AJF & THE ARMENIAN GEMOLOGICAL ACADEMY & LABORATORY ESTABLISH A SCHOLARSHIP FOR DIAMOND GRADING CERTIFICATE STUDENTS
AJF launched its pilot scholarships program this fall thanks to an agreement signed with the Armenian Gemological Laboratory and Academy (AGLA) to fund gemological training for young Armenian students. The following five students representing various communitites were selected:
1) Alexan Kaplanian, an expatriate from Syria
2) Andranik Chilingaryan, a Tavush border village resident
3) Emma Muradian, an expatriate from Iraq
4) Hovhannes Shatvoryan, a Gyumri resident
5) Garabet Mazloumian, a Diasporan repatriate
AJF’s scholarship students have completed their intensive theoretical course, as well as their practical hands-on grading training. They will become certified Diamond Grading Experts in Decemebr 2014.
The following co-sponsored the AJF pilot scholarships program in 2014:
Canadian Jewellers Association Armenian Jewellers Association Montreal Armenian Jewellers Association Ontario Invessa Financial Services AJF Chairman |
Mr. Pierre Akkelian, member of the Patrons Club Ms. Taline Avakian, and AJF Strategic Development Director Hratch Kaspar visited the students in October 2014 to get acquainted with them and observe their training. To complement the learning curriculum, also, renowned art historian and Emeritus Professor Dr. Dickran Kouymjian of Fresno Sate University, accompanied by the Armenian National Institute’s Dr. Rouben Adalian were invited to AGLA speak about historical Armenian jewellery artifacts.
“We are very pleased to launch our scholarship program available to Armenian candidates living both in the homeland and the Diaspora,” says the AJF Trustee in charge of scholarships Aram Shishmanian. “Parallel to our research of the past, we are looking into ways to promote the next generation of internationally renown Armenian jewellery designers, gemologists and jewellery crafters.”
“I have known Artur Zanginyan, GIA Graduate Gemologist, for many years, and have admired his dedication to the field of gemology,” said former Gemological Institute of America President and AJF Trustee Bill Boyajian. “Artur established the ZANG laboratory in Yerevan in 1997, and launched his academic program in 2001 through the AGLA. He is the ideal person to partner with AJF in providing scholarships to deserving Armenian students.”
With further support from patrons, AJF’s scholarship program will continue and expand in 2015. Ten new students will be selected and sponsored at AGLA. Opportunities at leading international design and gemological schools will also be explored.
SCHOALRSHIPS PROGRAM 2015
AJF TO AWARD EDUCATIONAL GRANTS IN DIAMOND GRADING
Geneva, February 2015--The Armenian Jewellers Foundation (AJF) will award scholarships to five students seeking qualification in Diamond Grading.
AJF will support applicants enrolled in the full-time intensive certificate program offered by the Armenian Gemological Laboratory and Academy (AGLA) beginning in March 2015. The study curriculum covers all aspects of diamond studies and begins in March 2015. Graduates will become certified experts in diamond grading and have the opportunity to pursue a career in the jewellery sector.
Applicants must be Armenian and show a strong allegiance to traditions, customs and legacies. A recommendation letter is required along with a signed application form and other documents. Interested candidates should secure admission in the AGLA program prior to applying to AJF.
Completed applications must be received by February 20, 2015. Application forms and requirements are available online and may also be requested in writing through AJF. Priority will be given to deserving applicants from the following communities:
- Syriahay expatriates
- Provinces
- Yerevan
- Artsakh
- Diaspora
Teaching and course materials are in the Armenian language. Therefore proficiency in Armenian is a key requirement for all applicants. Preferably, applicants should also have a strong knowledge or background in physics.
The main curriculum highlights are:
1) Nature of diamonds and unwritten laws of diamantaires 2) Physics of diamonds 3) Physical characteristics of diamonds 4) Crystallographic symmetry of diamonds 5) Optics of diamonds 6) Color of diamonds and their appearance 7) Diamond synthesis (HPHT, CVD) 8) Diamond formation and mining 9) Technological mineralogy/classification of raw diamond 10) Diamond grading (theory and practice) 11) Artificial and enhanced brilliants |
AJF’s pilot scholarships program debuted at AGLA in 2014.Upon his graduation, Syriahay expatiate Alexan Kaplanian spoke to the local media about his experience: “We learned the whole science behind precious stones. The program especially dealt with the physical, geological and even philosophical aspects of diamonds. We are now able to easily differentiate between natural diamonds and diamond imitations.”
Emma Muradian, an Iraqahay graduate, said: “We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of an industry that celebrates some of the happiest moments in peoples’ lives.”
AJF is proud to announce that during VicenzaOro 2015, AJA members decided to collectively sponsor one student this year at AGLA. The Foundation is grateful to the contributors and especially AJA founding member Krikor Istanboulli for hosting the event.
The Armenian Jewellers Foundation was established 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 a new generation of industry leaders. The scholarship program promotes new capacity in the jewellery and diamond manufacturing sector both in Armenia and the Diaspora.
For more information on the scholarship program, please contact info@ajafoundation.org or info@gemology.am.