Our Story

Founded in 2004, rooted in family history since 1965.

Co-founder Moti Ferder is no stranger to the world of diamonds and high jewelry. Being immersed in the diamond industry at a young age with his familys’ rough diamond business in Antwerp, Belgium, Moti knew the fundamental element that was missing in the industry was creating one-of-a-kind wearable works of art that inspire the wearer to make jewelry a part of their lifestyle..

Community centric and client focused, Moti brought his unique vision to life in 2004 with the debut of Lugano Diamonds, a premiere retail business aimed at creating bespoke, intimate shopping experiences which leaves a lasting impression. Since then, Lugano has paved the way for how jewelry is crafted and worn across the world.

FOUNDATION

2004

Co-founder and CEO Moti Ferder put plans in motion to move to the United States and begin Lugano Diamonds, a premiere retail business for diamonds and jewelry.

FIRST SALON OPENS

2005

Lugano Diamonds officially opened their flagship Newport Beach Salon with the debut of the first retail space in Newport Center, a premiere shopping, dining and entertainment destination.

LOCAL SUPPORT

2006

Lugano’s philanthropic spirit emerges with the support of organizations that build a community and make an impact on important issues such as education, health, art, and community support.

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

2010

Lugano makes their initial visit to the world’s premier celebration of the automobile, the Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach, California, leading to explorations and brand partnerships with Aston Martin and Rolls Royce.

CAR OF THE YEAR

2011

Continuing in the automotive industry, Lugano engages in a long-standing partnership with the Robb Report and by becoming their presenting sponsor of their coveted Car of the Year event.

OUR MUSE

2012

Lugano discovers Dana Stuce, a young Latvian model that would grace the pages of regional, national, and global publications as our brand model for nearly a decade.

EQUESTRIAN INTEREST

2012

Due to Moti’s personal background in the equestrian arena, growing up with a horse ranch in Israel – and following his brothers show jumping career across Europe and the US, Lugano begins attending and sponsoring equestrian shows.

PHILANTHROPIC EXPANSION

2013

Lugano’s philanthropic efforts grow across the nation with support of organizations such as the Lupus Foundation, the Laguna Playhouse, and CASA of Orange County.

THE EQUESTRIAN ARENA

2013

A seasonal Lugano salon makes its debut at the Winter Equestrian Festival where Lugano becomes an official sponsor.

SEASONAL SALON OPENS

2013

A pop-up seasonal Lugano salon makes its debut at the Winter Equestrian Festival where Lugano becomes an official sponsor.

MISSIONS CONTINUE

2014

Partnerships progress across the Lugano business with Providence Health, Mission Hospital, and Aspen major sponsorship.

A DECADE OF EXCELLENCE

2015

Lugano celebrates its 10-year business anniversary and service to the community.

THE BIG APPLE

2015

Lugano’s involvement in the equestrian space continues to grow in partnership with the Central Park Horse Show, a multi-day sporting event in New York City, New York.

SUPPORTING ASPEN

2016

Upon the debut of the salon in Aspen, Colorado, Lugano partners with local organizations such as The Aspen Institute, The Buddy Program, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, Anderson Ranch Arts Center, and Aspen Art Museum.

NATIONWIDE EXPANSION

2016

Co-founders Moti and Idit expand Lugano across the U.S. with the grand opening of the Aspen salon.

PALM BEACH

2017

Lugano creates roots in Palm Beach, Florida, with the debut of their new salon, leading to partnerships with the Palm Beach Police and Fire Foundation, The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, The Palm Beach Symphony, and the Norton Museum of Art.

EQUESTRIAN EVENTS

2017

Lugano forges long-standing relationships with the Split Rock Jumping Tour, a renowned equestrian jumping event, with seasonal events throughout the country.

PUBLICATION PARTNERSHIPS

2017

A partnership between Lugano and Town & Country Magazine is formed, showcasing the Lugano brand and its remarkable pieces of jewelry.

HONORABLE CELEBRATIONS

2018

Founder Moti Ferder is recognized by the Segerstrom Center for the Arts at the Leadership Business Awards Dinner for his work in the business and local Orange County community.

INTERNATIONAL EXPLORATION

2019

The Lugano team travels the world for various art and equestrian opportunities in places like Monaco and Abu Dhabi.

SOCIAL IMPACT

2020

In honor of the 10-year anniversary of Wells of Life, Lugano hosts an intimate dinner reception and announces the sponsorship of a fresh water well in Uganda, bringing clean drinking water to the village.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

2021

Compass Diversified (CODI) publicly partners with Lugano Diamonds to fuel the expansion and become the next major jewelry brand.


ART & CULTURE

2021

Lugano Diamonds donates to the Orange County Museum of Art, ensuring free museum admission for all visitors for the next decade.

OCALA DEBUT

2021

After a decade of attending equestrian shows and exploring partnerships, Lugano becomes a founding partner of the renowned World Equestrian Center and opens their 4th salon in The Equestrian hotel, located in Ocala, Florida.

NEW YORK EMPIRE

2022

Lugano becomes the presenting sponsor of the 2022 New York Empire, a world-class equestrian team led and owned by Georgina Bloomberg, Lugano’s first brand ambassador.

HOUSTON DEBUT

2022

Perfectly situated within the prestigious St. Regis Houston, our newest salon provides clients with a luxurious experience in the city’s River Oaks neighborhood.

A NEW HOME ON THE COAST

2022

After years in its original Newport Beach location, the Flagship Salon was relocated to Fashion Island Newport Beach, Orange County’s premier coastal shopping destination.

WASHINGTON, D.C. DEBUT

2023

Lugano expands into Washington, D.C. with the debut of their salon in Georgetown on Pennsylvania Avenue adjacent to the Four Seasons hotel.

GREENWICH DEBUT

2023

Situated within a historic building originating from 1916, the Lugano Diamonds Greenwich salon finds its place at the core of Greenwich, Connecticut. The convergence of contemporary and classic elements finds harmony along Greenwich Avenue, which stands as the central hub of the local community.

A NEW HOME ON WORTH AVENUE

2023

After years in its original Palm Beach location, the salon was relocated to a new home on Worth Avenue. Eager to deepen our connections and further contribute to the vibrant tapestry of Palm Beach.

LOOKING BEYOND

The Future

As Lugano enters its 18th year in business, the company aims to explore many more remarkable opportunities in the years ahead.