Jeweler Sevan Biçakçi is best known for his miniature masterpieces that sit upon your finger. The Turkish born craftsman creates awe-inspiring pieces of jewelry that feature hand-painted, intaglio carved crystals with scenes of architecture, boats, birds, fruits, flowers and animals.
Sevan Biçakçi Istabnbul Rings
Largely inspired by his native country, a number of his amazing rings have carved cabochon and faceted crystals that reveal Ottoman style architecture, particularly mosques. Gems, semi-precious stones, mosaics, enamels and metals make up the ornate settings for his pieces.
He has been referred to as Lord of The Rings, The King of The Rings, The Ringmaster, A Master Jeweller, A Star Jeweler and more. A favorite amongst celebrities, Biçakçi’s rings can cost upwards of tens of thousands of dollars.
Sevan Biçakçi has started his journey as a jeweler when he was only 12 years old as an intern for master goldsmith Hovsep Catak. His first personal collection that he created in 2002 was inspired by the historical Grand Bazaar of Istanbul where he spent a considerable part of his life.
Scenes of Istanbul harbors, gondolas and fisherman are also featured in several of his pieces:
Birds like Doves, Swans and Love Birds are also a common subject in his jewelry.
Above ring from the Collection at Barneys (now closed) shown below from the side and as worn:
Some rings feature butterflies, dolphins, fruits, lions, polar bears and more.
Biçakçi’s jewelry is carried at high end boutiques and galleries. A wider range of the designer’s collections are on display in his boutiques located in Dubai and Istanbul.
Sevan told the NY times “I cannot work on commission,” Mr. Bicakci said, “because of our extremely low capacity to produce. I have barely time to focus on my own ideas.”
The atelier produces only about 500 pieces each year, he said. The rings range in price from about $10,000 to $30,000, and simple chains start at around $3,000. “I do not create for price points,” he said. “The price is calculated once a piece is finished.”
To source his materials, he used to visit gemstone trade shows. “Now, the reputation of my work seems to motivate sources of unusual materials towards contacting me,” he said.
Such materials include anything from bones to diamonds. “I use everything, except for synthetic materials and endangered species.” – Mr. Bicakci