By Samvel Avagyan

YEREVAN. – The Armenian Jewelers’ Association (AJA) will hold a large jewelry exhibition in the capital, Yerevan, on October 29-31. And, in this connection, Armenian News-NEWS.am spoke with AJA Chairman Artak Udumyan. Below is the condensed version of the interview.   

What is this exhibition’s economic significance?

AJA marks its fifteenth anniversary this year. We tried to hold a jewelry exhibition in Armenia for almost fourteen years, and this became possible only last year. It is the second one this year, and we hope to make it traditional. In the case when solely Armenian jewelers from a variety of countries participated last year, this year we also have invited foreign jewelers; even Turkish jewelers will come. Our objective is to turn Armenia into a center for jewelry. The World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) President Gaetano Cavalieri likewise will be on hand at this exhibition.    

And what are the conditions for participation by jewelers from Armenia? 

Unlike in the year past, participation will be on paid basis this year. One showcase will be leased for $1,000, two [will be] $1,500, [and] three [will be] $2,000. Any Armenian jeweler can take part in the exhibition. So far, we already have ten applications from Armenia.  

But why is AJA [head office] located abroad?

AJA is registered in Armenia, but its office was always located at the Association Chairman’s main place of business. To note, AJA is a public activity for the chairmen.  

How would you assess jewelry in Armenia?

Today our jewelers are concentrated in the [capital city Yerevan’s old] “public bath.” In Istanbul, however, the jewelers have a huge center. Close to 1,600 jewelers have created that enormous complex, and the Armenian jewelers even built a church there. [Also,] Armenia doesn’t encourage export, they don’t help conquer new markets, [and] they don’t encourage participation in exhibitions. A free economic zone could greatly stimulate jewelry in Armenia. The Ministry of Economy is assisting us [in this matter]; we just need to solve the building issue.

There is a view that it’s more appealing to conduct jewelry in China or India. [Is this true?]             

That is the case now. The salaries in China have risen. The salaries of Armenian and Chinese jewelers have equaled—approximately $500 [per month], [and] this creates preconditions for the jewelers to transfer their capital here from all over the world.