M&V Vanguard Jewelry represents a family legacy passed down from generation to generation. The moment Viktor Bartashnik picked up his first instrument, a legacy was created.
Following many years of training, design, and craftsmanship; Viktor created a foundation. For over 50 years, Viktor perfected the art of diamond jewelry making. His craft included making fine pieces such as: engagement rings, necklaces, earrings, watches, and much more. His eye for design was very unique and his craft was one of a kind.
Viktor took the skill he had perfected and passed it onto his son Max. At an early age, Max began apprenticing for Viktor and began learning the craft that he had perfected. With a careful eye Viktor taught Max all that he knew. As the years went on the craftsmanship only improved and the bond only got stronger. Thus, creating a legacy. That legacy is now M&V Vanguard Jewelry.
When Viktor and Max came from Ukraine to the United States, they brought their craft and skills with them. Max took the craft that he had learned and applied it to his job at Tiffany & Co. For half a decade Max perfected his skill until he was able to start his own company, with Viktor at his side.
The beginning of M&V Vanguard blossomed from apprenticing in Ukraine to a booth in the heart of diamond jewelry making, 47th Street in the Diamond District. For over 15 years, Viktor and Max took their craft and brought it to other people.
Their craft and ability to design set them apart from the rest. Creating unique pieces for clients was a major drive for Viktor and Max. They were able to not only meet people but to become an intricate part in their lives. This was done through the art of jewelry making.
With the company continuing to grow, Viktor and Max had a new goal. Expanding their legacy. They sought out to expand their company. This time through in-house craftsmanship and teaching, the same way Viktor taught Max when he was young.
In the heart of Rockefeller Center, Viktor and Max turned their booth for two into a factory. The expansion of M&V Vanguard Jewelry opened the door for manufacturing, thus allowing talented jewelers with the same passion, to join the legacy and pave the way for the future. Under the guidance of Viktor and Max along with a variety of both jewelers and setters, the company grew.
This allowed for more design, more creativity, and a stronger presence of a legacy being created. Through the uniqueness of each piece being made, more lives were touched by Viktor, Max, and now their team behind them.
Clients are able to picture their ideal piece of jewelry, work directly with Max or Viktor and then our specialists will create their ideal piece. Where others say: “It`s impossible”, we say: “We`ll be proud to make it for you.”
Unfortunately, tragedy struck when Viktor suddenly passed away in 2020. The loss was devastating for Max, their family, for Vanguard Jewelry, and their respective clients.
Viktor left behind the greatest gift for Max, a piece of himself through the legacy of M&V Vanguard Jewelry. Max accredits everything he knows to his late father. If it weren’t for him, he would have never started learning the art of diamond jewelry making.
Viktor’s memory will continue to live on through the pieces he created the lives he touched, and the legacy he started.
Determined to carry on his father’s memory, Max has now taken M&V Vanguard Jewelry and fully transformed it. The company has now branched out into manufacturing, selling, and teaching. Max has taken the seed that Viktor planted and turned it into a blossoming flower.
M&V Vanguard Jewelry is proud to manufacture all its pieces, made only from precious metals and stones, in house. As well as create and sell one-of-a-kind engagements rings, necklaces, earrings, and any piece a client can dream of.
What started out as a father & son apprenticeship has turned into a growing legacy.