Press Releases

Founder of Giraux Fine Jewelry Passed Away

He was a prominent figure in his community and pioneer jeweler in San Francisco area.

Published

2 years ago

August 28, 2022

Press Releases

Jirair Sarkissian

(PRESS RELEASE) Jirair Sarkissian, co-founder of Giraux Fine Jewelry in San Francisco, passed away Sunday, August 21st 2022 surrounded by his loving family.

Youngest of four brother’s, & fatherless after the age of 2 years old, Jirair learned his craft at a young age in the workshops of Beirut Lebanon. After marrying the star basketball player of her time, Serpouhie “Sue” Ohanian and having their first child, the young couple itched for adventure and made their way to Zimbabwe, Africa (Rhodesia at that time) in the early 70’s.

Jirair’s talents as a bench jeweler, and natural leadership qualities, quickly landed him a management position in the workshop of the prominent Scottish Jewelers company.

After having two more children, this young couple finally made their way to a place they would eventually call home, San Francisco.

In 1977, they established their company, Giraux Fine Jewelry.

The company enjoyed great success over the years and established a loyal and exclusive following of customers, with Jirair as the gifted creative director, and Sue, the hard charging sales manager & diamond buyer.

The company is known to have created the only known solid 14K yellow gold basketball in the world.

The “Giraux Ball” was designed with the assistance of his long time friend and jeweler, Varoujan Tabakian.

Today the company is run by their two eldest children, Tamar and Sarkis.

Jirair was very active in the Homentmen boy scouts and took up leadership roles within the Armenian Communities of Lebabon and the USA. Jirair emulated the organizations mantra, elevate yourself and others around you. The couple enjoyed many philanthropic work all over the world, including Armenia, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.

Jirair was survived by his wife, and life partner, Sue Sarkissian, daughter Tamar, Son’s Sarkis and Zareh, along with 6 grandchildren, and many close friends and relatives.
Jirair perceived the jewelry trade as a noble profession, a profession that lifted him out of poverty, and gave him success beyond his wildest imagination.

“We are blessed to sit first row in the most important occasions in people’s lives, for this we must all be grateful.”

You Wouldn’t Cut Your Own Hair. Why Run Your Own Retirement Sale?

After being in business for over a quarter of a century, Wayne Reid, owner of Wayne Jewelers in Wayne, Pennsylvania, decided it was time for a little “me time.” He says, “I’ve reached a point in my life where it’s time to slow down, enjoy a lot of things outside of the jewelry industry. It just seemed to be the right time.” He chose Wilkerson to handle his retirement sale because of their reputation and results. With financial goals exceeded, Reid says he made the right choice selecting Wilkerson to handle the sale. “They made every effort to push our jewelry to the forefront of the showcases,” he says, lauding Wilkerson for their finesse and expertise. Would he recommend them to other jewelers who want to make room for new merchandise, expand their business or like him, decide to call it a day? Absolutely he says, equating trying to do this kind of sale with cutting your own hair. “The results are going to happen but not as well as if you have a professional like Wilkerson do the job for you.”