Armenian hand engraver creates fascinating jewelry
by Damla Kayayerli
ISTANBULFeb 17, 2015 - 12:00 am GMT+3
by Damla Kayayerli
Feb 17, 2015 12:00 am
Berç Melikyan is one of the most renowned goldsmiths and hand engravers who continues to keep the art of "kalemkarlık" (hand engraving) alive in Turkey. "So far, no one has been able to make jewelry like I do. Nobody can do it!" he said. For years, Melikyan has exhibited great patience and focus to meticulously craft jewels from precious metals by engraving them with an iron pencil, which is thinner than a strand of hair, in his small workshop. He has left his mark on engraved diamonds, and famous goldsmiths still run after him. The popularity of his hand-made diamonds has spread to faraway lands, but his name was ironically unknown until he, in his own words, "fought" to become well-known. Melikyan, 55, has been working as a hand engraver with his iron pencil for the last 40 years, and his talent has enabled him to create his own engraving style. At the age of 14, Melikyan began working as an apprentice at the famous Çuhacı Inn in Istanbul's Grand Bazaar.
Initially, he learned the craft of "sadekarlık" (lapidary). As a child, his dreams were filled with patterns and the appearance of horses, lions and eagles. Those who noticed his talent used to say he should become a hand engraver. However, the art of hand engraving is a rather effortful task. At that time, there were hardly any craftsmen that were willing to accept apprentices, but later, he began to work with master craftsman Mardiros Halyaçyan. Melikyan's eyes filled with tears and became emotional when he started talking about his past. "You have to carefully watch your master for three or four years. You should not touch his pencils, though; it is disrespectful. I always had great respect for him," he said. Similar to Halyaçyan, he started running his own small workshop with a little light at the Çuhacı Inn. "I was shocked at first. When you imagine the world of jewelry, it looks so glamorous. However, there is a big contrast between jewelry workshops and the glitter of diamonds," Melikyan said, adding that the more jewels give brightness to the world, the darker the places they are made in. "There is great contrast in our profession," Melikyan said. During his apprentice years, Melikyan was merely watching his master without speaking, learned what kind of iron pencils are necessary and developed himself with patience and great effort.
After his return from obligatory military service, he wanted to run his own workshop but was unable to open it due to financial constraints. Fortunately, his uncle helped him and Melikyan began working as an assistant at his uncle's jewelry shop in Nuriosmaniye. He used to engrave jewels for his friends and family, and his popularity increased with time. "Hand engraving requires patience, determination and physical effort," he said. Eventually, Melikyan opened his own workshop in 1987. "I created my own engraving style," added the senior craftsman, who has designed diamonds for world leaders and famous individuals all around the world. Moreover, jewelry firms have displayed his works at international fairs, and while he has yet to travel abroad, the world has fallen into his lap. Melikyan believes he has not received what he deserves, but has never lost his ambition. "I make thousands of stokes with an iron pencil while designing a ring and other jewels.
The art of hand engraving I use to create my works date back 1,000 years," he said. Melikyan loses himself while working and does not understand how time flies by. "It has been a narrow and long journey. Hand engraving is my life," he said.
The accomplished artist is on the list of the World's Gold Council among the jewelers who should be visited in Istanbul. Haliç University also submitted an application to UNESCO to add his name to the list of "Living Human Treasures." Melikyan now continues his job at his small and humble workshop on the third floor of the Çuhacı Inn in Nuriosmaniye. He tirelessly turns priceless stones into a work of art. His 18-year-old son Alen is learning his father's trade as well, much to his father's delight. To celebrate his 40th year in the trade, Melikyan created a masterpiece collection. "With my 45-piece collection, I want to show Istanbul, Turkey and the world a perspective from the eyes of a craftsman for future generations. Istanbul is a living museum and I gain inspiration whenever I go. My jewels inherit the city's culture. When we look back, we say 'what amazing things they did,' and I want the future generations to understand today's culture through my eyes," he concluded.
Keep up to date with what’s happening in Turkey,
it’s region and the world.
You can unsubscribe at any time. By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.