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Founder of Michael B. brand dies at 64
Michael Bogosian, founder of fine bridal brand Michael B., died April 8 from a heart attack. He was 64 years old.
Michael Bogosian, 64, died April 8. Bogosian began in the fine jewelry industry at a young age and started his own retail store, Matthew’s, as well as the Michael B. luxury bridal brand.
New York--Michael Bogosian, founder of fine bridal brand Michael B., died April 8 from a heart attack. He was 64 years old.
Bogosian was born in Istanbul in 1950 and began an apprenticeship at a fine jewelry house there at the young age of 10. After years of learning the trade, he left for the United States as a teenager with only $75 in his pocket.
He connected with a family member living in Studio City, Calif., centrally located to many of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, and developed a reputation as one of the top jewelers in the area.
In 1972, Bogosian opened a retail jewelry store called Matthew’s, named after his first son, a store which is still running today. He started the Michael B. bridal jewelry line in 1993.
With the exception of the Touch collection, which is available in 18-karat white gold, all of Michael B.’s engagement rings and wedding bands are made exclusively in platinum. According to a release from the Armenian Jewellers Association, Bogosian also is credited with being the first to use micro-pavé.
In addition to establishing a successful brand, Bogosian received many accolades as a jeweler. In 1997, he received the Town & Country Couture Conference Platinum Award; in 1998, he earned the Platinum Passion Design Competition Award; and in 2003, he was named Town & Country Couture Conference Designer of the Year, among others.
He also created a custom jeweled egg in the early 1980s that was symbolic of the Romanov eggs made by Fabergé, which was commissioned by a private client. The egg was put on display at the San Sylmar Museum in southern California.
“He was loved and admired by many. His infectious laugh and character will never be forgotten,” the Armenian Jewellers Association said in its statement.
Bogosian is survived by his wife Aida, and sons Matthew, Brian, Michael, Jr., and Arthur.
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