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.