The Armenian Jewellers Foundation was officially launched in Geneva, Switzerland, on August 16, 2013. The founding trustees are:
Geneva, Switzerland
Advancing the Heritage of Armenians in Jewellery
Board of Trustees

Pierre Akkelian, Chairman
President and co-founder of Canadian Gem and Nishi Pearls, Pierre Akkelian is a well-known spokesperson and advocate of jewellery sector reforms in Canada. From 1996 to 1997, he served as the President of the Canadian Jewellers Association, where he held various portfolios for over 10 years. He also served as Canada’s representative to the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) and to the World Pearl Organization (WPO). In 1997, Mr. Akkelian became the founder of the Armenian Jewellers Association.
Vartkess Knadjian, Vice Chairman
Vartkes Knadjian is the President and CEO of Backes & Strauss, the oldest diamond company in the world founded in 1789. In 2006, under his direction, the company launched a collection of luxury diamond watches. From 2007to 2009, he has served as Vice President of the Belgian Association of Dealers, Importers and Exporters of Polished Diamonds (BGVD). Mr. Knadjian is the founder of the Armenian Jewellers Association (1997), and in 2009 he served as its president.
Bill Boyajian, Trustee
Mr. Boyajian’s 31-year tenure with the prestigious Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the last 20 years as its President, led to the Institute’s pre-eminent global position today. An internationally respected author, educator, speaker and business coach, he is currently founder and CEO of his own consulting firm, Bill Boyajian & Associates, Inc. Mr. Boyajian is a member of numerous industry and executive organizations, and is the author of the book, Developing the Mind of a Leader. He is a director of several industry and nonprofit boards.