created a scholarship program at the Gemological Institute of America.

In addition to these spectacular sapphires, the Kazanjians also acquired what was, until recently, the world's largest ruby. His 8,500 carat beauty was found near what are believed to be the legendary mines of King Solomon in Africa. This extraordinary gem was designed by Stanley Kazanjian and carved into a rendering of America's Liberty Bell to celebrate the nation's Bicentennial. The Liberty Bell Ruby, as it has come to be known, features an eagle, symbolizing freedom, spreading its powerful wings over the Bell, and is bedecked with a jeweled ribbon of 50 diamonds (totaling 25 carats), representing the 50 states in the Union. The eagle's sapphire eyes complete the sculpture's subtle red-white-and-blue theme.

The sculpture was on exhibit in the Smithsonian museum throughout America's Bicentennial and remains a part of the Kazanjian Foundation.

Kazanjian Bros.’ collections of modern and estate jewelry are sold worldwide to dealers, stores and private clients by appointment.

Known as major suppliers in fine diamonds and precious stones to the world market over the past 90 years, Kazanjian Bros. is also recognized for their new and creative designs.

Douglas Kazanjian has now taken the helm as the fourth generation CEO and taken the firm to a new level with his acquisition of the famous Red Diamond, now known as the “Kazanjian Red.”