Ani Khachian elected first female president of AJA East Coast
NEW YORK — Aug. 4, 2026 — The Armenian Jewelers Association USA – East Coast (AJA East Coast) proudly announces the election of its 2026–27 board of directors, with award-winning jewelry designer, GIA-credentialed professional and industry advocate Ani Khachian elected as president-elect.
Khachian’s election marks a historic milestone as the first woman elected president-elect in the association’s history since its founding in 1999. Her election reflects both the continued evolution of AJA East Coast and the growing role of women in leadership throughout the global jewelry industry.
Building on the momentum of AJA East Coast’s recent 25th anniversary celebration, Khachian brings decades of jewelry industry experience, formal gemological education, entrepreneurial leadership and a commitment to mentorship, responsible sourcing and professional development. Her election positions the Association for continued growth while expanding opportunities for current and future generations of jewelry professionals.
Founded on Sept. 22, 1999, at the historic Diamond Dealers Club of New York, AJA East Coast unites Armenian jewelry professionals through networking, education, mentorship, charitable initiatives and strategic partnerships. Today, the organization represents manufacturers, designers, retailers, wholesalers, gemstone professionals and service providers committed to advancing professional excellence while preserving and celebrating Armenian jewelry craftsmanship.
“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 elevating Armenian excellence throughout the global jewelry industry.”
Ardem Aslanian, immediate past president and newly elected treasurer of AJA East Coast, welcomed the leadership transition.
“It has been a privilege to serve as president of AJA East Coast and to work alongside so many dedicated members throughout my term,” said Aslanian. “I congratulate Ani on her election as president-elect and look forward to everything she will bring to our organization. I am confident AJA East Coast will continue to thrive under her leadership.”
Khachian is the founder and creative director of Ani Fine Jewelry, a women-owned fine jewelry design firm specializing in bespoke jewelry and heirloom creations. A third-generation jewelry professional, she has served AJA East Coast in leadership roles since 2016 and currently serves on the board of directors of the Jewelry Design Professionals Network (JDPN).
She is the recipient of the Women’s Jewelry Association Cindy Edelstein Jewelry Design Scholarship and holds the Accredited Jewelry Professional (AJP), Graduate Diamonds and Graduate Pearls credentials from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Continuing her commitment to technical excellence and lifelong learning, she will attend GIA’s Jewelry Design & Technology program, further advancing her expertise in jewelry design, engineering, manufacturing, CAD/CAM technologies and production innovation.
Throughout her career, Khachian has championed the belief that jewelry is more than adornment — it 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 fostering greater collaboration across the global jewelry community.
The newly elected board of directors 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 United States, Armenia and the global Armenian Diaspora.
