Ani Khachian Becomes First Female AJA East Coast President-Elect

Ani Khachian, Founder and Creative Director of Ani Fine Jewelry, has been elected as the first female President-Elect of the Armenian Jewelers Association (AJA) East Coast for the 2026–2027 term. The appointment marks a historic milestone in the organisation's more than 25-year history and reflects the growing influence of women in leadership across the global jewellery industry.

Key Highlights:

• Ani Khachian becomes the first woman elected President-Elect of AJA East Coast
• The appointment coincides with the association's 25th anniversary celebrations
• Ani aims to advance education, ethical sourcing and industry mentorship

Founded in 1999 at the Diamond Dealers Club in New York, AJA East Coast has long served as a platform for Armenian jewellery professionals, bringing together manufacturers, designers, retailers, wholesalers, gemstone experts and service providers. Ani's election comes as the association celebrates its 25th anniversary, signalling a new chapter focused on innovation, collaboration and professional development.

A third-generation jewellery professional, Ani has built a distinguished career that combines craftsmanship, entrepreneurship and industry leadership. She founded Ani Fine Jewellery, a design studio specialising in bespoke jewellery and heirloom creations, earning recognition for preserving traditional artistry while embracing modern design techniques.

Ani has actively contributed to AJA East Coast since 2016 through various leadership roles and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Jewelry Design Professionals Network. Her longstanding involvement with the association has centred on strengthening member engagement, promoting education and encouraging collaboration among jewellery professionals.

Academically, Ani holds the Accredited Jewelry Professional, Graduate Diamonds and Graduate Pearls credentials from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). She also plans to pursue GIA's Jewellery Design & Technology programme to expand further her expertise in jewellery design, engineering, manufacturing, CAD/CAM technologies and production innovation.

Her contributions to the industry have also been recognised through the Women's Jewelry Association Cindy Edelstein Jewelry Design Scholarship, which she received in 2025. Throughout her career, she has advocated for jewellery as a timeless expression of craftsmanship, culture and personal heritage while encouraging innovation within the profession.

As President-Elect, Ani has outlined a vision centred on expanding educational opportunities, mentoring emerging jewellery professionals and strengthening ethical business practices. She also intends to promote responsible sourcing, encourage sustainable industry standards and foster greater collaboration across the international jewellery community.

Commenting on her appointment, Ani described the role as an extraordinary honour and expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in her by AJA East Coast members. She said she looks forward to working with the association's board to strengthen member engagement, support the next generation of professionals and continue promoting Armenian craftsmanship and excellence on the global stage.

Immediate Past President and newly elected Treasurer Ardem Aslanian congratulated Ani on her appointment, expressing confidence that the organisation would continue to grow under her leadership.