Hidden Gems: Meet Shant Dakessian of Simone & Son Jewelers

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shant Dakessian.

Hi Shant, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m Shant Dakessian, and my story really begins with my family’s journey. My parents left Beirut in a rush in 1975 when the war broke out. I was born shortly after in France, and not long after that, we made our way to the United States—the place they believed offered the best future for our family.

Simone & Son became a major part of that future. I grew up in the jewelry world, spending my childhood in the shop watching my dad, Simone, and my mom, Jasmine—our longtime head of design—pour their creativity and precision into pieces that marked people’s most meaningful moments.

Even though I was raised in the business, I didn’t step into my role overnight. I learned it all from the ground up: studying stones, understanding manufacturing, and eventually diving deep into design and technology. That blend of old-world craftsmanship and modern innovation became my passion, especially in custom design and advanced CAD work.

Today, I help lead Simone & Son as a growing, evolving jewelry house that still stays true to its original roots—family-driven values, meticulous craftsmanship, and a commitment to creating pieces that last generations. We continue to innovate, but the heart of what we do remains the same: creating jewelry that is personal, meaningful, and built with care. And even now, it feels like the journey is just beginning.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road hasn’t always been smooth, but I think that’s what shaped us into who we are today. My family came to the U.S. starting from scratch, and that mindset of rebuilding and pushing forward has carried through every chapter of our business.

In the jewelry world, the challenges have come in waves. There were economic downturns that hit luxury retail hard, moments where the industry shifted faster than anyone expected, and times when we had to reinvent parts of our process to stay ahead. Transitioning from traditional craftsmanship to incorporating advanced technology—like CAD, custom manufacturing, and new materials—wasn’t overnight either. It required learning, investing, and taking risks when it would have been easier to stay comfortable.

On a personal level, stepping into a multigenerational family business comes with its own set of challenges: balancing tradition with innovation, earning trust not just because of my last name but because of the work I put in, and navigating the responsibility of carrying the brand forward.

But every struggle pushed us to evolve. It taught us resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying true to our roots while still growing. And looking back, those difficult moments are the ones that helped define who we are as a company today.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Simone & Son is a family-built jewelry house with nearly five decades of history here in Southern California, but what truly defines us is our commitment to creating meaningful, one-of-a-kind pieces. We specialize in everything from today’s trending styles—elevated with our own unique Simone & Son touch—to fully bespoke creations built completely from scratch. Whether someone is inspired by a modern look or dreaming up a piece that exists only in their imagination, we bring that vision to life with precision, artistry, and intention.

One of the biggest things that sets us apart is the combination of our heritage, innovation, and the unmatched workshop we’ve built. My mom, Jasmine—our head of design for decades—brings an old-world artistry and intuition that’s rare to find today. I bring the modern side: advanced CAD design, cutting-edge manufacturing, and a passion for pushing the limits of what can be created.

And none of this happens alone. We’re supported by an incredible team: caring consultants who guide clients with honesty and personal attention, talented CAD designers who transform ideas into detailed models, gemologists who ensure every stone meets our standards, and expert craftsmen who bring each piece to life with exceptional skill.

In my experience, I haven’t seen a more complete or capable workshop than the one we’ve built at Simone & Son. Having everything in-house gives us a major advantage over much of our competition. We can take on highly technical or complex projects and execute them efficiently while maintaining full control from start to finish. No outsourcing, no unnecessary delays, no compromises. This allows us to deliver exceptional quality while keeping costs fair—giving our clients pieces that are beautifully crafted, timely, and a great value.

At our core, we’re a brand built on honesty, craftsmanship, and personal connection. We treat jewelry as both art and legacy. Every piece is created for one specific person, with intention and care. Whether it’s a trending style infused with our signature design touch, a complex custom build, an heirloom redesign, or a gemstone project requiring expert guidance, our process always starts with the client’s story.

What I want Voyage LA readers to know is this: at Simone & Son, we blend family-driven values, a world-class team, and industry-leading capabilities. From modern trends to bespoke masterpieces, we create jewelry that feels personal, intentional, and truly yours—right here in Orange County.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to never give up. Life has thrown some difficult moments my way—losing my dad, stepping into leadership before I felt ready, and navigating the ups and downs of a changing industry. But every time I kept going, even when it was hard, something meaningful came out of it.

I’ve learned that resilience is built in those moments when you choose to move forward anyway. That’s what’s carried me, and it’s what continues to guide me every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.simoneandson.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simoneandson
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simoneandson
• Youtube: https://www.instagram.com/simoneandson
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/simone-and-son-jewelers-huntington-beach-2