Beauty By Design

The Russian-born painter Marc Chagall once said, “Great art picks up where nature ends.”

Although Chagall’s own medium was canvas – and later, stained glass – his observation aptly lends itself to the craft of taking nature’s finest gemstones and metals and turning them into unique jewelry. At La Cañada’s Euro Jewelers, a modest but elegant San Gabriel Valley (California) shop tucked into the 400 block of Foothill Boulevard, proprietor Eduard Rastian has been practicing the time honored profession of jewelry design he learned over 35 years ago from his father in Romania.

The best advice he ever gave me,” Rastian explains, “was when I first began in the business. He said to me, ‘In the jewelry business, you have to be very correct so that people will trust you. If they don’t trust you, you will be out of business very fast.’” He punctuates his remark with a charismatic wink and a chuckle. “I’m here in this country for over 20 years and still in business. That means something, doesn’t it?”

Rastian is quick to point out that he’s not a salesman but, rather, a real jeweler who custom designs and manufactures his own original, handmade pieces. Jewelry and watch repair services are provided as well.

Word of mouth is my most special advertising,” he fondly relates, sharing that many of his customers have not only been coming to him for years but are also eager to tell their friends about his work. “I do my best job possible because, in truth, that is all I know to do.”

Giving back to a community that has so enthusiastically embraced his talents comes easily to Rastian. “I support the community exactly the way the community supports me,” he says. “Every year, for instance, the La Cañada Princesses receive gifts of necklaces and bracelets. I support La Cañada High School, too, and the St. George Preschool.” In addition, various fund-raising galas are the beneficiaries of jewelry that is donated annually by Rastian’s store.

What glitters the most in this eloquent artisan’s eyes, however, isn’t in any display case. It’s the priceless love he has for his family. With pride, he shows me a framed picture of his 13 year old son, Brian, and his 5 year old daughter, Amber, whom he calls “my little princess”.

Years ago, Rastian continues, he used to have a large manufacturing business in downtown L.A. “I was working every day starting at 6 in the morning and not ending until 8 or 9 at night. One day, my little son asked my wife, ‘Mama, when is Sunday? I want to see my dad.’ That’s when I decided money is not everything in life and that we needed more time to be with one another.”

Such was the epiphany that led him to open a retail store and give him more free time. “Life is good,” he says with a thoughtful nod, “but being with my family and having fun with them – there is nothing better I can think of.”

Euro Jewelers is located at 468 Foothill Boulevard and is open 9:30-5 Monday through Friday and 9:30-4 on Saturdays. The telephone number is (818) 952-2525.