In 1972, George Karkazian was cutting diamonds when he applied to watch repairing school, and one year later he opened his own watch and jewelry store while attending the Swiss Horological Institute in Beirut. Five years later he came to Fresno and opened his first store on West & Shields. This was all done while George was attending Fresno State for a lapidary course. This is where he learned about many of the jewelry techniques that he uses to this day.  Soon after, Karkazian Jewelers moved to the corner of Shaw and Willow where they established themselves as one of the valleys leaders in jewelry/watch sales and repair for over 45 years. In July 2007, Karkazian Jewelers added a second location in north Fresno at the corner of Friant and Ft. Washington.  In February 2009, Karkazian Jewelers moved their Clovis location onto Shaw Ave. between Peach and Willow.  Today, the Riverview  location has merged with the Clovis location.