A conversation with Sergey Khalapyan
Sergey Khalapyan’s 7 Amazing Jewellery Secrets
I met Sergey Khalapyan at the 10th edition of GemGenève, where he was exhibiting Hamser Jewellery as part of the Armenian Jewellers Association (AJA) showcase. His creations immediately stood out for their distinctive blend of contemporary design and Armenian craftsmanship, reflecting a thoughtful balance between heritage and innovation. In this interview, Sergey shares the story behind Hamser Jewellery, the inspirations that shape his work, and what it means to represent Armenian jewelry on an international stage.
In this interview
- For readers discovering Hamser Jewellery, what inspired your journey into jewellery art?
- What did it mean to present your work in Geneva?
- What are the main sources of inspiration behind your creations?
- How do you approach transforming precious materials into wearable micro sculpture?
- How has watchmaking influenced your techniques?
- How important are global platforms like AJA for your creative development?
- How do you envision the future of Hamser Jewellery?
- Closing thoughts
Origins and philosophy
For readers discovering Hamser Jewellery, what inspired your journey into jewellery art?
My brand, Hamser, was founded in 2007. Its purpose was to bring to life the jewelry designs that were born in my imagination and transform them into finished pieces.
In the beginning, as a newcomer to the craft, I was not always able to fully realize every design exactly as I envisioned it. However, through time, experience, and patience, that journey became an essential part of my creative growth.
The name of the brand carries a deep family and symbolic meaning. It is formed from the first three letters of my father’s name and, now, my son’s name, combined with three letters from my own name and my grandfather’s name. By bringing these letters together, the name Hamser was born, a symbol of generations, memory, and continuity.
What did it mean to present your work in Geneva?
Presenting my work in Geneva, especially after being selected among the top five and receiving first place, was both a great honor and a significant responsibility. It became a powerful source of inspiration and gave me the confidence to continue pursuing my creative path. This experience also strengthened my desire to create watches, pieces that will carry their own story and a distinctive identity.
My artistic philosophy is best reflected in the creations inspired by Armenian architecture and cultural heritage. In recent years, I have devoted particular attention to studying the forms, details, and symbolism of historic Armenian structures, transforming these elements into contemporary jewelry. For me, it is important to create more than just jewelry; I strive to create meaningful pieces that can be passed down from generation to generation, carrying history, memory, and identity within them.
Inspiration and heritage
What are the main sources of inspiration behind your creations?
My primary source of inspiration is Armenia’s architectural heritage. When I study historic buildings and their ornamental details, I often imagine the passion and dedication with which they were created. That feeling inspires me to transform architectural forms and motifs into jewelry.
My Armenian heritage has a strong influence on my work, as it shapes my artistic vision and connects me to our history and culture. I strive to create not only beautiful jewelry, but also meaningful pieces that carry a sense of identity and can be passed down from generation to generation.
Craft and technique
How do you approach transforming precious materials into wearable micro sculpture?
Each of my creations begins as an idea that gradually develops and takes shape as a piece of jewelry. Throughout the creative process, I pay close attention to detail, while always striving to maintain balance so that the piece does not lose its elegance and harmony.
For me, it is important that a piece of jewelry is not only a work of art, but also comfortable to wear. That is why I carefully consider the balance between form, weight, and wearability, ensuring that each creation is both beautiful and enjoyable to wear for many years.
How has watchmaking influenced your techniques?
My journey began in a watchmaking workshop, where I was immediately drawn to precision, discipline, and patience. This experience became one of the foundations of my creative thinking and continues to guide my work today.
Watchmaking taught me to work with the smallest details and to understand that every millimeter can influence the final result. I have fully carried this approach into my jewelry design process, where the same level of precision and responsibility is applied in both the design and execution stages.
This experience has shaped my thinking as a designer, combining technical precision with artistic vision.
Community and the road ahead
How important are global platforms like AJA for your creative development?
International platforms, and especially AJA events, play a significant role in my creative development. They allow me not only to present my work to a wider audience, but also to discover new approaches and ideas in contemporary jewelry design.
In such environments, I connect with collectors, fellow artists, and industry professionals, which is essential for both my professional growth and the development of new collaborations.
For me, these platforms are also a source of inspiration, helping me understand how contemporary jewelry art is evolving and where my own creative language fits within this global context.
How do you envision the future of Hamser Jewellery?
Looking ahead, I see Hamser Jewellery evolving as a brand that continues to grow while preserving its identity and Armenian cultural roots, expanding into new international platforms.
In the coming years, I plan to further explore the world of watchmaking and develop my ideas in the direction of creating watches. For me, this is a natural continuation, combining precision, mechanics, and artistic design.
In addition, I aim to study new layers of Armenian architecture more deeply and translate them into more complex, detailed, and sculptural creations. My goal is to create works that are not only contemporary, but also carry strong cultural and historical value, worthy of being presented on international exhibition platforms.
Closing thoughts
For me, weekends have never simply been days of rest; I have always chosen to work, learn, and grow.
Work is not an obligation for me, but my path and a conscious choice.
Today, I am happy to help those who want to turn their jewelry ideas into reality.
Creating jewelry is not just a profession for me; it is my way of thinking and my life’s path.