The Claw handpiece.
Photo: Courtesy of Yeprem
Creative Mind: Loutfic Chakardemian
The designer of Yeprem jewelry—a celebrity favorite—aims for each of his daring creations to have its own identity
Loutfic Chakardemian working on new jewelry creations for Yeprem. Photo: Courtesy of Yeprem
An idea can strike at any moment, but for Loutfic Chakardemian, the designer of Yeprem jewelry, it must come from within. “I try to create every time a design that is not inspired from anything,” he explains. “That’s why each piece is so unique and has its own identity.”
Chakardemian spent his childhood in his family’s Beirut jewelry workroom, now celebrating its 60th year, and worked at the bench as a master jeweler for almost two decades before attempting to design his own collection. Thirteen years ago, he presented his father with 50 sketches that took a revolutionary approach to the craft, with eyebrow-raising handpieces, ear cuffs, and tiaras that wrap around body parts in unexpected ways with their innovative articulation.
Y-Momento Watch. Photo: Courtesy of Yeprem
Y-Couture Clip Earrings. Photo: Courtesy of Yeprem
Since then, the collection, which toes the line between chic and edgy, has become a favorite of celebrities with notable appearances in Emily in Paris, at the MTV Video Music Awards on Doja Cat and Cardi B, and even at the Grammys, where Madonna wore Yeprem’s Rebel Heart–inspired pieces. “Our jewelry gives emotional satisfaction to people who wear it,” says Chakardemian. “They feel powerful, unique, and different from everyone else.”
A model wears the Y-Couture statement necklace and Climber earrings. Photo: Courtesy of Yeprem
Wearable art: “When you look at these pieces on their own, it’s not very clear what they are. But once you wear it on your body, they become part of you, part of your soul. It’s like a superpower.”
A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2025 Spring Issue under the headline “Creative Minds.” Subscribe to the magazine.
Cover: The Claw handpiece.
