FASHTALKS WITH VOLGARA BIJOUX

Tell us the story behind how your brand came to life. What inspired its creation?

My name is Raisa Akopyan, and I am the founder of Volgara Bijoux, a high fashion jewelry brand. Why high fashion? Because Volgara is built around an exceptional material: metal stampings. These stampings are extremely fine metal motifs, created using ancient tools that were hand-engraved over 200 years ago and are part of French living heritage. 

When I discovered these stampings—still largely unknown to the general public—I was immediately struck by their beauty and history. At the same time, I noticed that many women were wearing jewelry that looked quite similar. Personally, I was searching for accessories that truly stood out, but I often found that they were either poorly made or not suited for everyday wear.

Before launching Volgara, I had spent over ten years working in the fashion industry and had a strong understanding of the jewelry production chain and its suppliers. Discovering stampings was a turning point for me. Inspired by their craftsmanship and heritage, I decided to create jewelry for women who embrace difference—women who want to wear bold, contemporary pieces that are deeply connected to the past.

How did you choose your brand name, and what does it represent?

The name Volgara has both personal and symbolic meaning. Volga is a big European river that is close to my heart—it is where I spent my childhood. “Ra” is the river’s ancient name, and it also happens to be the first two letters of my own name.

I have an international and multicultural background, with Armenian and Russian roots. I moved to France 20 years ago and have traveled to more than 50 countries. With Volgara, I wanted to create a jewelry universe that reflects this cultural richness—an open-minded brand that celebrates diversity, curiosity, and a desire to explore the beauty of the world we live in.

"I feel incredibly lucky to have such loyal, curious, and supportive customers. Their enthusiasm gives me strength, especially during challenging moments. One of my greatest joys is seeing their reaction when they try on a new piece from my collection."

What core values guide your brand, and how do they show up in your designs?

Volgara is guided by four core values:

• Authenticity and traditional know-how
  • I use stamping motifs created over two centuries ago in France by highly skilled craftsmen to design resolutely modern jewelry. I believe that “nothing is newer than tradition.” This philosophy resonates deeply with me, and I was particularly inspired by this tagline used by One Zero Eight, a concept store in Fort Kochi, India—recognized by Vogue Business as one of the world’s most innovative retailers. We have been honored to collaborate with them since December last year.
• Made in France
  • All production supports local industry and exceptional artisanal know-how that dates back to the 18th century.
• Eco-conscious production
  • I work with partners certified ISO 14001, ensuring environmentally responsible production. Some pieces in our collections are made using recycled materials, by reclaiming unsold stampings from our supplier and giving them a new life.
• Differentiation and aesthetic beauty
  • Volgara jewelry is created for women who want to feel different—who want to wear pieces they won’t find anywhere else.

What inspired you to become a designer, and how has that influence evolved?

I have always been a creative person and deeply in love with the creative process. Writing, photography, and music have long been part of my life. 

While working as an export manager in Paris, I began designing jewelry prototypes for upcoming fashion shows—although this was not part of my role. I simply loved doing it. When clients repeatedly complimented these prototypes during shows, I realized that something was shifting. Five years later, Volgara was born.

Walk us through your creative process from concept to finished piece.

My creative process begins with observation. I listen, I look, I absorb inspiration from nature, people, books, and the world around me. I also study emerging trends and insights from style agencies.

Once I define the main themes of an upcoming collection, I select the stampings that best express them. Production then begins: soldering, cutting, drilling, polishing, selecting chains, assembling, gold plating, and sometimes adding stones or enamel. Step by step, the finished piece comes to life.

What sets your brand apart in today’s fashion landscape?

Volgara offers truly unique designs—pieces that cannot be found elsewhere, such as scarf necklaces, body chains, or pendant rings. The stampings themselves, with their remarkable history and craftsmanship, are at the heart of what differentiates the brand.

I am also very attentive and responsive to my clients’ wishes. We often create personalized designs together, adapting stones, stampings, or chains. I strive to offer a purchase experience that is intimate and distinctive, and my clients value this deeply.

What was your first experience in the fashion industry, and how did it shape you?

Before launching my brand, I spent ten years working in the fashion industry as an export manager. I participated in numerous professional trade shows in France and abroad, where I learned how to build client relationships, negotiate internationally, and sign business contracts.

Twice a year, I attended major industry events such as Bijorhca, Première Vision, Première Classe, and Who’s Next. These experiences allowed me to experiment with my early jewelry designs. I was also responsible for implementing ISO 14001 environmental certification for a French accessories brand, which later became a cornerstone of my own business

philosophy.

What has been your biggest challenge so far, and what did it teach you?

The financial aspect of entrepreneurship has been my biggest challenge. I launched Volgara without significant capital, relying on a bank loan supported by a French public organization that helps young entrepreneurs (Initiative Nice French Riviera). 

Reaching break-even was difficult, as stampings are expensive raw materials that require long hours of handcrafted work. I also chose 24k gold plating—the highest quality available—to meet durability expectations, despite the high cost, especially in today’s context of soaring gold prices. Overcoming these challenges taught me resilience, patience, and strategic discipline.

What accomplishment are you most proud of to date?

I am particularly proud of having tripled my turnover. The year 2024 was exceptional, thanks to several strategic decisions I made, and growth continued in 2025 despite global economic uncertainty.

Although I officially work alone, my husband has been a tremendous support throughout this entrepreneurial journey. As a marketing manager, he helped me develop the website and marketing strategy. We also worked together on my first Bijorhca trade show in Paris— a very meaningful milestone for me.

"Before launching Volgara, I had spent over ten years working in the fashion industry and had a strong understanding of the jewelry production chain and its suppliers. Discovering stampings was a turning point for me. Inspired by their craftsmanship and heritage, I decided to create jewelry for women who embrace difference—women who want to wear bold, contemporary pieces that are deeply connected to the past."

How do you connect with your customers and use their feedback?

I feel incredibly lucky to have such loyal, curious, and supportive customers. Their enthusiasm gives me strength, especially during challenging moments. One of my greatest joys is seeing their reaction when they try on a new piece from my collection.

I regularly share videos and photos on Instagram featuring clients feedback, and I also collect reviews on my website and Google page. In some cases, clients are directly involved in the creative process, helping design personalized pieces with specific stones, stampings, or chains.

Outside of your brand, what are you most passionate about?

I am passionate about literature, gemology, music, yoga, and travel. I enjoy reading classics, contemporary essays, biographies of designers, and historical works.

My love for gemstones led me to graduate in 2020 from the National Institute of Gemmology of Paris after completing an intensive program on precious and semi-precious stones. I regularly attend exhibitions to discover exceptional stones, which sometimes inspire unique, limited-edition jewelry pieces.

I also love traveling to less conventional destinations, such as India, which have been a new source of inspiration. India was a profound personal discovery on a spiritual and philosophical level. I have been playing the piano since the age of seven, and one of my current challenges is passing this passion on to my children. Recently, my husband and I also began practicing yoga together, striving to balance a yogic lifestyle with family life.

What excites you most about the future of your brand?

I am excited about expanding my network of distributors in France and internationally. I am currently on a long journey across Asia to develop new markets. I have recently partnered with distributors in India (Goa and Fort Kochi), Vietnam (Hanoi), and am currently working on projects in the Philippines.

This autumn, I plan to further develop the European market while continuing to grow within select concept stores in France. I wish Volgara offers intimate brand-to-client experience. For me, it is not only about the product—it is about emotion, connection, and discovery. I look forward to presenting my collections in carefully curated locations and concept stores around the world.