The Young Armenian Jewelers Association (YAJA) is looking to expand its numbers, and is starting with its neighbours north of the border.

Created earlier this year to help unite young Armenians in the jewellery industry, the association is working to shape the next generation by sharing ideas and networking through various initiatives and events.

“YAJA is here to show the newest generation of Armenian jewellers that coming into the jewellery industry is not only a privilege, it is also a fun industry to be in,” said YAJA president, Zaven Ghanimian of Simon G. Jewelry and Zeghani by Simon. “Working together will help us fill the shoes of the generation before us and stay informed about the industry.”

The group has already created a Facebook page and Twitter account, and a website is currently under construction.

The founding members are:

• brothers Zaven and Hratch Ghanimian of Simon G. Jewelry and Zeghani by Simon;
• Angie Karaguezian of Kirk Kara;
• Peter Meskian of Michael M;
• Barkev Fronjian of True Knots;
• Shant Keurjekian of Direct Source Gold & Diamond; and
• Arthur Hovanesian of Liberty Exchange.

Anyone interested in becoming a member is asked to contact YAJA via e-mail at zaven@simongjewelry.com.