EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
IndependentsFeb 24, 2021
Joseph Varjabedian, Founder of Jova and Z.Jova, Dies at 63
A fixture in the jewelry industry, Varjabedian started his business more than two decades ago in New York City’s Diamond District.
Joseph Varjabedian, a beloved 47th Street jeweler known for his CAD expertise, died earlier this month of complications related to the coronavirus. He was 63 years old.
New York—Jeweler Joseph Varjabedian, a fixture in the New York City Diamond District for nearly three decades, died Feb. 12 of complications related to COVID-19.
He was 63.
A native of Aleppo, Syria, Varjabedian was introduced to the jewelry business by his brother-in-law.
He moved to the United States to start his own manufacturing business and, after spending a few years managing a jewelry production facility in Russia, he returned to the United States and opened Jova Inc. in 1999.
He served retailers and wholesale customers as well as independent and established jewelry designers, including Doryn Wallach, Alison Nagasue and Wilfredo Rosado, whose pearl designs made headlines at the inauguration last month.
Varjabedian had extensive knowledge of transposing designs into CAD and working with 3D printers; he could fix any glitches.
Because of his skills, the 47th Street jeweler became a well-respected and beloved expert in CAD/3D printing, manufacturing, and sourcing for his retail, wholesale, and designer customers.
Designer Wallach remembered the “kind and thoughtful” jeweler in a recent Instagram post, writing in part: “He would let me sit over his shoulder when doing CAD work, and he would respect my perfectionism, because no one was more of a perfectionist than he was.
“He called me out when he thought something wouldn’t look right and even though I’d fight him, he was usually right.”
In addition to being a mentor and an expert in CAD, about two years ago, Varjabedian began establishing his own design in the marketplace—a line of jewelry that combined the symbol for each zodiac sign (for example, a lion for Leo) with an initial.
Operating as Z.Jova, the jeweler trademarked the new company name and registered all the zodiac letter designs.
His family plans to continue the website business, operating at Z-Jova.com.
“His passing leaves a hole in our hearts and a gap now in the excellent CAD services Joseph provided,” an homage to Varjabedian shared with National Jeweler reads.
“We remember him for his generosity, mentorship of many designers, dependable workmanship, commitment to excellence, loyalty, friendship, and imparting an inclusive feeling when working with him. We are all devastated to lose such a good spirit and a friend who was a part of our close-knit jewelry community.”
Anyone who wishes to express their condolences can email jovainc1@gmail.com; those emails will be forwarded to the family.
Varjabedian lived in New Jersey, residing in Oradell and, before that, Fair Lawn.
He was a member of Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey.
Varjabedian also was a loving brother and uncle.
He is survived by four sisters, Lousine Mgrdichian, Josephine Varjabedian, Regina Odabashian and Rose Alexanian; nine nieces and nephews; and 17 great-nieces and -nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church, 461 Bergen Blvd., Ridgefield, NJ 97657.
Varjabedian also was a loving brother and uncle.
He is survived by four sisters, Lousine Mgrdichian, Josephine Varjabedian, Regina Odabashian and Rose Alexanian; nine nieces and nephews; and 17 great-nieces and -nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church, 461 Bergen Blvd., Ridgefield, NJ 97657.
More on Independents
The Latest
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
Weekly QuizApr 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in FloridaLazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2MBelieved to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
CrimeApr 30, 2026
Masked Group Uses Hammers, Pepper Spray in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyOfficials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.
Supplier BulletinApr 30, 2026
OROAREZZO 2026: The B2B Event for Italian Excellence in Goldsmith, Jewelry and Silver ManufacturingSponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition
TechnologyApr 29, 2026
The Thought Process Behind the Mother's Day Email Opt-OutSome retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.
SourcingApr 29, 2026
De Beers’ Production Rises, Market Remains ‘Challenged’De Beers’ diamond production was up 17 percent in Q1, boosted by increased output at its mines in South Africa and Canada.
AuctionsApr 29, 2026
This'll Be the Day You Own John Wayne's RingA signet ring belonging to the Western film star of Hollywood’s Golden Age will be up for auction at Elmwood’s next month.
Policies & IssuesApr 28, 2026
Tariff Refunds: How to File, What to Expect Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.
IndependentsApr 28, 2026
This North Carolina Jeweler Is Passing the TorchThe owners of Gregory Jewelers in Morganton, North Carolina, are heading into retirement.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
Doug Hucker Retires From ICAThe colored gemstone industry leader is heading into retirement after four years as the association’s CEO.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
NDC Hires Tapestry Exec to Head Global Marketing Susie Dewey joins the Natural Diamond Council as its new chief marketing officer.
AuctionsApr 27, 2026
12 Years Later, the ‘Ocean Dream’ Diamond Resurfaces at Christie’sThe largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.
ColumnistsApr 27, 2026
Stop Treating Mother’s Day Like an AfterthoughtEmmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.
IndependentsApr 27, 2026
Longnecker Jewelry Celebrates 30 YearsIn honor of the milestone, the Nebraska jeweler has debuted Leslie & Co., its new in-house jewelry brand.
