Look Book

Fate, determination and a visionary inclination towards pink stand behind the success of Makur Designs. Based in NYC, the design house has been owned and operated by husband and wife duo Masis and Arlene Hagopian since 1995. Makur has been a leader in the use of Rose Gold and Morganite long before it was the popular choice it is today. Their latest mixed metal collection is a further display of their ability to expertly blend color, shape and texture. "Masis started working as a bench jeweler in junior high," says Arlene Hagopian. "He learned from his brother how to be a jeweler and a setter." Though Masis had intended to become an architect, the family business beckoned and it wasn't long before he was ready to venture out and create his own designs. Masis started a business doing contract work with his brother right after high school. By 1995, he was ready to create his own line of designs. "Masis is very passionate about what he does," say Hagopian. "His designs are timeless and he finds inspiration every- where! His architectural eye is especially critical to his design tastes. He'll get ideas from a doorway, from a mixture of color. Everything is fair game…even an interesting umbrella!" Fate intervened when the Sunnyside, Queens-born Arlene crossed paths with Masis."I was in college working for one of his customers when I met him," says Hagopian who ran into Masis again at his brother's wedding. "When I saw Masis there I knew he was the guy I was going to marry!" It is no surprise that Hagopian's wedding band, going strong now for nearly 20 years, is made of their favorite metal. "My wedding ring is Rose Gold," says Hagopian. "Masis originally designed it for the line and I knew it was the one for me!" The vision at Makur is innovative designs that don't necessarily follow trends. Instead, they landed on a formula that created one. "The com- bination of Morganite and Rose Gold with our signature satin finish which we have been creating for 18 years has been trending for a few years now," says Hagopian. "But it's always been our signature." Morganite, named after banker and philanthropist JP Morgan who was a well-known collector of the stone, is a peachy-pink member of the beryl family that includes its more famous cousins, aquamarine and emerald. While Makur first paired Morganite with Rose Gold over 12 years ago, the stone has absolutely caught fire more recently. "I hope to see the stone's popularity continue because not only is Morganite a natural compliment to our Rose Gold, but it gives the wearer a feeling that are wearing something special" says Hagopian brightly. "That is why Makur's awardwinning morganite collection has been – and still is – the 'perfect match'!" Their love of Rose Gold has inspired them to create new designs for the mixed metal collections which embrace the allure of their Rose Gold with "the silky, sexy softness of argentinium silver." Supplying independent retailers across the U.S., Caribbean and Canada, Makur is careful to work with stores that take pride in the selection they've chosen and strive to give clients something special. "Our main concern is the quality of the relationship we have with the retailer," says Hagopian – a certain benefit for newer retailers. We want the line to tell a story so we offer new stores the chance to bring a high end line to their store." c o v e r o n t h e Pretty in By Brooke Conner Sevenau 18 W W W.thejeWelrybook.CoM Pink

• Cover