ABOUT
Born of Armenian stone. Made for a world of distinction.
In Armenia, stone has shaped both the landscape and the imagination. Its mountains are volcanic, its ancient churches are carved from tuff, and its artisans have long learned to look beyond the surface of a stone and see the form within. QAR BLANCHE carries that instinct into the present, creating luxury accessories with a distinctly Armenian sense of craft and a truly international outlook.
Three Generations of Masters
Our story began in 1990 and spans three generations of stone masters. That knowledge passed to Rafael Mkrtchyan, whose skill joined traditional methods with a desire to create something new. In 2001, Rafael and his lifelong friend Ashot Yeritsyan founded Qarastan. Beginning with obsidian details for chandeliers, they went on to create furniture, mosaics, chessboards, decorative objects and exceptional gifts. Their friendship, imagination and trust became part of the work itself.
The Next Chapter
Today, Rafael’s son Artashes Mkrtchyan carries the family vision forward through QAR BLANCHE. Working with designer Arthur Dermejyan and a wider design team, he brings this heritage into contemporary luxury accessories for collectors, connoisseurs and the houses that serve them.
A World of Stone
Obsidian is our signature: a volcanic glass of extraordinary depth, cool to the touch and alive with reflections. Our work begins with the obsidian of the Armenian Highlands, a source valued since prehistoric times. It extends to the celebrated obsidians of Mexico, treasured since the time of the Aztecs, including the rare rainbow, gold sheen and silver sheen varieties.
Beyond obsidian, we select renowned natural stones from across the continents. Our range includes classic Italian marbles such as Carrara, onyx and travertine, agate and quartz from Brazil, lapis lazuli from Afghanistan, and malachite, charoite and rhodonite from Russia. We also work with jade, jasper, granite, basalt, rock crystal and Armenian tuff. Each stone is chosen for its color, veining, texture and provenance.
Alongside these stones, we work with gold, platinum, bronze and brass, which bring warmth, light and definition to every composition. We let the character of each material lead the design, then shape every detail with care and purpose.
What We Make
Sculptural cigar ashtrays and holders, table lighters, trays, whiskey stones, coasters, bottle closures, watch holders, tabletop games and objects for the desk and home. Made for moments worth savoring, each piece brings together a material formed by nature and an idea made for today.
For Collectors and Partners
QAR BLANCHE creates for private collectors and for the businesses that define fine living: cigar lounges and private clubs, distilleries and spirits brands, hotels, luxury boutiques and corporate clients. We offer bespoke designs, personalized engraving and custom collections, crafted with the same care as our own.
Our Promise
Every piece is made by hand in our Yerevan workshop. Every stone is natural, so every piece is one of a kind. And every design is made to be used, enjoyed and passed on.
