Articles and News

Armenian Jewellers Foundation At Yerevan Show 2013 

Yerevan, Armenia—The Yerevan Show 2013 was held at the Karen Demirchyan Sports & Opera Complex from October 28-30. Now in its third year, the show has been evolving into an effective international business platform, aimed at developing the jewelry industry in Armenia. Organized by the Armenian Jewellers Association (AJA), the Yerevan Show is traditionally held under the patronage of the president of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan. The president and first lady, Rita Sargsyan, attended the opening ceremony and toured the pavilions.

The AJA Foundation was among the 100-plus exhibitors at the show, displaying the special limited edition Franck Müller series of stainless steel and gold watches celebrating the Armenian alphabet. 

During the three-day event, AJF organized, in collaboration with AJA International, a press conference and a lottery fundraiser; the winner received one of the watches.

Armenia also is the only country in the world to celebrate National Jeweller's Day. On this occasion, the prime minister of Armenia, Tigran Sargsyan, welcomed show guests at an official reception, which was held at the Government Conference Hall.

He said, “The government has undertaken the jewellery industry in Armenia as a priority sector, and is providing the most favorable conditions for its development. In this regard, the establishment of the free economic zone will be a strong impetus for the development of the jewellery industry in our country."  

Top of page, left to right: Pierre Akkelian, AJF chairman; Armenian prime minister Tigran Sargsyan; Armenian Jewellers Association president Gagik Gevorkyan.

MJSA Appoints Four New Directors, Re-elects Officers

Attleboro Falls, MA—MJSA, the trade association for jewelry making and design, recently named four new directors to its board, each of whom will serve three-year terms:

• Ted Doudak, president, Riva Precision Manufacturing, Brooklyn, NY. 
• Paul Fuhrman, chief financial officer, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company, Neenah, WI.
• Stephen Kahler, senior vice president of global sales operations, Swarovski N.A., Cranston, RI.
• Thomas F. Kelly, president and CEO, Silpada Designs, Lenexa, KS.

The following officers were re-elected to one-year terms:

• Edward N. DeCristofaro (LDC Inc.), chair.
• Ann Arnold (Arnold Advisory Group LLC), vice chair.
• Darrell Warren (Stuller Inc.), vice chair.
• Stuart Lee (Sterling Inc.), secretary.
• Michael Toback (Myron Toback Inc.), treasurer.
• Richard V. Powers (RPP Consulting LLC), officer-at-large.