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Baton Rouge Jewelry Designer Wins Grand Prize at Statewide Competition August 14, 2023 (0 comments)

Metairie, LA--Baton Rouge jewelry craftsman and designer, Ara Chanakian of Pattons Jewelry, secures three first-place awards at the prestigious Jewelers of Louisiana annual design competition, including “Best of Show,” during the organization's convention held on August 5 and 6.

Chanakian's received awards in Category 2 ($2,001-$6,000 retail value) and Category 3 ($2,001-$6,000 retail value) competition, with his Category 3 piece crowned "Best of Show."

Pieces were judged on overall design, marketability, practicality/wearability, and craftsmanship. Each creation, crafted from precious metals and gemstones within the past 18 months, underwent rigorous scrutiny by a jury of jewelers. The coveted Best of Show award was determined by votes from convention attendees.

[Ara Chanakian, Photo credit: Pattons Jewelry]

"I am deeply honored to have received these awards. They validate the dedication and quality that I strive to infuse into my work throughout my career," Chanakian said. "This accolade not only reflects my personal commitment but also mirrors the excellence of Louisiana's jewelry craftsmanship on a national stage."

As the bench jeweler and custom designer for Pattons Jewelry in Baton Rouge, Chanakian specializes in crafting unique, personalized designs that cater to Pattons' discerning clientele. Collaborating closely with buyers, he transforms their concepts into exquisite pieces, including rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces.

[Ara Chanakian's grand prize jewelry submission, Photo credit: Pattons Jewelry]

“We are delighted to have celebrated jewelers in both our Baton Rouge and Alexandria stores,” said Kevin Patton, president of Pattons Jewelry. “Ara's exceptional talent has consistently delighted our clients since joining us in 2020. With the addition of Melinda Wallace at our Alexandria location, who clinched Category 3 - 1st Place in both 2021 and 2022 and was named Louisiana's 'Jeweler of the Year' in 2022, we remain dedicated to fulfilling the bespoke design desires of our valued clients."

Chanakian began his career as a jeweler 1992 with his own retail and wholesale business in Lebanon, traveling extensively across Arab countries to showcase his creations. In 2013, he came to the United States and established his manufacturing shop in Baton Rouge. His accolades include two third-place awards in 2021 and a first-place award in Category 2 in 2022 at the Jewelers of Louisiana Convention in New Orleans. Chanakian joined Pattons Fine Jewelry as a contract jeweler in 2020.

In celebration of Chanakian's achievement, Pattons Jewelry extends an invitation to jewelry enthusiasts to meet him and participate in a complimentary design consultation for the next 30 days. Typically valued at $297, this service is now available without obligation to anyone who wishes to congratulate Chanakian and witness his award-winning designs firsthand. Appointments are essential and can be scheduled by calling Pattons in Baton Rouge at (225) 292-7482 or by visiting www.pattonsjewelry.com/appointment.

Pattons Fine Jewelry has two locations: 11740 Coursey Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70816, and 4801 Jackson St. Ext., Alexandria, LA 71303.