Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1010195
San Carlos between Ocean & 7th • Carmel-by-the-Sea • (831) 624-8485 • kocekjeweler.com K irkor Kocek is con- centrating. He's in that place where nothing exists outside of the singular piece of jewelry he's creating— nothing but his vision, his materials and his cra. Yet, everything and everyone who has come before him—his his ory- rests on his shoulders as he works. And this creation will carry a sense of who he is and what he represents. Kirkor, who will celebrate the 45th anniver- sary of Kocek Jeweler, Inc. in Carmel this October, is creating a column, a 18k gold pendant, edged in diamonds above a twisted band of gold, and wrapped in whisper-thin vines, to commemorate his steadfast service to his community and his clients. Calling it his "Legacy Column", he is hand- craing 45 pendants in the series, some of which are already claimed. " Where I grew up, where I have traveled, everywhere has had columns, these weath- ered, time-tested ancient pillars that have up- held cultures," Kocek said. "Encircled by foliage, by new growth, they endure, repre- senting what has gone before and what is alive and present now. is is my symbol and re- minder of my own legacy." Born Kirkor Kocekian in Istanbul, the artist began learning the cra of 8ne jewelry when he was just 11 years old. He raised his hand in class when there was an opportunity to apprentice under a master jeweler. Aer a stint in the Turkish Army, he felt it was time to leave the country he never felt connected to, and came to California. Working with a jeweler who created pieces for Van Cleef & Arpels on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. A chance visit to Carmel-by-the-Sea, launched the new life Kocek was meant to live. Legacy Column Unveiling of Legacy Column Saturday, October 20th ` C A R M E L C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E A W A R D O F E X C E L L E N C E W I N N E R