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

AJF Launches Scholarship Program for Syrian Armenian Expatriates in Canada

Published : Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Back to News Section

Geneva, August 4, 2015 -- The Armenian Jewellers Foundation (AJF) in collaboration with the Birks Family Foundation has announced the launch of its new educational program in Canada to benefit the newly formed Syrian-Armenian expatriates’ community.

Thousands of Armenians fleeing war and destruction in Syria have sought refuge in Armenia and elsewhere including many families who chose Canada as their new home. Canada is leading in the resettlement of Syrian refugees in general. Montreal has welcomed over 1000 Syrian refugees of Armenian origin, and with more on the way, the number is expected to surpass 2000 in 2015.

AJF will support 10 applicants enrolled in the Gemology 1 fall session course at the École de gemmologie de Montréal (EGM), one of the prime jewellery sector academies in North America. The study curriculum covers key aspects of gemological science, including diamonds. Graduates are expected to gain a solid knowledge in gemology, which may be used to pursue further studies or embark on a new career in the jewellery sector.

Applicants must be recent Syrian-Armenian expatriates who are living in Canada as permanent residents. A recommendation letter is required along with a signed application. Selected candidates will be automatically enrolled in the EGM. An information session will be held for applicants the week of August 31 (TBA).

Completed applications must be received by September 3, 2015. Forms may be requested in writing from AJF. Teaching and course materials are in English or French, therefore, basic knowledge of either language is a key requirement.

“We are proud of our 10 bright scholarship graduates from diverse communities who successfully completed their Diamond Grading diploma program at the Armenian Gemological Laboratory and Academy in Yerevan. We are confident that this Canadian initiative will help facilitate our displaced Syrian compatriots’ integration into their new environment. We extend our gratitude to all our patrons, especially, to the Birks Family Foundation for its support of this initiative,” said AJF Board of Trustees Chairman Mr. Pierre Akkelian.

The Armenian Jewellers Foundation was established in 2013 to advance the heritage of Armenians in jewellery. AJF's mission is to undertake historical research, document present-day success-stories and ensure the transfer of knowledge to the new generation. The scholarship program promotes new capacity in the jewellery and diamond manufacturing sector both in Armenia and the Diaspora. This current effort is carried out in collaboration with Canadian Armenian community organizations.

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