Where Stones Speak: The Art of Sevan Bıçakçı

Sevan Bıçakçı is a visionary storyteller in the jewellery world, whose pieces are beloved for the wealth of tradition and handcrafted beauty they are imbued with. His jewels are a long labor of artisanry that involves risky methods of shattering and engraving rare stones to make them pieces of art with the heritage of minstrels and troubadours. In our interview with the designer, we discuss the cultural landscape his art comes from, and his work spanning from his beginnings in Istanbul to his unique wearable art today.

Can you share more about your early experiences working in Hovsep Çatak’s workshop in the Grand Bazaar and how they shaped your approach to jewelry making?

When I started working, the workshops around Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar were bustling, and there was a strict hierarchy, almost like a caste system. Masters, apprentices, and journeymen all had their places, determined by age and seniority. Boys as young as 11 or 12 would begin working to learn their craft, gradually advancing over time. The conditions were physically demanding. The small workshops were cramped, with no proper lighting or ventilation. It was freezing in the winter and stifling in the summer, and you’d be packed in with 6-7 people. I would arrive at the workshop at 7 a.m., before my master, to clean and prepare his tea. He would arrive around 8:30, and the busy day would last until 8 or 9 in the evening. As an apprentice, my job was to observe and learn in silence. Not every master shared all their knowledge, but mine was different. For three years, he tried to teach me everything he knew. I became familiar with various techniques and learned them well.

Your pieces are known for their rich storytelling. How do you choose the stories you want to tell through your jewelry?

We used to play games in the historic corridors and tunnels of Old Istanbul. The unique atmosphere there reflected the mosaic of overlapping cultures that shaped the city. For me, Istanbul and its natural elements were always a source of inspiration. Later, during my years at the Grand Bazaar, the distinctive architecture of Hagia Sophia and its domes sparked new dreams.

How do the diverse cultural influences of Anatolia, Byzantium, and the Ottoman Empire come together in your designs?

I grew up in Istanbul, immersed in its historical texture. Our neighbors were Muslim, Armenian, and Greek. This inevitably helps you see life from different perspectives while trying to understand events. It gives you a multicultural lens. Most importantly, you learn through experience that it is possible for different cultures to merge and transform in harmony.

Can you elaborate on your reverse intaglio method and how it enhances the storytelling aspect of your pieces?

This technique requires patience and teaches calmness. It also makes me realize how important it is to dedicate time to other aspects of life. Sometimes the stone breaks, or the result isn’t what I envisioned, so we try again and again. The time spent on this process helps the design mature. The story itself unfolds within the stone. It’s more than just a story—it’s about emotions, and it’s timeless.

You work with master craftsmen and artists from various fields. How do these collaborations influence the final designs of your jewelry?

They are all like ingredients, and knowing their skills and potential allows my imagination to expand even further.

Your domed ring design is a significant milestone in your career. What makes this piece special, and how does it embody the spirit of Istanbul?

Well, it started with the idea of turning Istanbul into jewelry, and the symbol of that vision is Hagia Sophia. Without Hagia Sophia, there wouldn’t be the iconic domed architecture of Istanbul. That domed form is the inspiration behind these jewelry pieces. To be honest, it’s not really a milestone—it’s more of a starting point in my career as a designer.

How do you balance maintaining traditional craftsmanship techniques with incorporating modern design elements?

At Sevan Bıçakçı atelier, craftsmanship is essential—it’s the foundation of everything we do. We blend traditional techniques like mounting and engraving with modern elements by incorporating fine art disciplines, such as painting and sculpture. This allows us to maintain a balance between tradition and innovation. While I explore new materials and ideas through various projects outside the classical definition of jewelry, the insights gained always inform our designs. For us, using machines to mass-produce thousands of identical pieces doesn’t align with our values. Craftsmanship is about individuality, which is why we remain committed to it.

Can you explain your philosophy of patient hand craftsmanship and its importance in your creative process?

Hand craftsmanship is at the core of our work. It requires patience, dedication, and a deep connection to the materials. Each piece takes time—sometimes months or even years—to complete. This slow, thoughtful process allows the design to evolve and mature. In a world that values speed, I believe patience is key to creating pieces that are rich in meaning and emotion. Patience allows ideas and techniques to fully develop, ensuring that each design reveals its true essence.

How do you ensure that your customers connect with the deep cultural and historical narratives embodied in your jewelry?

The key point that both I and our consultants in the store emphasize is that when a customer holds one of our designs, it must whisper something to them. We want the collector to feel excited about the design and confident that it will bring joy into their life. Therefore, it’s crucial they feel this connection. We envision that every design we produce will find its own soulmate. Even if we sometimes create similar designs within a theme, each piece is one-of-a-kind. This uniqueness helps establish the bond I mentioned.

If you could choose anyone to wear one of your pieces today, who would it be and why?

If a collector feels a connection with the pieces and the story behind them, and as long as they appreciate the time and craftsmanship that goes into each piece, I am genuinely happy. Fortunately, over the years, we have had the privilege of meeting people who truly value what we do. They feel emotion, excitement, and view each piece not as a luxury accessory, but as something that complements their soul.

What is your personal and professional mantra?

As an apprentice, it took me years to become skilled at what I do. Even now, when I work on a design, it can take months to finalize. I construct, deconstruct, try, and fail until I either succeed or find an endpoint. At every stage of my career, I’ve observed that without perseverance, one cannot succeed or live a fulfilling life. It’s something worth reflecting on.

Sevan Bıçakçı’s stories, pieces, and world can be found online at www.sevanbicakci.com