The Armenian Jewelers Association’s East Coast chapter in the United States has named Ani Khachian as its president-elect, the first woman to hold this position in the chapter’s history. This milestone reflects the growing role of women in leadership throughout the global jewelry industry, according to the association.
Khachian brings decades of industry experience, entrepreneurial leadership, and a commitment to mentorship, responsible sourcing, and professional development to the role. She is the founder and creative director of Ani Fine Jewelry, a fine jewelry design firm specializing in bespoke jewelry and heirloom creations.
Khachian has served AJA East Coast in leadership roles since 2016 and is currently on the Jewelry Design Professionals Network board of directors. She is also the 2025 recipient of the Women’s Jewelry Association’s Cindy Edelstein Jewelry Design Scholarship.
She holds the Accredited Jewelry Professional, Graduate Diamonds, and Graduate Pearls credentials from the Gemological Institute of America and plans to attend GIA’s Jewelry Design & Technology program to advance her expertise in jewelry design, engineering, manufacturing, CAD/CAM technologies, and production innovation.
Throughout her career, Khachian has championed the belief that jewelry is a lasting expression of craftsmanship, culture, personal history, and human connection. As president-elect, she is committed to expanding educational opportunities, mentoring emerging professionals, strengthening ethical business practices, encouraging responsible sourcing, and promoting collaboration across the global jewelry community.
“It is an extraordinary honor to serve as the first female president-elect of AJA East Coast,” said Khachian. “For more than 25 years, our association has celebrated Armenian craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, and professional excellence. I am grateful for the confidence of our membership and look forward to working with our board to strengthen member engagement, expand educational opportunities, support emerging professionals, and continue to promote Armenian excellence throughout the global jewelry industry.”
Ardem Aslanian, immediate past president and newly elected treasurer of AJA East Coast, congratulated Khachian on her election, saying, “I am confident AJA East Coast will continue to thrive under her leadership.”
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The association also announced the election of its 2026–2027 board of directors, which includes Michael Givelekian and Arthur Guessian as co-vice presidents and Vahe Zartarian as secretary. The advisory board comprises Berge Abajian; Razmig Aslanian; Hagop Baghdadlian; Nadya Esenyan; Berc Gokberk; Talar Gokberk; Arthur Givelekian, CPA; Vano I. Haroutunian, Esq.; Levon Minassian; Ani Minnetyan; Arek Nisanyan; Arden Kartalyan; and Hrair Kazanjian.
The new board will focus on expanding educational programming, strengthening member engagement, mentoring emerging professionals, promoting Armenian jewelry craftsmanship, increasing strategic partnerships, and building meaningful connections among jewelry professionals throughout the U.S., Armenia, and the global Armenian Diaspora.
Founded in 1999, AJA East Coast represents Armenian jewelers and affiliated businesses throughout the eastern United States, supporting the continued success of Armenian-owned jewelry businesses and advancing the global Armenian jewelry industry through professional development, trade events, strategic partnerships, and community engagement.
As Khachian begins her term, she will work closely with the board to achieve these goals and promote the association’s mission. They will also explore new ways to support emerging professionals and encourage responsible sourcing in the industry.
With her experience and leadership, Khachian is well-positioned to lead the association and promote Armenian excellence in the global jewelry industry. The association’s members are confident in her ability to strengthen member engagement and expand educational opportunities.
The global jewelry industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and innovations emerging regularly. Gemstone identification is one area where technology has made a significant impact, allowing for more efficient and accurate identification of gemstones.
As the association looks to the future, it will continue to support the development of new technologies and innovations in the industry. They will also work to promote Armenian jewelry craftsmanship and increase strategic partnerships.
