About Us

History of La Belle Cezanne

Initially, it seemed a risky venture to start a jewelry store in an established city such as Annapolis. However, La Belle Cezanne has blossomed into one of the Annapolis area's most successful and respected jewelry businesses. Today, over twenty-one years after first opening their doors, La Belle Cezanne is the discriminating jewelry shopper's first choice for quality fine jewelry and diamonds, on-time delivery and dedicated customer service—all with an emphasis on building valuable, long-term relationships with its customers.

Shopping for fine jewelry at La Belle Cezanne Jewelers is visually stimulating in almost any environment. You would think most retail jewelers offer comparable products and service, and an overall similar experience, even at the high end of the industry. La Belle Cezanne brings an added component to its upscale store: the "Wow!" factor.

After four generations in the jewelry business, and 21 years at its Main Street Annapolis location, the Baghdadlian family has earned a noble reputation for its innovative designs, skilled craftsmanship and repair of fine jewelry. The latest improvement to the store has been the expansion of its space and fixtures. A one-of-a-kind facility, La Belle Cezanne's new showroom features the latest lighting technology, custom showcases and twice the square footage of its former space. "The style is timeless and European," says Ouhanes ("John") Baghdadlian, owner of La Belle Cezanne. "We didn't go crazy with modern or traditional design. It's more transitional." La Belle Cezanne's lounge area is equipped with DirectTV and "spy" camera capabilities so customers can actually see their items being repaired in the workshop. "We do a lot of repairs and custom work in-house while clients wait," says Mr. Baghdadlian. "Customers frequently bring a family heirloom piece to be appraised and sized. We can also make a new piece of jewelry out of the gems that are in it. We encourage our customers to be involved in designing or redesigning their jewelry." In the showroom's private sales area, clients can sit and enjoy a beverage while viewing a special presentation that enables them to browse the store's inventory and access entire lines of jewelry and watches by world-renowned designers.

The store's two entrances open onto Main Street and State Circle. Adjacent to the showroom is a completely automated parking garage that's reserved, by appointment, for La Belle Cezanne's customers. "When a customer is announced, we open the stained glass door and direct them into the carport," explains Mr. Baghdadlian. "Once they turn the car off, a computer tells the system to take the car below grade and park it. The customer enters the store through a marble lobby. Later, the car is retrieved by the automated system and is turned around so it's facing the street and ready to leave the parking area. That's Wow! factor!"

Mr. Baghdadlian and his family arrived in the United States in 1976. His father, Khajadour ("Koch") Baghdadlian, later worked in New York and Los Angeles before moving to Maryland. The family business opened in 1990. Koch Baghdadlian brings 55 years of experience in diamond setting, repair and design. He actually makes many of La Belle Cezanne's pieces on-site. His wife, Eugenie ("Genie") Baghdadlian, manages the sales floor and works with designers in creating the store's collection. John Baghdadlian takes care of diamond buying, sales and administrative work. He also designed the new showroom. "We feel very fortunate and honored to have been able to build and operate a state-of-the-art business in a 300-year-old town," says John Bagdadlian. "However, we are most proud of the many relationships we have established with our clients and neighbors. They are what make La Belle Cezanne a special place to visit. Our clients are treated like family."

Our Staff