Obituaries

Leon ‘Sacha’ Der Calousdian, Visionary Founder of VAHAN Jewelry, Dies at 85

For nearly six decades, his designs celebrated strength, femininity and timeless beauty.

Published

5 months ago

November 11, 2025

INSTORE Staff

Leon ‘Sacha’ Der Calousdian

Leon “Sacha” Der Calousdian, the master artisan and creative soul behind VAHAN Jewelry, has died. For nearly six decades, his designs celebrating strength, femininity and timeless beauty have graced the jewelry cases of fine retailers across America.

Born in France to an Armenian family steeped in jewelry artistry, Der Calousdian inherited a remarkable lineage. His grandfather, Manasse Der Calousdian, created diamond crowns for the Shah of Persia in 1906. His father, Arsène, designed bespoke jewelry for European nobility. This heritage shaped Sacha’s lifelong dedication to craftsmanship and excellence.

After studying sculpture, anatomy, fashion and industrial design in Paris, Der Calousdian began his professional journey with Hermès. He later moved to New York, where he refined his craft working alongside David Webb and joined Bergdorf Goodman. There, his sophistication and creative daring quickly captured the attention of collectors and connoisseurs.

Sacha and father

In 1968, he founded Alwand Vahan Jewelry with a simple yet profound dream: to create “real jewelry with a look” — pieces that would be unforgettable. From his modest Manhattan studio, he transformed 18-karat gold, silver, copper and precious stones into sculpted expressions of beauty. His use of mixed metals and signature Moiré Beaded® texture redefined the modern jewelry landscape, blending European refinement with American innovation.

“I like to choose a theme and have a symbol that will last,” Der Calousdian once said. “It might be romantic, but in the end, you like to remember the little something that inspired you.”

VAHAN has remained a true family enterprise. His wife, Nathalie, has been an extraordinary partner in growing the business and nurturing relationships. His son Greg, a sculptor and artist, inherited his father’s creative spirit and continues to lead the company’s design direction. His son Cedric plays a vital role in operations and brand development, ensuring VAHAN continues to flourish while honoring its founding vision.

click to Comment(Comment)

Up Next

Ward Landrigan, Chairman of Verdura and Belperron, Dies at 84

After 35 Years in Kent, Bonaci Fine Jewelers Found the Right Partner to Close the Right Way

Bob Bonaci spent 35 years building a jewelry business and community presence in Kent, Washington. When he decided it was time to retire, he knew the process would take careful planning — and the right help. Fellow jewelers who’d been through it pointed him to Wilkerson. The results exceeded expectations. Wilkerson’s hands-off approach let Bonaci step back while the team handled every detail, meeting his personal and financial goals throughout. “It is phenomenal, the success that we’ve had.” Watch Bob share his retirement story.