Swiss Watch Gallery and Fine Jewelers

For more than 40 years, Arthur Hratch Torossian has been giving San Diego County the gift of time. Jewelry designer and owner of Swiss Watch Gallery and Fine Jewelers, Torossian has long provided the elite with some of the finest watches and jewelry in the region. He recently set side a moment of his time to share his fascinating past and bright future.

FINE magazine: What inspired your career in jewelry design?

Arthur Hratch Torossian: As a young Armenian child growing up in Beirut, Lebanon, I was intrigued by my Uncle Joseph, who had a certain zest for life. While my five siblings were out playing soccer, I chose to go to work with my uncle at his jewelry store. I would spend my days studying my uncle’s craft of jewelry making. I was in awe at the stunning art my uncle created from his jeweler’s bench, right before my 10-year-old eyes.

FINE: Where did this passion take you?

Torossian: My Uncle Joseph allowed me to start using his tools and before long, I was drawing and creating my very own designs and bringing them to life. Designing jewelry was my destiny. Being a young apprentice at the age of 12, I was already mastering the skills of a seasoned designer.

At age 18, I was invited to pursue my dreams of designing jewelry in Liberia. I won many design competitions hosted by the Liberian Jewelers Association — my aspirations were paying off, and I was thrilled.

FINE: What inspired your designs?

Torossian: Living in Liberia, there was an overabundance of gold, diamonds and precious gems being mined, and I was inspired by the natural beauty and culture of Africa. I began combining gold with tanzanite, tourmaline, sapphires and quartz using diamonds frequently to enhance my designs. My curiosity led me to the natural beauty of ivory, which soon became a hit with my following.

FINE: Where did you open your first jewelry store?

Torossian: I opened Rhonda Jewelers in Liberia in 1972, it was only 500 square feet, and I named it after my favorite client who would buy my designs right off my workbench.

FINE: What was your most memorable experience at your first jewelry store?

Torossian: My biggest fan and very good friend, Rhonda mentioned she would be referring me to a new client that needed help designing jewelry that would be one-of-a-kind and would turn-heads… In walks President William Tubman of Liberia! He introduced himself, shook my hand and said, "I heard you were the best jeweler in Liberia. I was speechless. I designed a matching set of earrings, ring and a necklace, it took me eight days, I worked non-stop and when it was complete, it was breathtaking. It was an honor and privilege working with President Tubman. I will cherish that moment forever.

FINE: Where has your journey led you?

Torossian: In 1982, I opened Swiss Watch Gallery & Fine Jewelers in Laguna Hills, Calif. I was able to combine my unique handcrafted designs that have been inspired by my travels to Africa, Morocco and Italy, with my own interpretations of designing pieces that are timeless and truly reflect my technique and vision.

Soon after opening my first store in Laguna Hills, I recognized that luxury timepieces complimented my unique jewelry style in various ways, so I decided to add a new dynamic to my jewelry collection and began a relationship with many of the luxury timepiece brands.

In 2008, I expanded by opening a beautiful 5,000-square-foot gallery in San Diego. It is located in La Jolla at The Shops At La Jolla Village. My unique designs and exceptional quality is complimented by an array of timepieces — one of the largest selections in San Diego County, including Rolex.  The success of this location has enabled Swiss Watch Gallery and Fine Jewelers to expand in 2010 to the Mission Viejo Mall.

FINE: Tell us about your latest collection.

Torossian: You will be surprised by the boldness and use of vibrant colored stones. I have been combining rose, yellow and white gold, while utilizing the use of deep violets in tanzanite and developing different shapes of colored diamonds, including canary yellow and pink to capture a comfortable, everyday ring with a modern flare that can be worn for a lifetime and passed down through generations. I select only the finest quality stones, with the best cuts. I never compromise on quality.

I want to create jewelry you get pleasure in wearing day or night — jewelry that will fit your lifestyle, as well as gratify and delight generations to come.

I welcome you and your family to any of our locations. I believe your experience when visiting our gallery will exceed your expectations.