“My parents were from Urfa, and I was born in Aleppo. We emigrated to Lebanon and have been living in Italy for the past 30 years. I have been running this company with my son and daughter for the past 42 years. We prepare golden and diamond jewels and sell them around the world. We have already organized three exhibitions in Italy, and we also take part in the reputable exhibitions held in Bazel and Hong Kong. This year we are showcasing our products in Armenia.

I would like to see Armenia become an important center for world jewelry. Today there are 40 participants, but I wish to see 400, 1000 participants next time and not only Armenian, but foreign jewelers as well. For instance, 30 years ago, 80 people and I started organizing exhibitions in Italy and now there are thousands of participants.

I can’t say what traditions there are in Armenia since I live abroad, but for example, Armenian jewelers were very acknowledged in Istanbul. I know that all jewelers were Armenian in Aleppo years ago,” says Grigor Istambuli.

Vache, who knew what he wanted to become at an early age, continued:

“We wanted to collaborate with the AJA since Armenian jewelers have quite a lot of potential in the world. I wish to see Armenia become stronger so that buyers come from abroad and purchase Armenian products.

This exhibition has brought together Armenians from different parts of the world and each of them has brought his style. Italian jewels are pure, French jewels are clean and elegant, and one notices the air of millenia as he looks at Armenian jewels. Armenians have always been involved in jewelry. Unfortunately, the world doesn’t know that. Armenia has only been independent for 20 years and it still has room to grow and become stronger, especially since there is great potential for development. Armenia can take advantage of the new markets in Russia and Eastern European countries. It is very important for Armenia to turn into a free economic zone for the development of jewelry. Countries that have a free economic zone develop very quickly and have great invesments made in the country, even by Armenian businessmen.

This is the first step, and we hope that this exhibition will go on to become an international show. Our family lives and works in Italy and we showcase our work in different countries, but everyone knows us as Armenian jewelers living in Italy. We always feel Armenian, and we express the air and spirit of Armenians in our work.”

Lusine Abrahamyan