A Tradition of Timeless Art
We make custom design jewelry, specializing in weddings, engagements, diamond fashion, and rare gemstones.
Specializing In
Our Story
Mario started the jewelry trade in 1958 in Istanbul, Turkey. The young Armenian began as all apprentices
traditionally do, sweeping floors and watching master jewelers work hard at their craft. Mario showed promise
and after a few years he achieved the level of head apprentice. His masters taught him specialized skills
including
hand engraving, carving, and filigree design. In 1971, Mario left Istanbul at age 25 and ventured to America.
Mario did not speak any English and only had $400 in his pocket. He worked long hours as a
manufacturing jeweler in Carmel Valley, California. By 1975, Mario had enough money to start his own business -
La Renaissance Jewelry.
Bryan was born in Monterey and grew up in Orange county. While in Southern California, Bryan found employment in
the aerospace industry, becoming educated in engineering and metallurgy. Bryan quickly learned how to
operate and program many of the machines. Bryan soon found himself to be one of the youngest lead crewman to run
an
aerospace department. He enjoyed the technology and machine work, but eventually found the job entailed high
stress and long, tedious hours. In 2001, Bryan came back to the Monterey Peninsula for a visit with his father.
Bryan's father took him to La Renaissance Jewelry and introduced him to Mario Agacanian. Bryan told Mario about
the rings he had created with
the machinery during his time in the aerospace industry. Bryan found himself struck with the inspiration to
design jewelry. After this fateful encounter, a creative union of
artisans was born.
Customer Reviews
Five stars on Google, Yelp, and Facebook
See what our customers are saying
Brian & Mario designed a custom setting for my engagement ring and provided concierge service and expert skill every step of the process! From carefully designing, making changes when I asked for them, and even re-casting the ring when I made a last minute change, they TRULY were amazing to work with! Even though we have since moved from the Carmel area, they are my jeweler for LIFE and I recommend them to anyone looking for high quality, expert work! Thanks Mario & Brian!
...Mario and Bryan are the dream team. Knowledgeable, honest, fair and above all Mario makes stunning jewelry. My husband wanted to upgrade my engagement ring so we began working with Mario and Bryan to make the perfect piece, and perfect doesn't even describe. We got to pick from multiple diamonds, collaborate on the design and get a one of a kind piece. My husband and I are beyond happy. Mario also cleaned my jewelry, tuned up some pieces that had some wear and tear and spent time educating us...Can't say enough about our experience. We now have "our family" jewelers. Thanks you two.
...I noticed the ring in the window. Completely unique, and exactly my style. Bryan and Mario made trying on the ring hassle free. Bryan sized my fingers perfectly, gave us an estimate time to come back (1hr), and gave us directions to a shop for great coffee...it couldn't have been easier. Bryan and Mario took such good care of us, and made us feel super confident in our choice to do business with them that I'm absolutely willing to make the trip down to La Renaissance for any more jewelry I want. You won't find another jewelry store like this anywhere. It's truly the best there is.
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