
Artist Victor Velyan initially entered the world of fine jewelry in order to support his career as a rock star. A native of Los Angeles, in 1984 Victor took a job in a Downtown LA jewelry manufacturing company, first running errands, then setting diamonds and then as a jeweler’s apprentice. He eventually started his own manufacturing firm, designing pieces for other jewelers and collaborating with them on their designs and the direction of their collections. One day, Victor found himself making a cuff that he realized he would want to wear himself, and in that moment, his eponymous collection was born.

While he was more interested in Rock n’ Roll and African Safari than gemstones when he entered the industry, Victor was immediately enraptured by the tactile nature of jewelry fabrication, and he became increasingly impassioned with the art form as it became a greater source of expression of his own creativity. The process of jewelry making also fueled Victor’s innate sense of curiosity, allowing him to explore and honor ancient Aragon techniques, while also experimenting with contemporary innovations.

In addition to being recognized for his bold and daring use of colored gemstones, Victor is revered as a master metallurgist, and his proprietary patina technique is a signature element of many of his most distinguishing designs. His patinas are created by dissolving a unique combination of metals into acids and allowing these formulas to curate for years. After meticulous application onto pure silver, the patinas transform into stunning hues of greens, browns and ivory. Some of his patinas are “living patinas,” meaning the colors will continue to evolve in combination with the chemistry of the wearer.

Victor’s history as a front man in a rock n’ roll brand, as well as his second home in Africa, continually influence his designs. Victor is drawn to nature, where he’s able to release the tensions of his mind and appreciate the natural order of the world, but he is also moved by minute details and architectural elements and the vibrancy and spirit of urban environments; his work is a stunning expression of this juxtaposition.