About
We are custom jewellery makers and master appraisers based in Montreal. We sell antique furniture, antiquities, paintings, sculptures, silver, carpets, chandeliers, crystal, porcelain, jewellery, clocks, and watches. We also provide complete professional estate and content sale services.
Our Story
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 the fine art of jewellery-making by his father. 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.
Also in 1978, 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.
Paradis,
Pâte de verre sculpture
Pierre Toulhoat, 1972
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.
Lapidarius, Le Viaduc, Place Bonaventure, Montreal circa 1973
After the passing of his father in 1971, Maged followed the tradition he had established by opening Lapidarius jewellery and antiques in Le Viaduc of Place Bonaventure. 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.
The glass sculpture on the right is one of the limited edition pieces that was part of the Daum collection available at the Lapidarius Hyatt Regency store, where a beautiful exhibition by the Daum Museum was also held for the official opening in May 1978.
In 1984, to further expand the antiques side of the business, Lapidarius relocated to Crescent Street, then one of the most exclusive streets in Montreal.
Maternité
Salvador Dali
In 1990 Lapidarius moved to its present premises on Greene Avenue in Westmount, the location of choice for antiques in the Montreal area.
Through the years, Maged Taraboulsy has 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.
Lapidarius jewellery and antiques remains a highly respected institution today as it has been since 1919.
Letter from Jacques Daum commenting on the Lapidarius exhibition of the Daum Pâte de Verre collection
Jacques Daum signing Le Livre d'Or of Montreal city in the presence of Maire Jean Drapeau, Yolande Beaulieu, Maged and Anaïd Taraboulsy.
WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – August 18, 2020
Lapidarius to close – and continue
There’s no more alluring “Aladdin’s cave” full of treasures than Greene Ave.’s Lapidarius. The shop showcases Japanese prints, Lalique glass, a bronze of Napoleon, iridescent glass, royal pieces (William IV and George III), and much, much more. The decorative Victorian silver trays would make Martha Stewart weep: they are perfect for holding a pizza or flutes of champagne. Sadly, the amazing collectibles are now offered up in Lapidarius’ “estate sale.” Art and antiques connoisseur and owner
Maged Taraboulsy has been in “the business of beautiful things” all his life. The family has managed Lapidarius’ outstanding collections for over 100 years, from Alexandria, Egypt, to Place Bonaventure and then Crescent St. (1984-1990). For the past 30 years, renowned for quality and price, the Greene Ave. store has been a destination for collectors, designers, celebrities and fashionistas. A stylishly dressed lady was eagerly eyeing the antique Hermès valise and the vintage Louis Vuitton weekend totes the day I visited.
And work by Canadian artists Stanley Cosgrove and John Little lured a group of admiring aficionados. Here, one must truly wander to discover. Carefully, though: the boutique is packed. Amidst the jade, the ivory miniatures, gleaming Thisle glasses (“designed for Napoleon”), one can discern buys ranging from African tribal masks to “gentlyused Oyster Rolex watches.” There is even a Renoir-signed bronze plaque. “Possibly the only Renoir for sale in Canada,” Maged chuckles. He can recall the halcyon days when his shop was asked by clients to hand deliver 300 holiday gifts: “Dunhill gold lighters!” But, as the song goes, “times they are achangin’.” Perhaps stainless steel cutlery is easy to clean, but Lapidarius’ heavyweight silver dinnerware is so much nicer to handle, not to mention eternally elegant. But Maged is not disappearing. A train - ed jeweler, for the past few years he has been not only re-modeling/updating rings and necklaces but designing one-of-a-kind gorgeous pieces, “using rubies, emeralds, diamonds and sapphires.” His plan is “to downsize Lapidarius Jewellery and Antiques into Lapidarius Jewellery and occupy a smaller space within the same premises.” I, for one, will miss browsing in his “petit musée,” but change can be a good thing. “Everything has its time.” Lapidarius – 514.705.4730 Liquidation sale Tuesday – Saturday 11 am – 4 pm (or call for appointment) 1312 Greene Ave.
Infos, News et Actualités
Blowing out the candles on my 75th birthday has brought about much reflection… it is with pride, joy and - let’s face it - a little bit of fear that after 102 years in this business, I’ve decided that it’s time to hang up my loupe.
The next chapter of my life will be spent visiting my kids, revisiting my beloved Egyptian homeland (the newly built Museum of Cairo has to be seen!) and exploring new worlds. The safari continues!
Given this epiphany, we’re launching the “Help us Retire Sale”. Come in, browse, choose a piece - or better, pieces - and help us close out our inventory. It has been the joy of a lifetime to serve our antique-loving community. 2021 will be our final year on Greene Avenue. Inch’Allah!