Founded in Fresno and family owned since 1978, Ara Karkazian Watch and Jewelry Company remains a family-owned and operated business that is an authority of diamonds, gems, jewelry and watches. We build our relationships on trust, respect and impeccable service, as well as superb jewels. Our commitment is to understanding our customers' wants and needs, and to fulfill those with uncompromising service every step of the way, including (and especially) after sales.Buying jewelry is a significant and sometimes life-changing purchase.
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While we started out as a modest watch repair business, we have grown into a premier jewelry and watch resource for our trusted Valley connoisseurs. Ara Karkazian purchased the eponymous store - where he had worked since his teenage years - from his brother George in 1990. He and his wife Lena expanded the showroom again and again not only to stay contemporary, but also to ensure a comfortable atmosphere.
Buying a diamond is a very personal experience. Diamonds can be bought to signify love, significant accomplishments, milestones in your life or that of a gift's recipient. Unlike when you buy clothing, electronics, or cars, the features of a diamond may not seem quite so obvious to you. We would like to change that.
Founded in 1968, Vahan offers complete collections of jewelry, made with gold, sterling silver, and with diamonds and colored stones. For nearly five hundred years, the Bashoura name has been associated with quality craftsmanship, and a passion for working with. Setting standards for almost 50 years, Benchmark focuses on both quality craftsmanship and precision in every ring they make. The Citizen Watch Company of Japan was founded in 1930 and since then, its record of achievement is distinguished by.
Reviews (36)
Frances Serrano
Jun 03, 2022
Paula Fansler
Apr 25, 2022
Judith Seiler
Apr 14, 2022
I left a Tiffany ring to be sized. It turned out to be complicated because of the filigree around the edge of the ring, so instead of a couple of weeks to complete it took two months. The end result was excellent! The jeweler obviously takes pride in his work and the ring is perfect. I was not charged one penny more than the quote I was given when I left the ring with the jeweler, even though the sizing was more difficult.
The only fault I find is that I never received a telephone call during the process and I hadn't been given a tag showing that I had left the ring with the jeweler so I was afraid it had been lost. I did call and stop by several times and each time I was given a report, which was somewhat reassuring. I would definitely do business again with this jeweler. I know he has been in business for many years in this area and has a good reputation. I am very happy with the result.
The only fault I find is that I never received a telephone call during the process and I hadn't been given a tag showing that I had left the ring with the jeweler so I was afraid it had been lost. I did call and stop by several times and each time I was given a report, which was somewhat reassuring. I would definitely do business again with this jeweler. I know he has been in business for many years in this area and has a good reputation. I am very happy with the result.
Mario Gomez
Apr 08, 2022
Andrew M.
Apr 02, 2022
They have some cool watches so that's a plus. They made such a low-ball offer on a couple of well-known watches that I was a little taken aback by such an insulting offer. I ended up sitting on them for a few months and ended up selling on eBay for more than what I paid for them. I ended up getting 8.57 X (times) what they offered. Too bad, I needed a local shop, they blew it.
Roy Ghangas
Mar 13, 2022
Chris Norby
Mar 08, 2022
Mark B.
Mar 04, 2022
Wayne Stonecipher
Feb 12, 2022
I recently had a stone upgrade to my wife's wedding ring for our 25th wedding anniversary. The staff were very helpful and even made suggestions on how to make the setting look even better. All work was done in a timely manner and was amazing looking. My wife loved it! Staff were great and the cost of the work was very good. Will definitely return
Laird Durley
Feb 06, 2022
Katie Baker
Feb 06, 2022
Jacques Benninga
Jan 25, 2022
James B.
Nov 16, 2021
Taylor McConnaughey
Aug 26, 2021
I sincerely regret taking my business to Ara Karkazian Jewelry. Months after waiting, phone calls that were promised that were never placed, and jewelry that was only worked on after I placed a call to check on the status, came out so poor. I showed utmost patience and walked away unhappy. My necklace is asymmetric- a sure sign that it was rushed.
Instead of voicing my unhappiness, I chose to pay and leave as I'm unwilling to be forgotten about for another three weeks. I'm very unimpressed with the customer service, false promises made by front counter staff, and their apparent inability to provide me with a proper invoice of services rendered. 10 of 10 disappointed.
Instead of voicing my unhappiness, I chose to pay and leave as I'm unwilling to be forgotten about for another three weeks. I'm very unimpressed with the customer service, false promises made by front counter staff, and their apparent inability to provide me with a proper invoice of services rendered. 10 of 10 disappointed.
Adam M.
Jul 07, 2021
Nikolos N.
Jun 06, 2021
Kyle B.
May 04, 2021
Anthony Waters
May 02, 2021
Kara M.
Apr 29, 2021
Pajdawb T.
Mar 18, 2021
Kristi Ferrucci
Mar 16, 2021
Jessica P.
Mar 13, 2021
My husband came in with my Tacori engagement ring to buy a matching band. Not only did the sales associate sell him the wrong band but white gold instead of platinum. They are refusing to refund the never worn band and only giving store credit. This company is dishonest and I would not refer anyone here.
Douglas Johnson
Feb 26, 2021
Matt Hull
Feb 21, 2021
Brandt Cross
Jan 31, 2021
There enough amazing things to say about Ara Karkazian! My wife and I went in to look at some wedding bands but didn't find anything that matched what we were looking for. Luckily, Karkazian Jewelers specialize in making custom jewelry! We were able to get a mold made that matched our existing engagement band perfectly, to be intricately designed and created in store.
The level of service and attention to detail is above all else. I couldn't imagine going to any other jeweler to make our big day that much more amazing. What a dream come true.
The level of service and attention to detail is above all else. I couldn't imagine going to any other jeweler to make our big day that much more amazing. What a dream come true.
Brandt C.
Jan 19, 2021
After shopping around for rings at other retail stores, we decided to keep it local, and come to Ara Karkazian after being referred by my father in law. My wife and I looked around at a ton of different rings, but she didn't see anything that caught her eye. Luckily Ara Karkazian Jewelers specializes in creating custom jewelry. After getting a 3D wax mold of our current engagement ring, they were able to custom create a ring that matched perfectly!
They were even able to squeeze in a cleaning and appraisal. I'm so happy we stopped in that day to browse. I don't think we would've found "that" perfect ring without them envisioning it for us. I'm so grateful to all the staff and the owner. They were extremely accommodating, and helped us out with everything from start to finish. Thank you for making our dreams come true!
They were even able to squeeze in a cleaning and appraisal. I'm so happy we stopped in that day to browse. I don't think we would've found "that" perfect ring without them envisioning it for us. I'm so grateful to all the staff and the owner. They were extremely accommodating, and helped us out with everything from start to finish. Thank you for making our dreams come true!
Duncan H.
Jan 09, 2021
Shawn B.
Oct 02, 2020
Sam Holmes
Jul 08, 2020
David A.
Feb 22, 2020
Ara Karkazian Watch & Jewelry Company is known for being the Central Valley's Engagement Ring Headquarters in the valley. I have known Ara for over 15 years and his knowledge of diamonds, gems, and watches is beyond an expert. If you're looking for jewelry I strongly recommend you contact Ara for your needs.
Angelo B.
Feb 11, 2020
Alison J.
Dec 11, 2019
I wanted to have my mother's wedding rings redone so I could wear them, so I dropped them off and then worked with Eric by phone and email to get them designed and approved. (I live in France and was visiting Fresno.) He sent me CAD images of the setting options, which was very helpful. This all happened over several months, and Eric was so kind to take the time to get the ring design to be just what I wanted.
When I came in to pick them up on my next visit to town, the rings were perfect, except the wrong size. No worries, they resized them and a couple days later I had my rings. I am very happy with the rings and wear them every day.
When I came in to pick them up on my next visit to town, the rings were perfect, except the wrong size. No worries, they resized them and a couple days later I had my rings. I am very happy with the rings and wear them every day.
Gigi M.
Oct 29, 2019
My Baume and Mercier watch needed batteries. So after dropping it off, they called me within a day and said that the gasket is broken and we'll have to order a new one. Through the process they kept me informed about the fix including pricing and called for approval. They cleaned it and looked very shiny when it was picked up. I have some jewelry to fix and clean and I will be taking them there for sure. If you want the honest and good fast service, don't go elsewhere! You will never regret it. Price is on point!
Jamie G.
Aug 03, 2019
Baby, I am back! I know y'all miss my colorful reviews. It's taken a minute to get situated in my new community. F-R-E-S-N-O! That's right, I'm back to being a California girl. I needed to get watch batteries stat for my five time zone watch. That's right, it requires five batteries. One never knows when you need to know what time it is in Tokyo or Paris at the exact same time, just in case your iPhone dies and you have to revert back to old fashion ways of actually owning a watch.
Survival of the fittest forever. The batteries were $20 a piece. They installed all of them in my watch while I waited. They did give me one of the batteries for free since it was a lot of batteries to change at one time. I really appreciated that. While I was waiting, they did show my guest several styles of engagement rings and that was really nice as well.
I like the vibe of the store. I did notice they carry all the latest brands in bridal like Simon G. If you're in the market for an engagement ring this is the place you want to come. Thanks for being super nice and fixing my watch while I waited. Mahalo.
Survival of the fittest forever. The batteries were $20 a piece. They installed all of them in my watch while I waited. They did give me one of the batteries for free since it was a lot of batteries to change at one time. I really appreciated that. While I was waiting, they did show my guest several styles of engagement rings and that was really nice as well.
I like the vibe of the store. I did notice they carry all the latest brands in bridal like Simon G. If you're in the market for an engagement ring this is the place you want to come. Thanks for being super nice and fixing my watch while I waited. Mahalo.
Tasha G.
May 19, 2018
We got our wedding rings here and we couldn't love them more. He helped us custom design our rings incorporating some of my Mother's diamonds into my wedding set. They worked with us on pricing and made it affordable for us. We have brought our rings in for cleanings and to be worked on in the past few years since we got them and always have awesome service from everyone there. I always recommend Ara Karkazian's for any jewelry or watch needs.
Noel C.
Jul 09, 2016
My husband purchased my beautiful Ritani engagement ring here, and we both purchased our wedding bands and are so happy we did. I always get compliments on how my diamond sparkles. They carry a superior selection, I would definitely recommend to anyone shopping for a beautiful piece of jewelry or watch. The staff is very knowledgeable and always welcoming when we come back to have our rings inspected and cleaned.