Geneva, Switzerland

Advancing the Heritage of Armenians in Jewellery

About Us
  • Board of Trustees

    The Armenian Jewellers Foundation was officially launched in Geneva, Switzerland, on August 16, 2013.

     

         
  • Mission

    The Armenian Jewellers Foundation is an exciting new effort that will explore the global heritage of jewellery, discover key jewellers and their contribution to the industry and provide funds to establish educational programs and scholarship programs for young emerging jewellers from all over the world.
  • Initiatives

    AJF plans to implement a number of initiatives in 2016 promoting Armenian jewellery heritage and providing scholarships to deserving young students.
  • Scholarship Program

    AJF launched its pilot scholarships program in 2014 thanks to an agreement signed with the Armenian Gemological Laboratory and Academy (AGLA) to fund gemological training for young Armenian students.
  • 100th Anniversary

    AJF sponsored and managed the publication, for the first time, of Miller’s collection catalogue and promote exhibits in 2015 and 2016. The inaugurating event was held on April 27, 2015 in St-Petersburg, with plans for further exhibits in Moscow, Yerevan, as well as in Europe and North America. 
Digital Library
  • Armenian Master Silversmiths by Osep Tokat

    AJF is proud to announce the launch of its Digital Library project dedicated to the history of Armenian jewellery art.
  • Armenian Master Silversmiths Book Review by Jack Ogden

    Tokat’s “profound fondness for silver” was prompted by what he calls “a handful of delicate Armenian artworks” that his parents had somehow managed to hold onto when they survived the Armenian genocide of 1915.

  • Treasures of Western Armenia

    Once in a lifetime, we come across an exceptional project; the publication and exhibition of the Treasures of Western Armenia is such an undertaking
Discover
  • Armenian Jewellery Heritage

    As we look back in time, there is a story to be told about every object, every road and every person. For the foundation, retracing the history of jewels and gems and the priceless objects on which they were adorned will allow us to look into a history that is rich with tales of love, loss and loyalty. 
  • History of Armenian Jewellery

    Since the dawn of civilization the art of jewellery making has been essential to man’s social development. Thousands of years ago communities would mine metals and then produce and trade jewellery of all types to the surrounding communities.
  • Today’s Prominent Jewellers

    Throughout history, jewellery masters have lived and worked in major city centers of the world, significantly contributing to the development of the global jewellery and gems industry. 
Study
  • AJF's Pilot Scholarship Program

    AJF launched its pilot scholarships program in 2014 thanks to an agreement signed with the Armenian Gemological Laboratory and Academy (AGLA) to fund gemological training for young Armenian students.A
  • Yearly Grants

    SCHOALRSHIPS PROGRAM 2015 
    AJF TO AWARD EDUCATIONAL GRANTS IN DIAMOND GRADING
Sponsor
  • Become a Friend

    Become a Friend of the Armenian Jewellers Foundation and gain the opportunity to receive updated information about our recent discoveries and have the opportunity to be involved in Foundation Activities and Events.

    Your involvement as a Friend to the Foundation will make a difference and will help create a community that will allow the Foundation to prosper.
  • Fundraising Initiatives

    Franck Muller Limited Edition Watches

    The Foundation’s first fundraising effort is made possible thanks to the generous support of Mr. Vartan Sirmakes, CEO of Franck Muller Geneva, who offered to manufacture a special limited series of Franck Muller watches celebrating the Armenian Alphabet. These watches will be given as a memento to the Foundation’s patrons whose contributions will provide start-up funds for education and research activities.
  • Current Patrons

    Become a Patron of the Armenian Jewellers Foundation and gain the opportunity to acquire unique gifts and get recognition for your contributions in all the Foundation’s publications.

    Your support as a Patron to the Foundation will make a difference and will shed light on a rich history and help educate the young jewellers of the future.
news

Board of Trustees

   The Armenian Jewellers Foundation was officially launched in Geneva, Switzerland, on August 16, 2013. The founding trustees are:

Pierre Akkelian

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

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

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.
Aram Shishmanian

Aram Shishmanian, Trustee

Mr. Aram Shishmanian serves as the CEO of the World Gold Council and is a member of the Board as well as the Board of World Gold Trust Services. Prior to 2009, he served as a Non-Executive Director of; Resolution plc, Victoria plc, a Swiss based asset-management company and as Non-Executive Chairman of a management consulting company. He was also an independent member of the International Executive of Hogan Lovells LLP, one of the leading global law firms.  His first career was with Accenture, a multinational management consulting firm, where he specialized in the financial markets industry. During his 27 years at Accenture Mr. Shishmanian held a number of leadership roles, including Global Managing Partner of the financial markets industry practice, before becoming a senior partner. He has served as a Trustee of Marie Curie Cancer Care, a member of the International Advisory Board of Cass Business School, the Dean’s Strategy Group and as a member of the Advisory Board of City University. He was an avid fund raiser for Aid Armenia during the aftermath of the 1988 earthquake.
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