Mozafarian
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| Mozafarian | |
|---|---|
| Type | Private |
| Founded | |
| Headquarters | 88 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge London, United Kingdom 10260 |
| Key people | Abbas Mozafarian (President) Bahareh Mozafarian (Deira, Dubai) |
| Industry | Jewellers |
| Products | Wedding Jewellery Gemstones Precious Metals Diamonds |
| Website | www.mozafarian.com |
Mozafarian (Persian: جواهری مظفريان ) is an Iranian family of jewellers from who conduct operations from around 200 stores across the globe. Seven generations of the Mozafarian family has provided bridal couples with wedding jewellery. Mozafarian Jewellers is currently headed by president Abbas Mozafarian.
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[edit] Early History
The history of the Mozafarian family can be traced back to Neuchâtel, Switzerland, where over 300 years ago they manufactured clock towers. The family first moved to Persia seven generations ago in the 18th century to build clock towers in the market squares of major cities and royal palaces. A member of the family fell in love with a Persian girl, converted to Islam, married and settled in Persia. It was here that they later diversified into the gold and silversmith trade. Today, the family runs jewellery operations in the United States, Canada and the Canaries to Germany, England, Italy, Dubai and Iran, with plans to extend into Japan and the Far East. For three centuries, Mozafarian Jewellers has succeeded in combining traditionalism with innovation by way of continued research and renewal of ideas. The finest gemstones and precious metals have been often combined to create unique pieces. Many of the jewellery pieces crafted in the early years, especially for several royal houses, can now be seen at museums in Europe, the U.S. and Iran.
[edit] Clients
Amongst their notable clients are members of the Saudi royal family as well as U.S. presidents, including John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon. Modern day clients include singer Danni Minogue, socialite Tamara Beckwith and former EastEnders actress Patsy Palmer. The client for whom the jewellery is being designed is given paramount importance. But, according to Abbas Mozafarian, “We have to literally get into the skin of the clients, know their aspirations, characteristic traits, aspects of their unique identity, what makes them happy. We also have to consider the age, culture and skin colour and sometimes, even under what light conditions the jewellery would be worn - whether it is for the day or night, will it be seen in natural or artificial light, etc.”
[edit] Specialization
Mozafarian specializes in engagement and wedding jewellery. However, while tailoring the jewellery to the individual, he also aims to make its designs as multi-functional as possible. This is especially important in the case of wedding jewellery. Mozafarian wants his jewellery to be admired and enjoyed for several occasions, such as a wedding necklace that can be worn in 14 different ways.
[edit] Family Business
Mozafarian seeks to keep the line of continuity running from one generation to the other. Abbas Mozafarian (64) remembers when, at the age of 14, his father entrusted him with his first important task. “My father appointed me to carry his vast collection of jewellery from Teheran to his important clients in Isfahan and adjoining areas,” he recollects. “I was nervous but my father said that if he hadn’t had the confidence in me, he wouldn’t have asked me to shoulder that risk.”
That was his initiation into the family business, a legacy he inherited from his father and one that he is deeply passionate about to this day. It is this self-same respect and admiration for this work that he has passed on to his daughters, who he trusts, will carry the torch to the next generation. While his elder daughter is currently based in London managing the Knightsbridge store, his younger daughter Bahareh, operates the newly opened outlet in Deira, Dubai.
[edit] Unique Products
Mozafarian jewellers are also the creators of the world's most expensive jacket. Crafted for a charity function at the request of De Beers, the denim jacket is jewelled in diamonds and attracted considerable media attention at its unveiling in June 2002. However, in 1960, this same jewellery house was publicly commended for the creation of several royal casks to commemorate 2,500 years of the Persian Empire. The intricacy of work here was extremely detailed as it involved the soldering of several thousand pieces by hand. Incorporating nature motifs in gold and precious stones encasing the Bohemian crystal casks required such attention that it took almost seven years to be completed.[1]
[edit] Charities and Other Activities
Mozafarian supports the following charities: Medical Aid for Palestinians, The Cavalry and Guards Club, The War and Peace Ball, The British Red Cross, and the Popli Khalatbari Charitable Foundation. Mozafarian also sponsored the Tsarevna of England Miss Eastern Europe Beauty Contest.[2]
[edit] Notes
- ^ Al-Shindagah, When the Jeweller becomes an Artist, by Sangeetha Swaroop, May 2006
- ^ H O T G O S S I P :: Celebrity Fashion, Fitness & Beauty by Sally Farmiloe-Neville :: May 2004
