Founded in 1919 in Alexandria, Egypt by Gabriel Taraboulsy as a jewellery store bearing his name, this store already preludes what Lapidarius is to become in Montreal many years later. Blending decorative objects, antiquities and fine silver with the jewellery created by its owner, this is where young Maged grew to love beautiful things and was taught everything about jewellery-making by his fathe
r. By the time he graduated in economics from McGill University, he had turned into a collector of estate jewellery, hallmarked silver and Art Nouveau cameo glass. When his father passed away, Maged followed the tradition he had established by opening Lapidarius joaillier orfèvre in Le Viaduc of Place Bonaventure in 1973. Imported 18K gold jewellery, Baume & Mercier, Piaget and Cartier watches, Ercuis silverware, St-Louis crystal, Limoges porcelain, all elegantly mingled with the Lapidarius creations in the windows of his store. In 1978, a smaller boutique was opened in Place Bonaventure to display his own line of leather and silk goods made in Italy by the same distinguished makers as Gucci and Hermès. That same year, another store was inaugurated in the Hyatt Regency Hotel, where a spectacular collection of Daum modern art glass by such artists as Dali, César and Picasso was exhibited alongside the accessories, antiques and jewellery that were the Lapidarius trademark. In 1984, Lapidarius relocated on Crescent Street, then one of the most exclusive streets in Montreal, in order to further expand the antiques side of the business. Through the years, Maged Taraboulsy has unendingly expanded the breadth of his inventory as well as the scope of his activities and expertise, all the while maintaining the highest standards of services. He has gained an unparalleled reputation as an expert in appraisals and the liquidation of estates. At 1312 Greene Avenue today, Lapidarius joaillier antiquaire is a highly respected institution, as it has been since 1919.
