During the BaselWorld 2004 Watch and Jewelry Show, the Armenian Jewellers Association (AJA) held its annual meeting and dinner, attended by about 100 members and their guests. Guest speaker Pierre Gurdjian, director of McKinsey & Co, Brussels, introduced the “Armenia 2020” project, which focuses on identifying alternative development models for Armenia with a view to contributing to Armenia’s future economic development. Gurdjian commented specifically on the dynamics of marketing in the diamond and jewelry industry and outlining strategies for survival in a rapidly changing industry.

The annual AJA awards for 2004 honored Vartan Sirmakes, managing director and co-founder of Franck Muller, Geneva, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to the Swiss luxury watch industry; Vahe Isnar, Lily Jewelry Manufacturing, Toronto, who was recognized for his contribution to the development of the jewelry industry in the Republic of Armenia; and Melkon Hagopian, Hagopian Jewels, Beirut, who was named Designer of the Year in recognition of his creativity in jewelry design.

The board announced that it would hold its next meeting in Yerevan, Armenia, on Oct. 22, 2004, to coincide with a special one-day conference (scheduled for Oct. 23, 2004) on jewelry industry matters hosted by the government and organized by AJA. For more information, e-mail: milenaboghossian@hotmail.com