AJA Quarterly Newsletter – June 2025
Armenian Jewellers Association
About AJA
The Armenian Jewellers Association (AJA) is the first international professional trade organization uniting Armenian jewellers and industry professionals worldwide. Founded in 1997, AJA promotes excellence in craftsmanship, fosters community among Armenian jewellers across the globe, and supports the growth of Armenia’s jewellery industry. With a global network of board members and partners, AJA provides a platform for visibility, collaboration, and opportunity.
In This Edition
As AJA continues to grow its impact in 2025, this quarter has been marked by international recognition, community connection, and long-term vision. In this issue, we reflect on key moments — from global exhibitions to new partnerships — and remember those who helped shape our journey.
- AJA at GemGenève 2025
- Visit to Franck Muller Watchland
- AJA Mix & Mingle in Las Vegas
- TUMO Partnership – Call for Experts
- Welcoming New Corporate Members
- West Coast Chapter Launch – Community Invitation
- In Memoriam – Avedis Akelian & Nazareth Sabounjian
AJA at GemGenève 2025
The Armenian Jewellers Association proudly returned to GemGenève 2025, one of the global jewelry industry’s most renowned international showcases. Held annually in Geneva, this prestigious event celebrates fine craftsmanship, design innovation, and cultural heritage.
This year, AJA’s presence was centered around five remarkable designers — winners of the AJA Design Competition 2024–2025, selected through an intensive juried process. These individuals exemplify the creative and technical excellence that Armenian talent brings to the global stage.
The competition’s finalists were chosen for their exceptional creativity, technical ability, and presentation.Their work stood alongside some of the most celebrated names in the industry, positioning Armenian jewelry design in a powerful international spotlight.
Photo: AJA’s featured designers at GemGenève 2025 with GemGenève Co-Founder Rony Totah — Mike Saatji, Armen Shahinyan, Vladimir Manukyan, Karen Hovhannisyan, and Vasken Melikian.
Meet the Winning Designers and Their Signature Pieces
“Petali” Bangle
Based in Bangkok, Mike Saatji is recognized for sculptural elegance and conceptual precision. His Petali Bangle, crafted over seven months, blends 18K SMO gold, titanium, and diamonds in a design inspired by petals in motion — symbolizing transformation through strength and delicacy.
“Mermaid” Ear Accessory
Founder of UHI Jewelry in Yerevan, Armen challenges traditional forms with Mermaid — a titanium and pearl ear sculpture evoking oceanic mythology and avant-garde aesthetics. The piece expands the possibilities of wearable art.
“Geghard Inspired Bracelet”
Vladimir draws inspiration from Armenia’s sacred relics. This bracelet, referencing the Holy Lance of Geghard, transforms history into jewelry, fusing spiritual symbolism with contemporary goldsmithing.
“Ostrich” Ring
A pioneer of 3D modeling in Armenian jewelry, Karen’s Ostrich ring juxtaposes bold symbolism and intricate craftsmanship. Crafted in 14K gold with diamond and ruby accents, the piece redefines resilience through modern storytelling.
“Hookah” and “Bicycle”
With four decades of experience, Vasken channels personal passions into gold miniatures, including a Guinness-recognized bicycle with 40+ moving parts and a gem-set hookah. Both works celebrate creativity through mechanical artistry.
A Visit from the Armenian Ambassador
We were honored by the presence of Hasmik Tolmajian, the Armenian Ambassador to Switzerland. She joined us at GemGenève and spent time engaging with our designers and discovering their work. Her visit was a meaningful gesture of support for Armenia’s creative community on the international stage.
Photo: Ambassador Hasmik Tolmajian with GemGenève Co-Founders Rony Totah and Thomas Faerber, AJA President Ivette Nersesyan-Stephanopoulos, and AJA Board Member Philippe Atamian.
Jewellery Culture & Armenian Heritage: A Roundtable at GemGenève 2025
A major highlight of AJA’s participation in GemGenève 2025 was the public roundtable “Jewellery Culture and Armenian Heritage”, hosted as part of the official GemGenève Talks programme.
Moderated by gemmologist and journalist Marie Chabrol, the panel brought together:
- Vartkess Knadjian, CEO of Backes & Strauss and AJA Co-Founder
- Ivette Stepanopulos, President of the Armenian Jewellers Association
- Fanny Bousquet Balian, journalist, historian, and author
Together, they explored the rich history of Armenians in the global jewellery trade — from the 17th-century merchants of New Julfa to today's international networks. The conversation also touched on personal stories, diaspora identity, handmade craftsmanship, and future initiatives like the TUMO Studios Partnership, AJA’s educational efforts, and the role of heritage in shaping contemporary Armenian jewellery design.
Ivette Nersesyan-Stephanopoulos
Coming Soon: AJA on Voices of Jewelry
During GemGenève 2025, AJA President Ivette Nersesyan-Stephanopoulos joined renowned jewellery expert Anne Desmarest de Jotemps for an upcoming episode of Voices of Jewelry, the official GemGenève podcast series. Their engaging conversation highlights AJA’s mission to connect, support, and promote the global Armenian jewellery community.
The episode will be released via GemGenève’s Digital Platform. Stay tuned!
AJA in the Press
We’re proud to have AJA’s role at GemGenève 2025 highlighted in international media outlets, including:
📰 Forbes
📰 Art Media Agency (AMA) | Magazine available here
📰 Supercom Agency – GemGenève 2025, Part I
📰 Preziosa Magazine – Senza Confini
📰 Le Bijoutier International – Record Attendance at GemGenève 2025
With Gratitude to GemGenève
We were honored to return to GemGenève for the second consecutive year with a dedicated booth showcasing the exceptional talent of our Armenian designers. Throughout the event, we had the pleasure of welcoming GemGenève founders Rony Totah and Thomas Faerber, along with Nadège Totah and the entire GemGenève team, to our booth, where they spent time engaging with our designers and exploring their work.
We are deeply grateful for their continued support and generosity. Being offered the opportunity to participate as the sole complimentary booth this year was a meaningful gesture that speaks to their belief in AJA’s mission and the future of the Armenian jewellery community.
Moments from GemGenève 2025
Visit to Franck Muller Watchland
While in Geneva, the Armenian Jewellers Association was warmly welcomed to Franck Muller Watchland for a private visit — a day dedicated to craftsmanship, connection, and shared celebration.
Our delegation had the rare opportunity to tour the full manufacturing process behind Franck Muller’s iconic timepieces. From case-making and hand-finishing to the Tourbillon and Crazy Hours ateliers, the visit offered an intimate look at the precision and artistry that define Swiss watchmaking.
A highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of the AJA Lifetime Achievement Award to Mr. Vartan Sirmakes, CEO and Co-Founder of the Franck Muller Group and a founding member of AJA. This recognition honored his visionary leadership, his contributions to horology at the highest level, and his enduring commitment to empowering Armenian creatives worldwide.
The event was attended by the Franck Muller leadership team — including Nicholas Rudaz, Lori Sirmakes, and Vartan Sirmakes — alongside Her Excellency Hasmik Tolmajian, Armenian Ambassador to Switzerland, and members of the AJA community.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire Franck Muller team for their gracious hospitality and inspiring openness. This gathering was a powerful reminder of the excellence and values we share — and of the global connections that continue to shape AJA’s journey forward.
Moments from the Franck Muller Visit
AJA Mix & Mingle in Las Vegas
Following our presence at GemGenève, the Armenian Jewellers Association continued its international journey with the annual AJA Mix & Mingle in Las Vegas on June 8, 2025, held during the prestigious JCK Show — one of North America’s most prominent jewellery events.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Las Vegas, the evening brought together a dynamic cross-section of the global Armenian jewellery community, industry leaders, and long-standing partners. The atmosphere was one of genuine connection — a chance to exchange ideas, forge collaborations, and celebrate our shared heritage and future ambitions.
We warmly thank our generous sponsors, whose support made this gathering possible:
Their commitment to AJA’s mission continues to empower and uplift our work worldwide.
TUMO Partnership
A Call for Industry Experts
We are proud to announce a landmark educational partnership between the Armenian Jewellers Association (AJA) and TUMO Studios — Yerevan’s leading center for design and craftsmanship education.
This collaboration aims to empower the next generation of Armenian jewellery designers, makers, and creative entrepreneurs by connecting them with established professionals from around the world. Through curated workshops, training sessions, and mentorship opportunities, participants will gain access to specialized skills across design, gemology, production, branding, and business development.
We are now actively seeking experts to join us in this initiative.
Whether you're based in Armenia or abroad, you can contribute by leading in-person or online sessions, helping shape the future of Armenian jewelry through education and mentorship.
TUMO x AJA | Jewelry Expert Participation Form
Welcoming Our New Corporate Members
We are delighted to see our community continue to grow with the addition of exceptional companies from around the world. Each new member strengthens the Armenian Jewellers Association’s mission to connect, support, and elevate Armenian talent in the global jewelry industry. We warmly welcome the following new corporate members and look forward to the collaborations ahead.
Yessayan Jewelry
📍 Lebanon, Beirut
📍 Canada, Toronto | Ontario
📍 Canada, Toronto | Ontario
📍 USA, Burbank | California
📍 Belgium, Antwerp
📍 Thailand, Bangkok
West Coast Chapter Launch
As the Armenian Jewellers Association continues to grow, we are excited to announce the launch of our West Coast Chapter in the United States. While AJA has long supported members across North America, this will be our first official regional chapter on the West Coast — a meaningful step toward strengthening local connections and creating new opportunities.
This new chapter will serve as a hub for Armenian jewelry professionals based in California and surrounding states, offering regional networking, events, and support — all in close connection with AJA’s global network.
The initiative will be developed with the support of AJA Board Member Sona Tajiryan, who will play a key role in helping launch the chapter later this year.
If you're located on the West Coast and would like to be part of this chapter, please fill out the form below so we can keep you informed and involved. We look forward to connecting with you and shaping the future of Armenian jewelry together.
In Memoriam
In this issue, we pause to remember two individuals whose lives and legacies touched the Armenian jewellery community in profound ways.
Nazareth Sabounjian
A founding member of the Armenian Jewellers Association and a pillar of Lebanon’s jewellery industry, Nazareth Sabounjian was known for his wisdom, generosity, and commitment to excellence. He played a vital role in strengthening community ties and advancing Armenian craftsmanship.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and all who knew him.
May his memory be a blessing.
Asdvadz Hokin Lousavore.
Nazaret Sabounjian
Avedis Akelian
A respected figure in Ontario’s Armenian community and father-in-law of AJA Board Member Sergio Chamahyan, Avedis Akelian will be remembered for his integrity, kindness, and generous spirit. His quiet impact was deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Our sincere condolences to Lara, Nareg, Sergio, and their family.
May his memory be a blessing.
Asdvadz Hokin Lousavore.
Avedis Akelian
Thank You for Being Part of Our Journey
As the Armenian jewellery community continues to grow and thrive worldwide, we are deeply grateful for your support, engagement, and shared belief in our mission.
Each event, collaboration, and connection brings us closer to a united global network of Armenian jewellers, designers, and industry leaders — working together to celebrate craftsmanship, heritage, and innovation.
Whether you’ve joined us in person, followed from afar, or contributed in your own unique way, thank you for standing with AJA.
We look forward to sharing many more milestones, stories, and opportunities in the months ahead — and continuing this journey together.
With appreciation,
The Armenian Jewellers Association (AJA)
Interested in Becoming a Corporate Member?
Join a growing network of Armenian jewellery professionals and companies dedicated to advancing our shared craft and heritage.
Contact us today to learn more and get involved.
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