When Jewelry Meets Music: A Creative Dialogue Between Ara Vartanian and Swizz Beatz

The Beginning of a Relationship Between the Worlds of Jewelry and Music

A unique connection was forged between Brazilian jeweler Ara Vartanian and American artist Swizz Beatz through Instagram. Vartanian’s unconventional designs—particularly his signature triple rings—caught Beatz’s attention. This virtual interaction eventually evolved into direct communication. Beatz was in search of distinctive emeralds for his wife, singer Alicia Keys.

From Admiration to Collaboration: The Evolution of a Creative Partnership

Over time, their bond grew stronger, with its first public manifestation taking place when Beatz and Keys wore Vartanian’s jewelry at the Grammy Awards. However, the desire for a true artistic collaboration didn’t surface until later, in 2019. It was then that Beatz proposed designing a collection of brooches. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, brought the project to a temporary halt.

After the pandemic subsided, the project was revived in 2022. This led to the creation of the first luxury men’s jewelry collection bearing their shared signature. During this phase, both parties exchanged ideas and design visions. As a result, there was a fusion of their distinct styles into a unified collection.

A Fusion of Geometric Style and Bold Color

The collection is defined by a blend of Vartanian’s sharp, graphic design elements with Beatz’s flair for bold shapes and striking colors. The result was a diverse selection that included:
• Brooches
• Cufflinks
• Necklaces
• Chain Bracelets
• Double-Finger Rings

The pieces feature a range of luxurious gemstones in vibrant hues. These include emerald, rubellite, green tourmaline, tanzanite, Paraiba tourmaline, aquamarine, as well as red and blue sapphires, garnet, and diamonds.

Brooches: The Aesthetic Starting Point of the Collection

Brooches served as the foundation upon which the rest of the collection was built. They weren’t merely decorative elements, but rather a conceptual starting point that shaped a cohesive design identity. The idea was based on a solid structure later elevated through the use of luxurious materials like gold and diamonds.

Beauty in the Details: Between Geometric Design and Fine Finishing

Visually, Vartanian gravitates toward elongated cylindrical forms, often enveloped in polished matte white gold. The ends of these pieces are typically adorned with yellow gold and tiny diamond accents. This creates a visual harmony between sharpness and sparkle.

From Display to Wearability: A Philosophy of Jewelry as Experience

Vartanian believes jewelry should be treated as miniature sculptural works—but ones that only come to life when worn. For him, true aesthetic value lies not in how a piece is displayed. Instead, it lies in how the wearer chooses to integrate it with their personal style.

This belief drives his conviction that brooches can transcend formal occasions and become flexible, everyday accessories. Whether paired with a leather jacket, denim shirt, or even military-style apparel, the brooch maintains its allure. In fact, he notes, its use can extend to embellishing hats as well.

The Only Practical Challenge

Despite the widespread admiration for this type of accessory, daily use of brooches does come with a minor challenge. Swizz Beatz points out that the wearer must always remember where they last pinned it—so it’s not forgotten on a garment. Still, the brooch remains practical and stylish, especially when designed with a balance of form and function.

Sharp Design and Sculptural Touch: A Delicate Visual Balance

The collection is characterized by a distinctly geometric aesthetic, where sharp lines and calculated angles dominate each piece. Among the most prominent expressions of this approach are the Trillion-cut gemstones. These are used in brooches and cufflinks to create a sense of both edge and fluidity.

In contrast, the double-finger ring introduces a sense of visual softness. It has rounded, sculptural curves that temper the sharpness without diluting the piece’s strong visual identity.

The Technical Challenge: Where Comfort Meets Innovation

Swizz Beatz’s request to design double-finger rings wasn’t just a creative prompt. It posed a true challenge for Vartanian. According to him, men are generally less tolerant of discomfort than women. This prompted him to rethink how such rings could be crafted to prioritize comfort without compromising on aesthetic appeal.

This led—almost unintentionally—to a design inspired by the world of equestrianism. The structure he developed resembles a bridle and saddle, with components connected by flexible loops, much like the stirrups on horse tack.

The Subconscious as a Source of Creativity

What intrigued Vartanian most about this process was that the concept didn’t arise from conscious thought. Instead, it emerged from deep within his “internal hard drive”—a metaphor for the subconscious mind. He often doesn’t recognize these influences until the design is complete. For him, this is a sign of authentic creative expression.

Emphasis on Wearability

Despite the collection’s high artistic value, wearability and comfort were never overlooked. The double-finger rings were crafted with articulated joints to move naturally with the fingers. Meanwhile, the necklaces and bracelets feature adjustable mechanisms for an easy fit. This adds a layer of functionality to balance the collection’s visual boldness.

Collaboration as a Source of Creative Renewal

From an artistic standpoint, Vartanian views collaboration not as a fleeting intersection of two creative paths, but as a shared personal journey rooted in openness and trust. True collaboration requires both parties to create space for experimentation. At times, they even let go of individual patterns in favor of common ground.

Converging Styles: A Space for Visual Dialogue

One of the most distinctive aspects of the partnership between Vartanian and Swizz is the contrast between their styles. Yet, rather than pose a challenge, this contrast became a genuine opportunity for growth and learning. When a designer pauses reliance on their own vision and begins to absorb the other’s perspective, a moment of balance emerges. This enriches the final creation.

This kind of collaboration demands a high level of flexibility and acceptance. Neither party can hold firmly to all of their tools without making some concessions for the sake of shared harmony. Here lies the true value of collaboration—as a way to rediscover oneself through another’s eyes.

Beyond Design: The Joy of Working Together

Beyond technique and artistry, Vartanian highlights the presence of joy throughout the collaboration process. For him, the pleasure derived from working with another person directly influences the quality and spirit of the work. He believes the creative journey itself is an experience worth repeating.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

In an Era Where Artistic Boundaries Blur and Visual and Auditory References Intertwine,
the collaboration between Brazilian jeweler Ara Vartanian and American artist Swizz Beatz stands out as a striking example of creative interplay between the worlds of design and music. This meeting goes beyond mere ornamentation—offering a profound lesson in conceptual fusion. Aesthetic composition and shared creative vision merge in a deeply thoughtful dialogue.

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