[1] Vartanian was born into a family of jewellers[2] in Beirut, Lebanon,[3] and spent his early life in São Paulo, Brazil surrounded by precious stones.

Vartanian gained a degree in Economics from Boston University[4] before locating to New York City in 1998 to work as a trader on the NASDAQ.

In 2002, Vartanian began to sell his pieces internationally in New York[8] and opened his São Paulo showroom in 2005.

[10] Vartanian opened his first flagship outside of Brazil in Mayfair, London on Bruton Place in 2016[11] in a section of Baron Saatchi’s former home.

[5] Vartanian’s creations have been worn by celebrities including Naomi Campbell,[5] Penélope Cruz[5] and Madonna.