The history of the Arax jewelry brand began in 1917 in New York City, founded by Armenian-American jeweler Haig G. Zavatjian. According to 1917 records, Arax Jewelry Mfg. Co., Inc. received papers of incorporation in Albany, New York, to do business in that city. The company’s authorized capital was $10,000, and the founders were Haig G. Zavatjian, 588 Hudson Ave., West New York, Thos. H. Simsarian, North Bergen, N. J., and David Gellar, 141 Broadway, New York.

Initially, Arax Jewelry Co., Inc., 106 Fulton St., New York, manufactured jewelry from coral and pearls. According to advertising from the 1920s, the company’s craftsmen also created artistic brooches, earrings, pendants, and necklaces using 14-karat and 18-karat gold. Noteworthy, Haig G. Zavatjian brought stones for jewelry from his extensive travels along the Pacific coast and around the world.

Antique look and exclusive Oriental designs brought popularity to ARAX jewelers, which led to the company expanding. In 1929 Haig G. Zavatjian, president and sole owner of Arax Jewelry Co., manufacturer and wholesaler of jewelry, attracted new designers. In addition, his firm moved to larger premises. Located at 105 Fulton St., Arax moved to 74 W. 46th Street in 1929.

Haig G. Zavatjian ran the company for more than four decades until his retirement in the 1950s.