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

NEW AJF SCHOLARSHIPS FOR SYRIAN ARMENIANS DEBUTS IN MONTREAL

Published : Monday, September 14, 2015
Back to News Section

On September 9, 2015, a group of 11 Syrian-Armenian expatriates began their studies at the École de gemmologie de Montréal (EGM), one of the prime jewellery sector academies in North America. All participants received study grants thanks to a private initiative headed by AJF in Canada.

As stated in the EGM course manual, “this introductory course is intended mainly for jewellers and is designed to help students discover gems. It covers topics such as the formation of crystals, mining and gems cutting and distribution. The curriculum enables students to understand the basis for identification of gemstones, i.e. how to recognize natural and imitation stones.” Successful graduates are expected to gain solid knowledge of this area, which will accelerate their integration as new immigrants.

This initiative was designed and managed by AJF with support from Montreal’s Armenian community organizations. Funding was provided by the Birks Family Foundation (BFF) for 10 students and by EGM for one student. During the first day of class, a small welcoming ceremony was held for the students.

“We are very pleased to provide you with the opportunity to learn at this prestigious school and improve your chances for quick integration into the Montreal economy. Syrians of Armenian origin have always been known as expert jewellers, which is why this is an optimal combination. We are grateful to the Birks Family Foundation and many volunteers who committed to make this project a reality for you,” said AJF Board of Trustees Chairman Mr. Pierre Akkelian at the debut of the class today. He was accompanied by the EGM Founder Ms. Odile Civitello, EGM Director Ms. Valerie Bombardier and AJF Director for Strategic Planning Mr. Hratch Kaspar.

On August 21, AJF participated in a Syriahay gathering in the community to explain the program. On August 28, AJF in collaboration with AGBU Montreal organized an information session for interested applicants. Overall, out of 30 applicants who arrived to Canada in recent months, the following were selected according to criteria developed by organizers: Diran Aharonian, Viken Apkarian, Haig Attachian, Rita Attachian, Knar Hamalian, Garabet Hassekian, Kevork Hassekian, Lilit Kandilian, Isken Karamanlian, Nerses Khachoyan, Tsolig Moughalian.

Thousands of Syrian Armenians fled the war and destruction in their country by seeking refuge elsewhere. Many families resettled in Canada thanks to support from community groups such as Hay Doun (see recent story in The Gazette). Montreal, is believed, to be a main destination and has already welcomed close to 1000 of them.

AJF has announced a second round of scholarships for Syrian Armenians in Canada for January 2016.

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