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

Armenian Jewellers Foundation to Award 50 New Scholarships Globally in 2016

Published : Monday, February 1, 2016
Back to News Section
The Armenian Jewellers Foundation (AJF) has announced it will grant 50 new scholarships in 2016. The AJF scholarships program promotes new capacity in the jewellery and diamond sector both in Armenia and the Diaspora. Graduates are expected to gain solid knowledge in gemstones, including diamonds, helping them embark on new careers in the jewellery sector. 

In Armenia, applicants are called to apply for study in the full-time intensive Diamond Grading program at the Armenian Gemological Laboratory and Academy (AGLA). Applicants from the following communities will be considered: residents of Artsakh and Armenian provinces, Syrian Armenians, Diasporans. More information and forms may be requested in writing AJF or info@gemology.am. 

In Canada, the AJF program exclusively supports Syrian Armenian refugees. Among the tens of thousands of Syrian Armenian expatriates who relocated to Armenia and elsewhere, a significant number chose to apply for residency in Canada. Therefore, newcomers from this community in Canada who wish to study gemology at the École de gemmologie de Montréal (EGM) may apply for AJF grants. More information and forms may be obtained in writing from AJF or info@egmtl.com. 

On January 28, 2016, a group of 13 new Syrian Armenian refugees already began their studies at EGM. They were chosen from close to 43 applicants who attended AJF's information sessions. The previous class of expatriates who completed their Gemology 1 and Diamond Grading laboratory courses were invited on January 27 to EGM to receive their 'Attestation' certificates. Of the latter, 7 graduates were selected to continue their studies in Gemology 2. "We are extremely lucky to have this opportunity to learn at such a reputable Canadian institution, which is giving us top knowledge and expertise. I am confident this will help all of us integrate and improve our employment prospects. Thanks to AJF I was recently offered a new job and re-launched my career as a jeweller in Canada," said student Viken Apkarian. 

"We wholeheartedly thank our AJF Scholarship Fund sponsors for supporting our educational mission, as well as refugee integration efforts. We look forward to partnering with new patrons, and promoting more young talents in becoming the next generation of industry leaders," said AJF Chairman Pierre Akkelian. "Our sponsors' generosity has allowed AJF to grant 45 scholarships to-date to students from Armenia, Artsakh, Syria, Iraq, Georgia and Lebanon. Namely, we recognize the Birks Family Foundation, Canadian Jewellers Association, Jewelers Mutual Insurance, École de gemmologie de Montréal, Invessa Financial & Insurance company, Melisende Diamonds, AJA Ontario, AJA Montreal, as well as Pierre Hajjar, Lucy Kilisian, Alfred Boghossian, Apkar Papazian, Habib Malo, Levon Yappar, Vahe Urun, Diran Avedian, Harout Missirian and Sylvia Minassian."

The Armenian Jewellers Foundation was established in 2013 to advance the heritage of Armenians in jewellery. Its mission is to undertake historical research, document new success-stories and ensure the transfer of knowledge to the younger generation. AJF calls on its patrons and supporters, as well as the wider community to help provide young Armenians with new opportunities for a better future through quality education and training. Make an impact today by becoming a sponsor, donate via our website by credit card or contact us for more information at info@ajf.foundation.
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